Dear Friends,

Happy holidays from Tessa, the only creature at Texas French Bread who is relaxed these days!  It’s been a crazy whirlwind of activity around here.  I forgot to wrap the cranberry breads before I went home at 11pm last night, but they should be ok because we soak them in an orange juice and sugar solution.  The huge order of Buche de Noel that we do for a local doctor every year (and always plan to get done early) is way behind and on emergency schedule as usual.  How can we fit the apple tarts in the oven when the bread isn’t done yet, and what about the special order for a key lime pie that someone took even though we don’t make key lime pies this time of year?  And can I please have 5 inches of space on this work table so I can keep packing cookie tins???

As I tend to do at this time of year, I find myself wondering why I can’t celebrate Christmas like a normal person.  You know – the way y’all do it: rest, recuperation, contemplative reverence for the wonder of existence and quality time spent with friends and family.  Ok – just chalk it up to me not getting out much this time of year, but please try not to burst my bubble.  In my imagination, that’s how I imagine other people celebrate.  Bing Crosby and White Christmas playing on an old-timey turntable somewhere off in the distance as the firelight spreads a soft glow…

The truth is, over the years, I’ve really grown to love the intensity that defines the food business around holiday time, and I don’t think it would feel like the season without this work and this pace.  And while it’s certainly good for businesses to have a few weeks when we’re pushed to the limit, I think all of us in this field feel like this is the time of year when we are pressed into service to truly give everything we have in contribution to our community.  I believe I speak for everyone at TFB when I say that we are extremely grateful to all of you.  You give us the opportunity to do our very best work – and that is one of the best gifts anyone could hope for.

As we wrap up the season, there are a few things I want to point to:

HOLIDAY SUPPER CLUB ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23 6:30

5 festive & delicious courses // $35 per person + no corkage – see menu & reserve here or reserve by email.

GET 20% OFF WHEN YOU ADOPT TFB AS YOUR COMMUNITY SUPPORTED BAKERY/RESTAURANT

What could be simpler or more delicious than gift cards?–buy one for yourself too and save a bundle. Peruse & purchase gift cards here.

GET 10% OFF AVAILABLE BAKED GIFTS WHEN YOU JOIN US FOR DINNER

Enjoy a convivial and relaxing dinner & purchase bakery gifts for giving the next day!

JOIN US FOR NEW YEARS – PRIX FIXE MENU AND MUSIC BY KARA BLISS & AUSTIN HALLER

Ring in 2013 with 4 festive & delicious courses // $45 per person + no corkage fee.  See menu here & email us to make a reservation.