By Claire Sachse
Claire.Sachse@tryondailybulletin.com

As you turn into the parking lot of Cool Mama’s Bakery, located in Green Creek near the intersection of Hwy. 9 and 14, the sweet smell of pies, breads, cinnamon rolls and doughnuts wafts out of the shop to greet you as you step from your car.
Bakery owner Martha Graber says she became “Cool Mama” because the name “Hot Mama” was already taken. And by all appearances, this mother of 11 keeps her cool in the bakery that she started with her daughter Ada six months ago.
A Kentucky native, Graber started baking breads for sale from her home. She then took her breads to farmer’s markets in Columbus and Landrum, and soon thereafter decided to open her own bakery. She still sells at the markets on weekends. Business is going so well, she said, that she has purchased larger kitchen equipment to meet the demand.
Made from fresh ingredients, the bread menu includes honey wheat, sourdough, sourdough herb, multigrain, tomato basil, pepperoni cheese, rosemary potato, cinnamon raisin, banana, and pumpkin nut. A traditional New England bread called Anadama bread, made from corn meal and molasses, is also baked regularly.
“Our bacon, cheese and chive scones have also been a big hit,” said Ada Graber, Martha’s daughter and partner in the kitchen.
Cool Mama’s also sells a house blend of granola that includes pecans, coconut, almonds, chocolate chips and peanut butter, sweetened with Stevia, molasses and coconut sugar. Ada said that she recommends the granola for yogurt and ice cream. Another popular item is the complete cookie mix in a jar, available in whole wheat chocolate chip.
Friday and Saturday mornings are “particularly labor intensive,” said Ada. She makes multiple batches of glazed yeast donuts by hand using wheat she grinds herself. She sells the donuts from the bakery starting at 7:30 a.m., and takes some to the farmer’s markets to sell.
Customers may call ahead to place orders for pies, pastries and breads by calling (828) 894-9461.
The bakery is open from Wednesday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The bakery’s Facebook page contains details, specials and announcements.