I am in awe and amazed about the Horst’s Little Bakery Haus in Madison, Indiana.  I mean, this place is an amazing treat, not only for the eye but for the tummy as well.  Tucked into a quaint little building at 843 West Main Street is a bakery that is simple in its approach to offering you a wonderful selection of baked goodness and breakfast treats.  They also offer a wonderland of nutcrackers and miniature village houses, which line the walls, all reflecting the owner’s passion for his homeland of Oldenburg, Germany.

Horst Moehlmann ended up in Madison, Indiana after answering an ad in the local paper in his hometown of Oldenburg, Germany seeking a baker to come to Indiana and work.  The ad was placed by a former Oldenburg native, John Dieken, who relocated to Madison and ran the Dieken Bakery, and wanted to hire another German baker from his home town.  Horst came to Madison in 1972, without being able to speak English.  While working for Dieken he met a co-worker named Mary who later became his wife.  After Dieken closed his bakery, Horst opened his own in 2004.  It seemed only natural to Horst since he had been baking since he was 16.  He must be doing something right as he makes over 400,000 donuts each year.  Now that is a lot of donuts!  And after sampling several I am here to tell you, he is doing it wonderfully right!

My favorite donuts, which are still all handmade the old fashion way and turned with a stick, are the apple fritter, glazed yeast donut, and the cinnamon twist….mmmm, just writing about them have me drooling on my keyboard.  The yeast donut practically melts in your mouth, light and fluffy with a glaze that doesn’t over power the delicate dough.  The other must try item is the breakfast sandwich,  while the country ham is simple, good food and the home fries are just like my grandma made, it is the bacon, egg, cheese pretzel bun breakfast sandwich that would have me driving 40 minutes for breakfast.  Well that and of course a dozen donuts to go.  The pretzel bun breakfast sandwich is a standout for the rise and shine crowd.  The bun itself is a warm soft pretzel dough bun, light with a slight salt taste to it but very satisfying.  Once you have one you will be craving another, and another, and another.  This one is a definite cult favorite in the Madison area and understandably so. 

When in the area, make a point to stop by the little unassuming building, with your appetite of course, sit down, visit for a bit and enjoy, good, simple, satisfying, unfussy food, that will have you planning a return trip before you even leave Main Street.  Be sure to check the hours though.  They are open Monday through Saturday from 5:00 a.m. until Noon, with breakfast served from 5:30 until 11:30 a.m.  Enjoy!