December 10 marked the opening of Esler’s American Bakery in the charming Wayside Country Store plaza on the east side of Marlborough, MA. Esler’s promises the tradition of the small-town bakery of days gone by, offering all the beautiful and delicious staple items one would expect, using the best ingredients available.

Esler’s list of offerings evokes the tastes of comfort so many grew up with but which are becoming harder to find. The simple pleasures of chocolate chip cookies, rich fudge-like brownies and cupcakes piled high with frosting can all be found here, as well as muffins, lemon bars, éclairs and other tempting delights. But the main attraction at Esler’s is their show-stopping cakes for weddings and all occasions, using real buttercream as well as the exquisite art of fondant and gum paste.

The owner of Esler’s American Bakery is surprisingly not named Esler, but is Diane Welch of Marlborough. Ms. Welch learned her professional baking and decorating skills at Newbury College in Brookline, MA, and the Wilton School of Confectionary Arts outside Chicago, IL. She has honed her skills under the guidance of world-renowned decorators Collette Peters. Professional training aside, she has enjoyed baking as a pastime since she was young. “When I realized the reward of baking for me--conquering a new recipe and making people happy by sharing the results--I figured this might be an appropriate career choice.”

So why “Esler’s?” Says Welch, “Esler is my great-grandmother Mary Derus’ maiden name, who by family stories I’ve been told, baked a lot of special things. She was the wife of a German immigrant who raised seven children on a shoestring budget and instilled the values of hard work and pride that were handed down to my grandfather, my mother, and I like to think to me, too!”

Esler’s American Bakery promises great-tasting, memorable desserts and treats that customers can feel good about eating and be proud to serve at their tables. But why read about it? Stop by 1015 Boston Post Road and find out for yourself!