Since 1959, Briermere Farm (4414 Sound Ave., Riverhead, 631-722-3931) has been a family-owned fixture on Sound Avenue, renowned for its fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and baked goods.
After the McCombe family settled at Briermere, grandmother Adele Vasel revived her old German recipes, making jams and pies with fruit from the farm. These family traditions formed the core of the bakery that remains central to Briermere today.
The farm produces much of the fruit used in its baked goods and prepares pies, breads, muffins, cookies, cakes, jams and jellies from scratch on site. No pre-made ingredients or fillings are used, maintaining a direct link between the farm and bakery. The farmhouse contributes to this story: once the family’s living room, it’s now used to pack pies, preserving a piece of the original home at the business’s heart.
Almost 70 years later, the McCombe family still operates the farm, bakery and stand, continuing the tradition of transforming what is grown at Briermere into food made on the property.
1. Apple Crisp Pie, $28 Orchard apples are layered beneath a buttery, crumbly topping and baked in a pastry crust. A classic choice for fall, it brings together the warmth of baked apples and the satisfying crunch of a crisp golden topping.
2. 12 oz. Beach Plum Jam, $12
Made with cultivated beach plums and sugar, this preserve showcases the naturally tart flavor of a native Long Island fruit. Spread it on toast or biscuits, spoon it over baked goods or pair it with cheese for a sweet-tart addition to a cheese and charcuterie board.
3. Half Gallon of Apple Cider, $7
Made with several varieties of locally-harvested apples, this seasonal favorite is a quintessential taste of the North Fork’s fall harvest. Enjoy it chilled, warm it with seasonal spices or serve it alongside a plate of fresh-baked treats.
4. Linzer Cookies with Hazelnuts, $12 Tender cookies made with hazelnuts have the delicate, sandwich-style character with a jam center associated with classic Linzer treats. Their nutty flavor and crisp-tender texture make them a natural companion for coffee or tea and an easy addition to a holiday cookie assortment.
5. Raspberry Cream Pie, $38 Bright raspberries meet a smooth, creamy filling in a flaky pastry crust, balancing tart fruit with rich sweetness. The combination makes for a particularly indulgent dessert that stands out on any holiday table.
