Yummmmm!

What do Denver, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Charleston and Kapalua, Hawaii have in common with Valley, Nebraska? One of the best bakeries in the country!

Delicious, a bake shop and cafe in Valley, has been named one of the top-10 bakeries in the country by the National Honey Board. Its honey-based caramel sauce that's used on its pecan rolls are "to die for!"

Owners Trudy Fennel and her sister Wendy Deane opened the bakery two years ago. Fennel, a certified pastry chef, has worked for various restaurants, bakeries, and caterers around the country before coming back to Nebraska to be close to her children and grandchildren.

Wendy Deane, a native Omahan, adopted the little town of Valley several years ago and has a vision that she hopes will transform "Main Street" Valley into a destination spot for art and good food.

Deane owns The Gallery, her business next door to Delicious. She is a local artist and sells her artwork wholesale at her store. She also uses her space for private parties, family celebrations, and even small weddings. Fennell also prepares the meals served at The Gallery. They are able to seat parties as small as 10 and as big as 75.

The setting for The Gallery is contemporary. Delicious has a quaint, down-home feel. A flower shop up the street and a community theater down the street have been welcomed additions too. There are plans for an antique shop and gift store and hopefully much more to come.

Deane, who is proud to say she is 60-years-old, and her sister who is 64-years-old, say you're never too old to re-invent yourself. They were both stay-at-home moms for years.

"We had no money, no plan -- just a wing and a prayer," says Deane. "Things just kept evolving."

Now, it's a family affair with Fennell's daughter and granddaughter helping out. There's a brother too, but he prefers to stay out of the limelight!

The businesses are open on a limited basis. Reservations are accepted. You can find out more at wendydeaneartist.com.