What is this painting, but a simple piece of bread in a bread basket?
Well, yes, it looks precarious sitting a little too close to the edge of the wood table. And it’s bathed in a light that is almost harsh, like a spotlight.… Continue reading
Maybe, as you read this, you’ve just begun your observation of Lent. Or maybe not.
As I write, it’s still Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent. People in New Orleans are nearing the end of their Shrove Tuesday — “Fat Tuesday,” as they call it, or Mardi Gras.… Continue reading
Last week’s bake was all but finished when I realized I’d forgotten to make my offering to the goddess of the ovens, Fornax!
Last Thursday, Feb. 17, was the final day of the Festival of Fornacalia, a day when Roman bakers made an offering of spelt grain (they tossed some into their hot ovens) and asked for Fornax’s blessing for the coming year.… Continue reading
Unless you’re a baker, it’s not something you’d typically mark in your calendar. Behold the Festival of Fornacalia, the “festival of the ovens.”
The Roman celebration was for the female deity, Fornax, goddess of the ovens.… Continue reading
The upsides of working the early morning baking shift starting at two a.m.:
At least there’s no morning commute.… Continue reading