I grew up near Pella and try to get to Jaarsma whenever I can. The pastry cases are piled high with traditional favorites you won't want to miss. The Dutch letters are my favorite. They come in only one letter, an "S." Flaky pastry surrounds a delicious almond paste filling. They're baked a very light brown and sprinkled with sugar. We recommend getting a dozen, because they keep well and can also be frozen. Other favorites are old-fashioned creme horns, with creamy filling guaranteed to end up everywhere and various coffee breads, dusted generously with sugar and almonds.
The staff is friendly and efficient, and an imposingly long line melts away quickly. Visitors should try to come during the annual Tulip Festival the first weekend in May. People dress in traditional Dutch costumes to welcome thousands from all over.
"A tray of apple bread loaves: We guess you could slice one with a knife, but we much prefer to tear a loaf into sweet, crumbling shreds."
Michael Stern
"Unless you call ahead of time, the only Dutch letter Jaarsma Bakery typically carries is the letter "S". The delicious looking chocolate and almond cookie above is called a goat's leg. (Photo and caption by buffetbuster.)"
Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle
"Jaarsma opened in 1899, and has been in this location on the town square in Pella since 1948."
Michael Stern
