The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Greetings from Sacramento, CA

Braxton's picture
Braxton

Greetings from Sacramento, CA

Hi! 

My name is Braxton.  Looks like an impressive forum here.  I already posted once and so many people offered advice and healthy debate.  I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and try out some of these recipes.

I actually haven't made a loaf of bread yet....ever.  I started researching sour dough starters for pancakes and waffles.  I thought it would be fun to get a starter going on my wedding day and see if it will last a lifetime with my wife.  One thing lead to another, and I find myself intrigued by all the passion about bread.  To be honest, I've always considered bread just a filler and not very important in a meal.  But, the passion and descriminating taste for bread here and other places on the net are contagious.  I thought, "Am I missing something here?".  So, I went to Trader Joe's and got some fresh artisan bread - Ciabatta.  I went home with some wine and cheese and started eating the bread.  I focused on it.  I tasted it, smelled it, and tried to describe it.  I have never really given bread much of a thought but was suprised at the experience of eating bread when I did.  Needless to say I ate the whole small loaf. 

I'm looking forward to visiting the Tartine Bakery in San Francisco next week and tasting thier bread the same way.  I'm excited about learning more here and sharing as I achieve some good results.

Braxton

cranbo's picture
cranbo

Welcome Braxton. You'll be in good company, lots of passion for bread here!

Happy baking!

dmsnyder's picture
dmsnyder

Hi, Braxton!

Welcome to TFL!

You can find some of the best bread in the world in San Francisco, the East Bay and in Napa and Sonoma Counties. Tartine's bread is stellar, but it's not baked every day, and I think you need to order in advance to be sure you get a loaf. Check out their web site.

I just got back to Fresno from Mendecino County and stopped at Della Fattoria in Petaluma for lunch. My wife and I had sandwiches and brought back a couple of loaves. I can't say that I've ever had better bread, and that includes Tartines' as well as bread from several of Paris' best boulangers. 

You are starting on a couple of life's great adventures and learning experiences - marriage and bread baking. Both yeild great rewards from a reflective and committed approach, and both pay back in proportion to the effort you put into them.

Best wishes for success with both!

David

andrewbl73's picture
andrewbl73

Just joined and also from Sacramento.  How is the bread making going?