Tom Rupp commentary: Baker's dozen is my favorite bakery

Only 11 days to go! Where did the time go? Where does it ever go? I dislike the question, "Are you ready for Christmas?" What does that mean? How is that possible? Every Christmas I reminisce about Otterbein's Bakery in Baltimore. Begun by German immigrants, Otterbeins opened a shop right by our rowhouse. Yes, they had donuts, eclairs and pies without comparison. But around Christmas, they also produced piles of wafer thin butter-laden sugar cookies. They even included a large tray of broken pieces that were free for the taking. I should know. The aroma every morning of freshly baked goodies flavors my fond memories. So strong is their connection that I still order a tin every December. This year's order is slated to arrive after this writing but before publication. Carol and I eat one every morning, like communion, savoring the memory slowly. Otterbeins is, or was, my favorite bakery. Was, because now they only operate in local grocery shelves in Baltimore, and online. When I moved here in 1999, imagine my delight discovering Baker's Dozen Donuts at 717 E. Bidwell, next to Raley's. Established in 1989, I remember talking with Cindy the owner during my many visits. And now, since 2018, Richard (Rathanac) and Sopha Tep have continued the tradition of tastiness. Sopha is Cindy's niece, so the next generation takes over and continues serving Folsom. 42-year-old Richard and 40-year-old Sopha were born in Cambodia, coming to America in 2006. Richard cut his bakery chops at Seaside Donuts Bakery in Newport Beach. And now for the past five years they have continued the family tradition here in Folsom as one of our many fine local businesses. They are always friendly and hard-working. They live out the positive and successful traits that so many people, born in other countries, come here to exercise. We could all benefit by watching and following such strong examples of character. Another thing about this fine couple is they learned my name and greet me with it every time I enter. They know what makes for good business. These are the kind of people who make our community a good place to live. My favorite bakery is Otterbein's in Baltimore. Let me rephrase that. That was then, and this is now. My favorite bakery IS Baker's Dozen. Go by sometime and say hi to Richard and Sopha and try my favorite, a chocolate donut. Tom Rupp is a Folsom resident and weekly columnist for the Telegraph. You can reach him at truppfolsom@yahoo.com.