Just south of La Crosse in the small town of Stoddard, there’s a bakery run out of the pastry chef’s house (and commercial grade kitchen) that makes some of the most beautiful, unique, detailed and delicious pastries you’ll ever see. The chef and owner, Jen Barney, is so good she just won the Food Network Holiday Baking Championship.
Jen is a Le Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef who's worked at such La Crosse icons as Waterfront Restaurant and Tavern. Now, she has her own bakery that's based out of her own commercial kitchen.
Jen created delicious, delectable dessert after dessert to wow the Food Network judges and take the top spot. It was a huge win for Jen and small-town bakeries everywhere.
Based on the attention she's received from the win, the Meringue website says Jen is booked through January, but she does have her Valentine's Day menu ready to peruse and pre-order.
It's difficult to imagine that a store isn't on the horizon for this awesome bakery and talented pastry chef. Jen makes stunning cakes for weddings and special occasions.
But the deliciousness doesn't stop there. It's well worth a trip to Bean Juice to sample Meringue's unique and delicious cupcakes and other treats. From fancy macarons to simple caramels, Jen does it all and she does it with seasonal ingredients and unique combinations.
But maybe the best thing about Jen (and Meringue) is that she's about as approachable as a pastry chef can get. Jen has posted numerous videos on her YouTube channel of everything from personal stories and thank yous to recipe tips, tricks and bake-alongs. It's clear that Jen doesn't think bakeries should be elitist or unapproachable. She's helping you conquer even the toughest recipes in your own kitchen.
Meringue is a stellar bakery with the kind of down-home, approachable owner you'd expect here in Wisconsin. She clearly bakes with love and attention to detail and that shines through in every bite. You might have to wait a bit before you can place an order, but we guarantee anything you get from Meringue will be well worth it.
