The festive flavors of the holidays at Great Harvest

Few establishments in Missoula literally burst with the sensory sounds, aromas and flavors of the holidays as Great Harvest Bakery.

I can honestly say it's a "treat" to just step inside to the warmth inside... from the cheery greeting of employees to the actual physical warmth of fresh bread and baked goods baking... to the stout cup of fresh coffee that's a perfect complement to all the delicacies.

All the traditional aspects of the Great Harvest products are on display during the holidays. You can always get a complimentary sample of any available just-out-of-the-oven bread.

But the folks at Great Harvest – owned by Linda Tawney and Dave Scheel – know how to provide special fare for the holidays as well. And this year they've outdone themselves. Linda now has a variety of gift packages on display, which includes a variety of cookies and pastries, specialty jams, jellies and honeys, and a variety of other special edible goodies.

My personal favorites are their two unique granola recipes. But everyone has their favorite, or two.

During the largest part of every working day day there's a group of employees kneading bread or cutting dough for scones or muffins. Judging by their lively conversation and their actions, they're usually having fun. This morning the place was jumping with conversation and classic reggae music as a complementary foreground-background "soundtrack" to the bustle of the baking process and customers continually shuttling in and out of the busy bakery front.

Sounds like an advertisement, doesn't it? Nope. But I can't help being enthused about this locally owned bakery. It's just a place that's so welcoming in every aspect, it's rare that I don't feel good as I head for home, a bag of granola and a loaf of spelt bread in hand for tomorrow's breakfast.