Jo’s Loaves has been in business TWO years this month and
I’m starting to plan a different stall to mark the occasion for Hexton Farmers
Market, which is next Friday. As a
largely self-taught baker, it often takes me a while to be confident enough to
venture out of my comfort zone and run with new ideas; some of those ideas have
received rave reviews, so I intend to bring out my ‘hot hot’ buns, my summer
[bread] pudding and possibly another newbie, which will be a surprise (mainly
as a surprise to me, as I’ve not thought of anything yet….). I’ll also be selling my crunchy Real Bread
Croutons. I was dismayed that many
people at Offley thought, “Oooh, croutons; – soup!”
As a rule, I’m more of a crusty bread fan with soup, and I tend to put croutons in a salad. Most people are familiar with Ceasar Salad, but you don’t have to limit yourself to that. Here is my easy peasy recipe:-
As a rule, I’m more of a crusty bread fan with soup, and I tend to put croutons in a salad. Most people are familiar with Ceasar Salad, but you don’t have to limit yourself to that. Here is my easy peasy recipe:-
1.
Take a some washed crispy lettuce leaves (Little
Gem, Romano, Cos) or any lettuce
2.
Add cubes of cucumber & tomato and some
sliced green or black olives (or not)
3.
Shake on a few capers (or not)
4.
If you have any cheese in the house (soft goats
from Wobbly Bottom Farm is best) put in a few small cubes or some freshly
grated parmesan (or not)
5.
Tear over some fresh Basil Leaves – or shake
over some dried ones – or oregano or coriander (you see how flexible salad can
be???)
6.
Throw in your Real Bread croutons
7.
Throw in anything else you think might be nice -chopped
red pepper, spring onion, sun-dried tomato from a jar (or not)
8.
Dress with a dressing – make your own with some
Rapeseed/Olive oil and a little wine/balsamic or cider vinegar seasoned with
salt and pepper and/or dried herbs OR buy one (I’d never buy one).
Nom. Nom Nom. I think I shall be having a few of these throughout the
summer, along with all the lovely local delicacies from all the little farmer’s
markets that I attend. Who needs Asda,
eh?!


In the meantime, can I just recommend a fabulous gift for yourself or a loved one, to attend my Better Bred Bread course at the Novelli Academy Cookery School (in other words, his house)! Click this link to find out more details. Happy summer everybody! x