Cedar Run Bakery

This morning called for a warm beverage before work since it was the first real snowfall we have had at low elevation.  So, we stopped at Cedar Run Bakery in Keene.  I was happy to see that they had Hot Mulled Cider (my favorite).  I usually prefer this as an afternoon or evening drink, but I just couldn't pass it up.  

(sorry the picture is so blurry - I was a little excited)

Today was not a normal day for me, I was going to be helping Drew and his coworkers at the Mountaineer with annual inventory and it is known to be cold there.  It was absolutely necessary for me to have something warm in my hands to start the morning.  It was a slow morning at Cedar Run and we had to wait several minutes before Drew had to grab someone from the back so we could pay for our drinks.  

We finally got service and we were headed to work, just enough time for my cider to cool down enough that I could drink it without burning my tongue.  Unfortunately, it wasn't until taking my first sip that I noticed a strong coffee flavor to my mulled cider.  Either they didn't wash the urn from having coffee in it previously or Cedar Run adds coffee grinds to their mulling spices.  I was definitely disappointed.

I'm not trying to be mean spirited, I usually really like Cedar Run.  This summer we had a great breakfast with our bff's Amy and Chris when they were visiting.  I also can't say enough good things about the Carrot Cake (blog will come later). 

Turns out it was a Cedar Run day.  It was my friend Lori's birthday and she works at the Mountaineer.  She had requested Chocolate Chip Pumpkin muffins from Cedar Run for her birthday treat. When she told me she wanted muffins for her birthday and not a cake or cupcakes I was a little puzzled.  Apparently there was a mix up with the birthday order (they forgot to make them) and had to deliver them mid morning.  Problems aside, the chocolate chip pumpkin muffins made for a great birthday treat.

Lori had tried this muffin flavor last year and patiently waited for them to be in season again, just in time for her big day.  A box of muffins was requested and upon finally seeing them Lori noted, "This is the most beautiful box of muffins I have ever seen."

After trying one of these chocolate chip pumpkin muffins, it was love at first bite for me. We all felt that the amount of chocolate chips in each muffin exceeded our expectations.  

Chuck pointed out, "maybe because they screwed up this morning, they gave us an extra rich batch." When he took his first bite, he simply went, "Mmmmmmm....."  Jan said, "smells really good.  Amazing!"  As for Drew, he quietly devoured his muffin and silently went for another half.  

Never underestimate the power of a good muffin, it can erase ones mind from all the problems of the day.