UPSide of Life: Nothing is quite like Trenary Toast

In the Upper Peninsula, we're pretty blessed to have a wide variety of locally-produced food that we can enjoy.

From Vollwerth's & Co. sausages to amazing micro-brew beers, we have a slew of options around these parts. But some items just seem like comfort food, don't they? For some, it's squeaky cheese. For others, maybe it's some great local chocolates. And then there are those who know exactly what is being referred to.

There are few things in this world that are like the first bite of Trenary Toast. It isn't some glorious moment where your teeth sink into something succulent and savory. Instead, there is a loud crunch and cinnamon and sugar go flying along with crumbs that dash away from you and back onto your plate.

To some readers out there, that may sound like a bad thing. Let's just say this--you've obviously never had Trenary Toast. The crunch is what makes it memorable, along with the perfect toppings the folks over at Trenary Bakery put on top. You can get this style of toast, which can be found in easily recognizable paper bags with red lettering, either plain, sugared or topped with cinnamon and sugar. The latter is the most common found in stores across the U.P.

There are several ways you come across this toast for the first time, though the most common is likely having someone else hand you a piece and insist you try it. Go ahead and chomp down, but be warned that life will never be the same. Some days, you'll just instantly crave those crispy little nuggets of tastiness and, if you're lucky, you'll find yourself heading out the door to get some at the local grocery store. If you're not so lucky, the craving will probably hit you about the time you cross the bridge and find yourself in a land that isn't blessed by Trenary Toast.

This flavor-blasted snack is, unsurprisingly, made in the small town of Trenary in Alger County. It sits nestled between Marquette and Escanaba on U.S. 41. The bakery, however, is off the highway and located at the main intersection in town. You can't miss it as it is painted red with a big sign that reads "Trenary Home Bakery" on it.

Don't be shy if you decide to go and check it out, either. Go inside. Introduce yourself. Bruce Hallinen and his son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Susan, are usually around and will be happy to show you the operation.

Don't fret if you're far from the Upper Peninsula and just reading this has made you remember the wonderful taste of Trenary Toast. It's not as quick as being able to head to Brown's Store in Little Lake and buy some, but you can go ahead and order it right online and have it shipped to your door.

Sam Eggleston is the managing editor of Upper Peninsula Second Wave and a full-time freelance writer. He was born and raised in the U.P. A bag of Trenary Toast is an endangered species when it is left around him, so make sure not to make that mistake. Eggleston can be reached via email.