BELVIDERE — It only happens the first and third Saturday of each month … and it is absolutely worth the 30 minute drive to Franklin County. The Swiss Pantry plans another Donut Saturday for Saturday, July 4.

It’s a culinary event with an interesting history. An area family named the Millers owns the The Swiss Pantry. They are direct descendants of Jacob Hostetler, who immigrated to America in 1738 from the Schwarzenburg area of Switzerland. In 1987, the Millers moved to Belvidere from Virginia and discovered Belvidere’s rich Swiss and Mennonite heritage living among common Mennonite names such as Leichty, Zimmerman, Zauggs, and others. That’s when they decided to open a local bakery that blended their Swiss heritage with their new southern home.

They offer a wide variety homemade baked goods, soups, and pastas– many that are gluten free and/or sugar free. They also offer local honey, locally-produced beef, organic chicken, locally roasted coffee, Falls Mill products, and fresh Sunrise Dairy milke.

On Monday’s and Thursdays they make southern-style fried pies in nine different flavors. But it’s on Donut Saturdays that they really shine combining a favorite weekend breakfast food with southern, middle Tennessee foody tradition. They make vanilla, maple, and chocolate glazed donuts that are just (chef’s kiss) divine.

You can pre-order by calling 931-962-0567. They are $8.19 a dozen and flavors can be mixed and matched. Pre-ordering is definitely recommend because they often run out but they accept pre-order via phone only. The Swiss Pantry is located at 10026 David Crockett Parkway in Belvidere on Highway 64 between Huntland and Winchester. •

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