Ashland Bakes Traditional German Chocolate, Cookies

ASHLAND - It's that time of the year to treat yourself and indulge in something sweet."What was a family tradition became a passion and it's became a business," explained Gabriele Block, owner of Gabriele’s German Cookies and Chocolates in Ashland. Block has called the United States home for about 30 years. Before that, she was a home economics teacher in her home country of Germany.For Block, making 20,000 cookies and 30,000 chocolates is something she does simply because she always has."We bake every single cookie by hand,” said Block. “I only have one stove, convection stove." She started by selling her authentic German treats at craft shows, but after running out of stock every week, Block quickly realized her hobby could make her a living."Who wants to go home and do dishes or laundry or anything,” she asked herself. “I'd rather be here." Inside the tiny shop, you won't just find German chocolate; you'll also find traditional recipes that have been handed down for generations."No margarine, only butter, only heavy crème,” Block smiled. “There are no short cuts." You can find the chocolaty treats all year round, but every holiday season she's especially proud to carry on her German family tradition clear across the globe."It's just hard work every day and liking what you're doing," she said. "It's awesome. This is my absolute passion." Every holiday season, Block ships her goodies back to family and friends in Germany. Gabriele’s German Cookies and Chocolates is located at 413 Main Street West in Ashland. For more information, click here.