A Taste of HistoryDiscovery of the year - 1787 Just about this time in history... Two centuries ago, when the United States was putting together a government of the people, European aristocrats, in their gilded world, were flocking to the "pearl" of the international spas at Carlsbad and discovering a new pastry phenomenon The Original Carlsbad Oblaten. It quickly became the favorite treat of continental high society. The wafer's delicate crispness and subtle almond flavor proved to be a taste sensation in itself and a flavor complement to ice cream, fruit, coffee, tea, or milk. Its savor found favor as an elegant counterpoint to champagne, wine or liqueurs. The wafers themselves are a compliment to their birthplace. Each one bears a relief design of the famous Carlsbad geyser, discovered in 1349 by no less a personage than Roman Emperor and Bohemian (Czech) King, Charles IV. The town was named in his honor; Carlsbad translates to "Carl's Bath". From generation to generation... For 200 years The Original Carlsbad Oblaten recipe has been a jealously guarded secret, held closely by one family in each generation. The ingredients are all natural and all the same as when the Carlsbad Oblaten was first perfected. Two thin wafer rounds, exactly 17.5 centimeters across, fused and filled with a delicate confection of pounded almonds, unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and natural flavorings. No preservatives are used or needed. The original recipe and the specialized oblaten baking irons were brought to this country in 1948 by Frank and Josephine Ullmann after a harrowing escape to the West from Carlsbad, now the Czechoslovakian town of Karlovy Vary. Settled in St. Paul, Minnesota, the success of Mrs. Ullmann's Oblaten in garnering blue ribbons at the State Fair encouraged the couple to open an Oblaten bakery. They did, and the unique continental delicacy became as popular with the few Americans who knew about Oblaten as it had been with European aristocrats. The handmade wafers were often in short supply, especially during the holiday season. Nevertheless, word of the famous oblaten from Carlsbad was spread to ever widening circles of enthusiastic devotees. Besides, the festive wafers made especially welcome gifts. In 1973 the business, recipe, and irons were passed on to another family of oblaten enthusiasts: Marie Kennedy and her mother Dorothy Sisco. Later they were joined by three Kennedy granddaughters: Regine, Jolie, and Kerry. They continued to honor the historic tradition as meticulously as the Ullmanns and their predecessors. The tradition continues... In 2002, Tim Kraft and Ken Barron became the owners of Award Baking International. Their team efforts combined decades of food experience with a lifetime of business ventures focusing on customer service and market expansion. While Mr. Barron has moved on to other food service opportunites, Mr. Kraft has been building a team of food sales, marketing, nutrition, production, and customer service experts ever since. Award Baking continues to strive for excellence in all areas. Today, the most authentic oblaten in the world are proudly and faithfully made in America, specifically in New Germany Minnesota, a fitting location considering oblaten’s heritage. The Original Carlsbad Oblaten remains a dessert delicacy whose flavor is as singular and distinctive as its history. The legend, "ORIGINAL CARLSBAD OBLATEN" and the geyser design on every wafer are proof of authenticity. Every taste confirms that, even after 200 years, some things are very hard to improve upon. History of Biscotti Di RomaThe word biscotto is derived from bis (twice) and cotto (cooked). It originates, legend has it, in the region of Italy known as Tuscany, in a city called Prato, just 15 miles from Florence. A region where heritage and tradition run as deep as the Mediterranean, where a festive people possess the legendary Italian passion for life and where the crunchy, traditional dipping confection called biscotti has its roots. As its popularity spread throughout the regions of Italy, biscotti became associated with simple pleasures and joyous occasions. Once our master bakers discovered this Old World recipe, they finessed the taste and texture, creating the ultimate dipping cookie... Biscotti Di Roma. Baked once, sliced, then carefully baked again, our biscotti is made of the finest ingredients and natural flavors, with no added fats or preservatives. Enjoy Biscotti Di Roma anytime...A robust complement to morning coffee, satisfying with a late night cappuccino, a hearty addition to cold milk or hot cocoa, tantalizing with wines. Biscotti Di Roma, It's the ultimate dipping cookie! History of Kenny B's Biscottini click here Biscottini |