Pocono News Section

Bakeries Busy for Easter Holiday

Bakeries Busy for Easter Holiday - Friday, April 2, 2010 at 04:07AM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Friday April 02 2010
As everyone knows, good food is a key ingredient to a great holiday weekend.

But nobody ever said you have to do all the work yourself.

We stopped by a bakery in Williamsport where they're more than willing to help you out.

There's nothing quite like the appearance and aroma of a good Italian dessert.

Executive pastry chef Francis Daniele explained, "Our staple items like our tiramisu cakes, cannoli cakes, cheese cakes, cannolis, they go great all year long, and (especially) this time of year."

But at Joanna's Italian Bakery, they go the extra mile to fix a spread you won't soon forget.

Chef Theresa Tagliaferri noted, "We offer quite a bit. We have homemade ravioli, lasagna, chicken parm, eggplant parm, homemade meatballs."

They'll even customize any order to their patrons' exact preferences.

After all, Joanna Daniele, the owner and self-described chief around here, has been doing this since 1958.

Joanna explained, "I left an 8 hour secretary job for a 12 hour baking job, but I love it."

It's a passion that's certainly not lost on the people who come in here.

Rose Naso, a long-time customer, said, "I've just known Joanna for years and she's always been such a good cook and a good baker. I come here every year for my Easter bread. She makes really good Easter bread. Well, everything she makes is good."

Some customers coming into the bakery say old family recipes have been forgotten.

Others say they simply don't have the time to prepare a traditional Italian holiday meal.

Francis Daniele explained, "We watched mom and grandma, but did we really remember and help and learn? So they want that tradition for their family and it's just easier for me to do it."

And clearly, word gets around.

Joanna's Italian Bakery has shipped its products as far as California.

The biggest challenge? Just being prepared to handle the inevitable last-minute holiday rush.

Tagliaferri added, "Just making sure you have all the orders kept up, you don't forget anybody. If you have a good system, you can pretty much go with it."

We're told you can call an order in ahead of time or just stop by at Joanna's Italian Bakery.

They'll be open until 2:00 Saturday afternoon.

The phone number is 570-322-6048.