Eilenberger's is very special to our family - and lots of folks in Palestine. Mr. Eilenberger saved my mother-in-law's life when she was a little girl by giving away free bread during the Depression. Her daddy worked occasionally for Mr. Eilenberger. He was a house painter, but during World War II ALL paint went to the military, so he couldn't find work. Mr. Eilenberger, as a business owner, COULD get paint, and he would hire Beth's daddy from time to time. One day she was with her momma and brother going to meet her daddy after work and was so hungry that she fainted when they got to the bakery. She always laughs and says it was the smell of that wonderful bread that caused her to faint.The Eilenbergers gave free bread to lots of families - some of which are too proud to say they had to take it, and some, like John's momma, are proud to say they did. That's just giving credit where credit's due if you ask me.
Mr. Eilenberger was from Leipzig, Germany and opened their family-owned bakery in Palestine in 1898. (A German giving away bread in America during World War II. Now THAT'S cool!) It's the oldest bakery in the state of Texas still operating in its original location. The tradition in Germany was to hold back the very, very best fruits and nuts from harvest and include them in Christmas fruit cakes. When Mr. Eilenberger got to Texas he was able to best what was done in Germany by adding TEXAS pecans. They were bigger and "sweeter, milder, crisper, and more delicious" than German pecans - in fact, more than any pecans anywhere.
Eilenberger's website says: First, they’re scarce. Texas Pecan trees are so particular about soil and water, only 50% of the saplings survive transplanting. Then it takes up to ten years of careful cultivation before they begin to produce a harvestable crop.
They’re also good for you! Like many tree nuts, Texas Pecans can lower cholesterol. They’re high in vitamins, minerals and fiber, too.
They taste like no other Pecans you can buy. As legendary horticulturist Luther Burbank once declared to a Texas colleague: “your pecan is superior to our California walnut.”
Now I know why I have so much trouble getting new pecan trees to survive on our place!!
One of our favorite dessert recipes comes from Eilenberger's, we call it
Granny Beth's Cheese Squares (as in Philadelphia Cream Cheese)
Mix and press into the bottom of a 9 x 11 pan:
1 box yellow cake mix
1 egg
1 stick of butter
Blend and pour over that mixture:
1 8 oz. package of cream cheese
3 cups powdered sugar
2 eggs
Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes. Let cool completely. Gain 40 pounds.
Collin Street Bakery in Corsicana, about an hour west of Palestine, opened in 1896. They also feature fruit cakes. They make good use of those Texas pecans, too!
