Writer / Jane VanOsdol

A childhood dream became reality in December 2015 for sisters Heidi and Sabrina Wernicke. Just days before Christmas, the two welcomed customers to Quirky Feather Confectionery, their colorful, Alice-in-Wonderland-style bakery.

After exploring multiple career paths from art school, pre-med, and canine science to secondary education and EMT certification, Heidi and Sabrina decided the time was right to combine their talents and go after their dream.

“[We thought] we might as well do this while we’re young and foolish,” Heidi said laughing.

Actually, foolishness couldn’t be further from the truth. The jointly owned business is a smart move that fulfills a family passion: the two were always baking cookies for friends and high school study groups.

“We’re feeders,” Heidi said. “That’s just what our family does.”

Eventually, their circuitous paths met. Sabrina withdrew from art school and completed formal studies in French pastry school and pastry sciences. This background equipped her to handle the technically demanding tasks of baking with aplomb as she creates all types of confections that require hours-long focus, such as macaroons and Swiss and Italian buttercream icing.

Heidi describes herself as the “brute force,” of the pair, able to bake 400 of her special recipe crossroads cookies in just three hours. Together they make the perfect team, offering fresh, made-from-scratch confections with the finest of ingredients.

Daily Menu

As you might imagine, for them variety is key.

“We like to change up the menu so that we don’t get bored,” Sabrina said.

Each day’s offerings can be found on their Facebook page. Pick up your favorites quickly, because when they’re gone, they’re gone.

“We’ve had our macaroons sell out before they even hit the case,” said Sabrina.

Menu Items

Staples include layer cakes, cheesecakes, pies, cake truffles, s’mores blondies, almond biscotti, peanut butter cookies, pudding, peanut butter crispy bars, gluten-free lemon bars, and their famous crossroads cookies (three-flavor chocolate chip cookies). Keep in mind that everything is individually sized; full-size cakes, however, (except wedding cakes) can be special ordered. Nothing is pre-made, but baked from scratch as it’s ordered. With enough notice, they can accommodate orders for offices, parties, and family events.

“You Call ‘Ems,” cookies the way you want them, are a customer favorite. Order ahead of time or while you wait (takes about 20 minutes). Customers choose from four types of cookie dough and 24 “mix-ins.”

Seasonal Specials

These two love to indulge their creative sides, as evidenced by the holiday specials. Werewolf kibble and rice crispy pumpkins are Halloween favorites. For autumn and Thanksgiving, leaf-decorated sugar cookies, pumpkin pound cake, and special-order, full-size pies (including gluten-free) are on the menu. And for Christmas, Holiday Plates featuring a variety of confections, including some allergy-conscious cookie plates, will help make the season a tasty one. Order at least one week in advance.

Beverages

Complement your treat with smooth, flavorful coffees, hot chocolates, teas, or even beer, wine, and mixed drinks (special mixologist on staff). Excluding Tuesdays, the Quirky Feather is open every day until midnight.

What Customers Should Know

Everyone is welcome at The Quirky Feather Confectionery. The plan has always been to be a community hangout.

“I’ve been surprised at how quickly this has become true,” Sabrina said.

Every day you’ll find a diverse crowd from high schoolers and college students to moms with kids and older adults. Looking for a fun place to hold a party or bridal shower? The space is available for rent. Current regular groups include Spanish and painting classes.

Being Spontaneous is their Mantra

The Quirky Feather thrives on spontaneity, and their fun, spur-of-the-moment themed movie nights are just one example. Check their Facebook page for information. And if you have a craving for sweets but can’t make it to the store, use DoorDash delivery service (www.doordash.com/) to bring it to you.

All in all, a visit to Quirky Feather Confectionary will put a treat in your tummy and a smile on your face, which fits in with their business plan exactly.

“We wouldn’t do this kind of work if we didn’t want people to be happy,” said Heidi.

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