From Warren, With Love

For Karen Griffin, December is rugelah season. Though the baker behind Just Like Nana’s is busy crafting these traditional Jewish pastries (think mini crescent rolls filled with fruit and nuts) year-round, Griffin ramps up production for the winter holidays, when she offers platters containing four flavors – Raspberry Walnut, Apricot Walnut, Cinnamon, and Chocolate – complemented by a spread of seasonal cookies. 

“I knew that I couldn’t buy rugelah like the type I grew up with that my nana taught me to make,” says Griffin of her inspiration to start up her own baking business. “It just happened that Hope & Main, the state’s first food incubator company, was opening in Warren. The fact that I didn’t have to invest in my own kitchen equipment or rent my own space made the decision an easy one.” Now Griffin’s wholesome and authentic Eastern European rugelah can be found statewide, including Clements’ Marketplace in Portsmouth, McQuade’s Marketplace in Jamestown, Blount Clam Shack and Market in Warren, Coastal Roasters in Tiverton, and more.

While the rugelah platters are a popular choice for Hanukkah gatherings (or gifting to anyone with a sweet tooth!), Griffin also bakes a Christmas Cinnamon Wreath, perfect for “Secret Santa and White Elephant gift swaps,” she says. “The wreath is enough to share or to indulge in for several days with your favorite hot drink.” In addition to retail offerings, Just Like Nana’s takes holiday orders of rugelah, wreaths, and more by phone for pick-up in Pawtucket. 859-333-9096, JustLikeNanas.com  |