Baking bread in Mildrith, the wood-fired oven, is an ongoing experiment. I know her better every time I bake, and she responds to my ministrations. Her needs are simple: put lots of heat in those sand/clay thermal walls, lots of fire and wood, and she bakes all the bread I need.… Continue reading
Bottleneck at the refrigerator!
I have a refrigeration problem.
Last week, I had orders for more bread than my fridge could handle. My second-hand fridge that is devoted solely to bread production can hold up to 24 loaves in a squeeze. I once tried 26 and it wasn’t pretty. It’s at full capacity.
Sourdough sleep-over
Why do I need refrigeration for Happy Monk bread?… Continue reading
Sourdough Love
It’s complicated, my relationship with Bettina.
When she’s smelling sweet, I’m in love! When she doesn’t smell right, I worry what’s wrong. Is it something I said? Something I forgot to do? Sometimes she’ll be smelling good, but she doesn’t rise, or her bubbles just don’t look right. She doesn’t use her words very well, so we have to communicate on the unspoken level.… Continue reading
The Joys of Firewood
A neighbour once said, “A delivery of firewood is thrice enjoyed: Once, when the wood is delivered, next, when the wood is stacked and put away, and finally, when it is burned.
To this, I would add a fourth: chopping. As required. I shall explain.
There is no natural gas on Pender Island, and few people bother with propane, except to run their stoves.… Continue reading
Today, I rest!
I was well in to my bread delivery rounds, yesterday, somewhere in Pender Island’s Magic Lake Estates, when I realized I was not feeling in the peak of health. The Magic Lake sub-division is a labyrinth of winding roads with pirate-themed street names. Jolly Roger Crescent, Foc’sle Road, Galleon Way … the list goes on.
