The Dancers Bun – Life is what you bake it
By Christopher Miller
February is a perfect month to be talking about all things sweet. With the days counting down to Valentines Day, now is the best time to be dreaming of sugar and chocolate.
“I was amazed at how bare ingredients could turn into something fantastic, ”said Claire Bischof, baker and owner of The Dancers Bun.
The name, The Dancers Bun, comes from Claire’s love of dance, which she has done since she was 3 years old. “I even dance as I bake,” Claire said, laughing. “I want to own a bakery to bring people together by sharing food with loved ones, like where I grew up being in the kitchen watching people cook and bake.”
Claire started thinking about her career opportunities and goals when she was 15. “My goals are pretty broad…I can see that life takes you places and I want a respectable life surrounded by friends and family and my bakery idea contributes to that goal,” Claire said.
For Claire, baking is not just enjoyable, but something that she grew up around and drew memories from. “Baking and cooking reminds me of really good times from the past and I love being able to share these old memories and make new ones today,” said Claire.
The scents of certain foods bring back memories of people and places. Bread baking on Thanksgiving morning, Grandma’s pies, and the prep work involved in making that one recipe that is only made once a year bring back a flood of memories…and inspiration.
“My parents are definitely my biggest inspiration,” Claire said. “They have been a load of help with starting the bakery and they own a small business as well, so I look up to them when I need help, they keep me motivated and I am extremely supported…I cannot thank them enough!”
So what does Claire bake? What are her specialties? “Oh the fan favorites are definitely the sticky buns, cakes, muffins, cake pops, breads, cookies, cocoa bombs, chocolate covered strawberries, cheesecakes…” the list went on, “as for others, I am willing to bake anything that comes my way, I’m certainly willing to try,” Claire explained.
Every baker has their niche, the thing they enjoy baking the most. But on the other hand, there are items that are a bit more challenging that they try to tackle with grace and a stiff upper lip.
“Oh the most challenging thing that I’ve ever baked are definitely Macaroons; they are tedious and take a great attention to detail…the meringue must be made to a specific consistency, that is important to bake to perfection, that and patience and time,” Claire explained. “Stickies and cheesecakes are a close second when it comes to challenging things to bake.”
Reading all of this makes the taste buds tremble for a taste of these delectable desserts. Where can you buy the baked goods locally? Look no further than the coffee shop Avenue 209 in Lock Haven. “I have treats available for sale at Avenue 209 and you can order through my Facebook page, email, or by calling me (details are at the end of the article)…I even have some pre-made items ready for pick up,” said Claire.
As for a physical location…it is in the future works for The Dancers Bun. “I would love to have a location, I dream of opening a spot in the future and I have my state food safety license all ready for when the time comes…I am ready to see what happens,” Claire said.
Claire’s words of advice for others when it comes to baking include not comparing yourself to others, be different, think outside of the box, let mistakes happen – we are only human, and to remember that even if a recipe is followed completely line by line, it will always turn out different because every bakers techniques are different.
If you have a craving for sweets then check out The Dancers Bun! Baked with love in every bite.
The Dancers Bun
570-786-9266
clairebischof04@icloud.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/thedancersbun
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thedancersbun/
