A Triple-Threat Local Dessert Lineup . . .Cheesecake, Cookies & Candy, Oh My
By Laurie Reybroek
February is the month of LOVE, whether it be for a special someone, family members, children, friends, co-workers, or simply for some self- directed appreciation . . . there’s no more thoughtful gesture to show you care than with a sweet cheesecake-y surprise!
In January 2022, Biz X published a Cover Story on several scrumptious local bakeries. Now four years later, we sink our teeth into specific offerings such as cheesecake, pastries, cakes, candies, cookies, and chocolate, all found in the Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent regions.
However, the “big cheese” of this story — and the item in common for all businesses profiled — is cheesecake, a culinary item that is believed to have Greek origins.
Thousands of years ago, “plakous” was made from cheese, flour, and honey, often serving as a source of energy for Olympic athletes. The Romans adopted plakous and adapted it to “libum,” utilizing several
types of cheese and incorporating eggs and spices into the concoction. Libum was often served at celebrations and feasts.
As the cheesecake ancestor spread throughout Europe, sweeteners such as sugar — an expensive item at the time — were added to appeal to a broader range of tastes.
In the 19th century, European settlers brought their recipes and techniques to the United States. Years later, the New York-style cheesecake was born when Jewish immigrants began adding cream cheese into the mixture and serving it on top of a crushed graham cracker crust. Thus, the modern-day cheesecake came to be. Fast forward to 2026 and let’s begin the exploration on cheesecake creations in the area and the many more desserts tempting tastebuds along the way.
The entrepreneurs featured next represent only a limited number of the plentiful and diverse small businesses in the baking industry, but we also must mention that the yummy treats they sell are not the only things sweet! These business owners are the cream of the crop: amazing, industrious, and driven individuals.
So, put aside those carefully crafted New Year’s resolutions as we dig in fork-first to the decadent offerings in our community, but keep in mind the following . . .
WARNING: THIS “CHEESY” STORY MAY CAUSE INTENSE CRAVINGS!
Learn about six area businesses — Gluten Free Pantry; Just POP On In; Leamington Food Outlet Ltd.; Luke The Cheesecake Guy; Sweet Moments and Whiskingbabe — who will steal your heart and fulfill your sweet cravings in our Cover Story!
