Experiencing and Tasting Pastry at Artesa Bakery in Homer Glen, Illinois

Experiencing and Tasting Pastry at Artesa Bakery in Homer Glen, Illinois

**Disclosure: My husband and I received a complimentary tasting experience at Artesa Bakery to bring you an accurate review. No other compensation was received. All opinions are 100% my own.

Artesa Bakery in Homer Glen easily tempts with a heavenly range of pastry delights. One sunny afternoon, my husband and I ventured to meet pastry chef and owner Mikayla Machlet for a little tasting and to learn what Artesa Bakery is all about. After a look at the beautifully arranged bakery cases full of irresistible pastries, we knew we would have a divine tasting adventure:

We found Artesa's bakery cases full of tantalizingly gorgeous pastries.

While perusing the sweet temptations, I developed quite the appreciation for Mikayla's talent and range as a baker. I learned that Mikayla first dreamed of becoming a baker at 8-years-old after spying a Cordon Bleu commercial. She remembers musing: "Oh, I can play with food!" Her dream to open a bakery and cafe ignited. Mikayla would go on to apply to culinary school to become a pasty chef. Through the process, she discovered that  College of DuPage was the best fit. The culinary and hospitality programs offered at College of DuPage sound incredibly impressive featuring its own building for the culinary arts, 4-5 kitchens, 2 restaurants and even a hotel. Mikayla found the professors and chefs to be amazing. College of DuPage gave Mikayla a great foundation. I, for one, appreciate Mikayla's baking talent!

A Sweet Tasting at Artesa Bakery:

Sitting down for a sweet pastry and cookie tasting at Artesa Bakery.

We settled in for a little bit to enjoy coffee, tea and a sweet tasting. We began our tasting with Mikayla's amazing Almond Croissants. I tried my first Almond Croissant in New Orleans and I have been searching for one just as delicious every since our trip. The Almond Croissant just melted in my mouth boasting a pleasing softness with a slight crispness. Mikayla's Almond Croissant is the best one I have had since the beginning of my infatuation in New Orleans. I was not surprised that the Almond Croissant is one of Artesa's top sellers. Pure wow! We nibbled on chocolate chip cookies, brownies and thumbprint cookies as well. Everything was incredible! We also tried the kolaches at home. The crust was amazing -- perfectly buttery with a lovely airiness! They would make a lovely item for boxing up as a gift.

Incredible pastry plate to nibble on.

While adventuring a little in the bakery, I discovered Mikayla's apple and peach butters. They are so adorable and packaged perfectly for a gift or to tote along on a picnic!

Delicious, fresh and local Apple and Peach Butters at Artesa.

Another delectable giftable -- a box full of macaroons! Macaroons are a top seller for Artesa -- how can you resist? We did bring several macaroons home for my daughter and I can say she thoroughly enjoyed them, so much that she did not spare a nibble for me!

Boxed up yummy macaroons!

When I first learned about Artesa Bakery, I was immediately impressed with Mikayla's repertoire. Every pastry, cake or sweet I can think of is on her list! She also accommodates a range of dietary restrictions including gluten free, dairy free, soy free, reduced sugar, vegan and more. She crafts many special order items and I can say her cakes look fantastic! Here is a peek at a dynamite geode cake:

Stunning Geode Cake

A brilliant wedding cake with flowers:

Brilliantly Beautiful Flower Wedding Cake

A rustic wedding cake:

Picture Perfect Rustic Wedding Cake (image courtesy of Artesa Bakery)

Experiences at Artesa Bakery:

Artesa offers cupcake decorating as a fun party option. We had a blast choosing frosting and toppings as well as learning proper technique. Yes, we did not have the proper technique down but Mikayla showed us how to properly frost! I actually felt pretty accomplished after. Cupcake decorating is such a fun idea for a birthday party! Artesa Bakery has also done gingerbread decorating which is a blast for kids. Mikayla hopes to add a whole range of baking classes and experiences in the future. If you have an idea, definitely connect with her and she work with you and getting something put together.

Learning how to frost cupcakes the correct way!

Coming Soon to Artesa Bakery:

In the future, Mikayla envisions adding more savory items to her offerings so that Artesa can become the type of place where people can sit and lounge while enjoying cafe items and, of course, a sweet treat after! Currently, Artesa Bakery is a nice little spot for a bit of coffee or tea and a baked treat. Whether you are looking for something delicious to nibble on, to pick up a few things for the family, special order items for an event or even set up a party -- Artesa Bakery has the perfect sweet temptations for you! Artesa Bakery is certainly a pastry wonderland and Mikayla Machlet's skill is amazing. I can't wait to see future creations at Artesa Bakery. Of course, I need to return soon for the Almond Croissant!

Location: 14045 S Bell Rd in Homer Glen
Phone: 708-645-4850