Hannah’s welcomes new baker

KateLynn Slaamot
NLJ Correspondent
 
Pam Gualtieri’s bakery, Hannah’s Heavenly Treats in the Antlers, has been a popular spot for the people of Newcastle to grab homemade doughnuts for some time now. Gualtieri was the only baker until recently, when she welcomed a new baker to her team in the end of January.
According to Gualtieri, being the only baker was sometimes tiresome and challenging. Gualtieri wanted to hire another baker from the beginning, but she was just waiting for the “right person to come along,” she said. 
Sara Keeler crossed paths with Gualtieri by mere happenstance when she went to reserve a room at Arianna’s Bed and Breakfast in the Antlers. She began visiting with Gualtieri and told her about the bakery her mom used to own. Gualtieri said that Keeler’s experience in her mother’s bakery made her a perfect candidate for what she was looking for in a new baker. So, she asked Keeler to work with her. 
“We’re able to provide more for the community,” Gualtieri said. Adding another baker will allow Hannah’s Heavenly Treats to add more menu items and services. 
Although still in the stages of settling into a groove, Gualtieri hopes to add some breakfast items with Keeler’s experience in making bagels and breads. She’s hoping to offer a quick, lighter breakfast. 
“It’s always good to have a good bagel in the morning,” Gualtieri said. 
The benefits of having another baker is multifaceted, according to Gualtieri, and she has learned new techniques from Keeler. Gualtieri said that they learn from each other and that combination will result in an unstoppable force. 
Gualtieri also appreciates Keeler’s confidence in the kitchen and willingness to experiment and try new things. 
“She’s going to be a huge asset to Hannah’s Heavenly Treats,” said Gualtieri. 
Keeler has been baking for a long time and began baking bagels and breads when she was 13. 
Although Keeler’s involvement in her mother’s bakery started out as more of a job and a responsibility, she soon came to love the “art” of baking. She said she has also learned to treat baking as an art instead of a science, and she has learned the importance of going with the flow. 
“It’s taught me to embrace the changes that come and see the beauty in what they are,” Keeler said. 
Keeler has baked cakes for about 20 years. She worked her way through college making wedding cakes and cakes for other events. Cakes are one of the things that Keeler is now offering, and she will take custom orders of flavors and decorations for events and celebrations. She enjoys being a part of the joy in the lives of others in that way, Keeler said. 
“I want to be able to help people celebrate the stuff going on in their lives,” she said. 
Keeler also offers cupcakes and has them in the case for pickup, and she can accept custom orders for those as well. 
A stay-at-home mom for the past seven years, Keeler said that she is ecstatic to get back into baking more heavily and sharing her creations with the community. She said that she loves making someone’s day by giving them a special treat, and it lights up her day to make someone smile. Keeler is excited to get to know the community and serve them with baked goods. 
“I’m looking forward to getting to know everybody and making their cakes,” Keeler said.