By Ellie Davis
Photos by Brian O’Shea, Plateau Daily News
Dessert fans have been rejoicing ever since Edelweiss Pastry Boutique opened its doors earlier this summer offering exquisitely-crafted delectable sweets that are works of art in their own right.
Edelweiss is located at 892 N 4th Street, across the highway from the Highlands Community Building.
Owned and operated by Pastry Chef, Chocolatier, and Confectioner Oksana Shchelgachova (previously at Midpoint Highlands), Edelweiss is chocked full of Shchelgachova’s signature pastries many Highlanders have come to know, from gateaux and tarts to cheesecakes and eclairs.
Pastry Chef, Chocolatier, and Confectioner Oksana Shchelgachova. Submitted Photo
Shchelgachova’s designs are only limited to one’s imagination as she can create desserts in the shape of plants, animals, inanimate objects, you name it.
To make her one-of-a-kind creations, Shchelgachova always begins with a high-quality brand of chocolate, Callebaut, and uses techniques like glaçage miroir, which creates a shiny glaze.
“If it is made correctly and covered with mirror glaze, then you can even see your reflection in the cake,” she said.
A couple examples of Shchelgachova’s sweet creations designed to look like fruit.
Dessert fillings range from custard, cremeux, confit, and compote to crème brulée, jelly, and marmalade.
Located at 892 N 4th Street, across the highway from the Highlands Community Building, Edelweiss offers an assortment of pastries in a grab-and-go case, hot and cold beverages, and various packaged goods such as coffee and candies.
Edelweiss’ sign is visible along the highway across from the Highlands Community Building.
“I have many ideas for expanding my services, but first, I want to be sure to deliver high-quality pastries, coffee, and tea in a comfortable, welcoming setting,” said Shchelgachova. “I love my Highlands community and look forward to seeing many friends at Edelweiss, whether they are coming by to buy pastries to enjoy at home, relaxing on the porch, using the internet, or having a chat.”
Born into a family of bakers and confectioners in Ukraine, Shchelgachova studied culinary baking and pastry arts at Australian Patisserie Academy and has lived in Highlands for 14 years.
Many of Shchelgachova’s creations are works of art in their own right.
In 2017, she began her business, Sweet Life, and collaborated with several local entities, including Old Edwards Inn, Wolfgang’s Restaurant & Wine Bistro, The Park on Main, and Cullasaja Club.
In 2019, she partnered with Midpoint Highlands to run the restaurant’s pastry program.
Shchelgachova said the pastry shop is a dream true after having an emotional year helping family out of war-torn Ukraine.
“In the past year, I spent thousands of hours helping my mother, my brother, and his family successfully escape Ukraine on long and arduous journeys,” she said. “Now that they are safe in America, I can turn to my new venture.”
Shchelgachova’s desserts often use a variety of chocolate or fruit.
Edelweiss has ample parking and seating indoors and on the front porch.
Hours of operation are Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Edelweiss also takes special orders for weddings and holidays.
For more information, visit Edelweiss Facebook page HERE.