Pawtucket Baker Specializes in Rugelah and Cookie Wreaths

For Karen Griffin, December is rugelah season. Though the baker behind Just Like Nana’s is busy crafting these traditional Jewish pastries (think mini crescent rolls filled with fruit and nuts) year-round, Griffin ramps up production for the winter holidays, when she offers platters containing four flavors – Raspberry Walnut, Apricot Walnut, Cinnamon, and Chocolate – complemented by a spread of seasonal cookies. 

“My rugelah is authentic, artisanal, and wholesome,” says Griffin. “The authenticity is from the family recipe I use that comes from Eastern Europe. It’s artisanal because it’s made in small batches, and it’s wholesome because I use only the best ingredients.” What began as Griffin’s retirement project to recreate the rugelah her nana made has blossomed into a food trailer posting up at Pawtucket’s Lorraine Mills and her fresh-baked goods appearing at markets and cafes across the state.

While the rugelah platters are a popular choice for Hanukkah gatherings (or gifting to anyone with a sweet tooth!), Griffin also bakes a Christmas Cinnamon Wreath, perfect for “Secret Santa and White Elephant gift swaps,” she says. “The wreath is enough to share or to indulge in for several days with your favorite hot drink.”

The Just Like Nana’s drop-in trailer is closed for the season, but Griffin takes holiday orders of rugelah, wreaths, and more by phone for pick-up at 560 Mineral Spring Avenue, Pawtucket.  859-333-9096, JustLikeNanas.com.