New York Travel: Buying Monks’ Bread at the Abbey of the Genesee

Serene Sitting Area at he Abbey of the Genesee, Piffard, N.Y.
Serene Sitting Area at he Abbey of the Genesee, Piffard, N.Y.
Serene Sitting Area at he Abbey of the Genesee, Piffard, N.Y.

Last summer I had one of those “aha moments” when my parents and I stopped at Abbey of the Genesee in Piffard, N.Y. to buy Monk’s Bread.

The Abbey of the Genesee Welcomes Everyone
The Abbey of the Genesee Welcomes Everyone

That Aha Moment
The rolling grounds are neatly manicured and the abbey is welcoming. The Church Abbey where services are offered is gorgeous with colorful, abstract stained glass and walls made with bold, rounded rocks. It was heavy with silence and perfect for meditation.

Abstract Stained Glass and Bold Rounded Rocks in the Abbey of the Genesee
Abstract Stained Glass and Bold Rounded Rocks in the Abbey of the Genesee

My aha moment didn’t hit in the church but in the adjoining Book and Bread Store. It’s been ages since I’ve seen Monk’s Bread but as soon as I did memories of my grandparents came to mind. When they came to visit from Florida it was a special bread we had around for our breakfast toast.

Growing up in Western New York we enjoyed Monks’ Bread and the images of loaves sitting on grocery store racks is still in-“grained” in mind. (Apologies for the pun.) For all I knew it was made at the store. Sure, the bread’s logo is a monk and I thought that was the equivalent of Mr. Bubble and Mr. Clean, just some fictional character. Remember, that’s kid logic.

Immediately seeing the bread it all clicked. “Monks make the Monks’ Bread.”

Yum! Maple Monks' Bread
Yum! Maple Cinnamon Monks’ Bread

Specifically, Abbey of the Genesee Trappist monks make the bread. More officially they are a community of contemplative monks belonging to the world-wide Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (O.C.S.O.). The Abbey of the Genesee was founded in the spring of 1951 from the Abbey of Gethsemani in Trappist, KY.

When the Abbey was established it had intended to generate an income by being a dairy farm but Brother Sylvester had crafted a bread recipe liked by the monks and visitors. The bread became highly requested and a larger oven was purchased so Brother Sylvester could keep up with demand. Today, the Abbey has a modern-day bakery supplying Western and Central New York and areas of Pennsylvania.

Related: That Time I Joined President Jimmy Carter for Sunday School

Abbey of the Genesee in Piffard, N.Y.
Abbey of the Genesee in Piffard, N.Y.

The Abbey is open to the public but the bread-making area is off limits. Visitors are welcome for liturgical prayer or to pray in the Abbey Church. The Church and reception room are open daily 2 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit the website for Mass and Liturgical Schedule.

The Book and Bread Store sells more than the varieties of bread (including Whole Wheat , Sunflower and Multi-Grain). Cookies, fruit cakes, 1 LB cakes, jams, jellies, honey and coffee are sold along with an assortment of books. Book and Bread Store hours vary  but Monday through Saturday, it’s open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. and after Mass to Noon, closed in the afternoon. Contact the store at (585) 243-0660 ext 27 if planning a visit during the holidays.

It’s been about a year since my visit and I still have some of the loaf of Maple Cinnamon bread in my freezer, saving it for those special occasions.

Did you grow up with Monks’ Bread?

Abbey of the Genesee
3258 River Rd.
Piffard, NY 14533
Tel: 585- 243-0660
www.geneseeabbey.org
Abbey of the Genesee is located about an hour’s drive east of Buffalo, N.Y.

Advertisements

Jenn

Jennifer A. Huber is an award-winning travel and outdoor blogger and writer in Southwest Florida. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., a hiking trail led her to a career path in the tourism industry for more than 30 years. She spent a decade with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley, and Everglades National Parks. She founded the travel blog, SoloTravelGirl.com with the goal of inspiring others to travel alone, not lonely. The unexpected death of her former husband in 2008 reminded her how short life is. His passing was a catalyst for sharing her experiences with the goal of inspiring and empowering others to travel solo. Jennifer holds a Travel Marketing Professional certification from the Southeast Tourism Society, is a certified food judge, member of the NASA Social community, and alum of the FBI Citizens Academy. When not traveling, she is either in the kitchen, practicing her photography skills, or road tripping with her dog, Radcliff.

Manatee in the Flamingo Marina in Everglades National Park, Fla., Jan. 14, 2024.
Adventure Destinations Featured Nature Travel

How Flamingo in Everglades National Park Won My Heart. Again.

Disclosure: Some posts on this blog may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. This is so I can support my traveling habit, my special-needs dog, and this blog. “The Everglades is a test. If we pass it, we may get to […]

Continue Reading
2024. One year means 366 opportunities.
Featured Nature Travel

Four Quirky Events I’m Excited About in 2024

Several events will make 2024 memorable but I’m looking forward to the quirky, fun stuff. Leap Day, a solar eclipse, an epic cicada emergence, and Smoky Bear’s 80th birthday top my list!

Continue Reading
Florida State Parks Annual Pass.
Budget Travel Featured Nature Travel

How to Get Your Florida State Parks Annual Pass for 50% Off! (By January 13, 2024)

Through the Great Outdoors Initiative, you can purchase your Florida State Parks Annual Pass for 50% off now through January 13, 2024.

Continue Reading