Couldn’t We Enjoy Winter a Little Longer?

Happy Spring!

After a long, wet winter, spring’s light and warmth are a welcome relief. But, for me, it’s also a mixed blessing. A stirring time of year when the earth’s renewal is no longer a mere promise but something tangible.

There’s a different cast of light now. That patina of green you see around the trees and brush is a sign that the sap is stirring, that the weather is warming.… Continue reading

The Year in Bread … and Gratitude

One more bake, and we’ll close the books on Happy Monk 2022. The baker’s peel will be relegated to the corner, the proofing baskets cleaned, the baking room will be tidied and organized, and sense will be restored from the chaos in my “bread room.”

It’s winter. Time for long nights of sleep, slow-moving days by the fire, blankets and good books.… Continue reading

This Island of Apples

It’s apple season on the Island of Apples. Branches are bending with the weight of the glorious fruit, the air of the orchards sweetened with apple scent. Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, and all that. We are deep into autumn now.

Our lone apple tree produced no fruit this year. No tubs are waiting to be filled, and I’m on the hunt for apples to knead into my bread dough.… Continue reading

A Golden Loaf of Gorsefield Rye

This could be the best 100% Rye Bread ever made on Pender Island.

There can’t have been too many over the years. I made it last weekend with rye grain grown in Pender Island soil, specifically that of the large Gorsefield off Craddock and Southlands Drive, South Pender.

The Rye was planted by Vince and Katie, the new owners of the Gorsefield.… Continue reading

Road/Bridge Closures: Be Here Now!

The one-lane South Pender bridge will be closed for three weeks.

The Canal Bridge to South Pender will be undergoing deck repair starting next week, May 16 through June 4, 2022. That means the bridge will be closed intermittently for three weeks.

This may affect our Happy Monk bread deliveries to North Pender Island.

We’ve been trying to get more specific information.… Continue reading