We baked our five foot long bread loaf the other day and it turned out incredible! We were all so happy, patting ourselves on the back for how it turned out because initially, we had no idea what was going to happen!
A big thanks to Lauren Lamotte for her incredible baking skills and fearless approach to my wacky request. She was the brains behind how to make 15 pounds of bread dough, found a friend to make a five foot long bread peel, and researching wood oven baking. Not only was this bread pulled off, it was amazingly good! (I mean, who knows how a five foot long wood-fired bread loaf is really going to taste! None of us did, but we were happy it tasted just like, well, great bread!).
The pensive baker, Ms. Lauren Lamotte, waiting for the bread to be finished!
Jason “playing” the five foot peel!
Another big thanks to Ned Ludd, one of Portland’s finest wood fire oven establishments, for allowing us to use their wood fired oven! If you are in Portland or find yourself here, this restaurant is a must go-to. I love Jason and Ben’s philosophy behind their food as simple fare that relies on the quality of ingredients. They do interesting things with their menu and are not afraid to try new (or really really old) recipes. The way they have set up their restaurant is incredible too, making it cozy, comfortable, and easy to relax in. Thanks so much guys!
Jason and his baby daughter readying the oven
The making of this bread loaf was, in my opinion, one of the best parts of this project. Yes, the loaf itself is for the Bread Friend Map, however, the connections and friendships made, the new ideas planted and shared, all because we were sharing in baking bread together. It takes the word copain a step further and it is not only breaking and sharing bread with friends, it is the baking of the bread as well that ultimately leads to friendships and connecting with one another! I love the process that goes into the larger events that I do. I find that it is all those steps with everyone involved that I truly connect with, the end event becoming like the cherry on top. Thank you Chodun, Morgan, Jason, Ben, Andrew, CJ, Dad, Kim, and Molly for your wonderful presence, support, and help at this event!
Morgan (front) and Lauren enjoying some coffee and homemade treats we brought while waiting for the bread to rise. They are opening a cafe soon for their Dovetail Bakery! 
Looking for the car to load our loaf in 
Today is my birthday . I can’t think of a better way to celebrate it than with a giant loaf of bread and a great group of people who helped me make it!
Stay tuned for pictures from The Bread Friend Map event. It was so fun!
Chodun and myself helping rotate the bread for even baking
