Shorty before we were married, my husband was one of the fine building team who helped create a new headquarters for the King Arthur Flour Company, which they appropriately call Camelot. Paul had the distinct honor of carving the wooden wheat-shaped pendant at the focal point of the heavy timber frame, and arranging the etched glass logo illuminated inside the pendant.
We became pretty enchanted by the spirit of the place, their people, and their company mission. It was during that time that I began to become more interested in creative food preparation and in using available, natural ingredients.
My wedding band is a simple golden shaft of wheat, designed the year we were both born, brought out from the Jeweler's back room after we looked over the shop case with indifference. It has been a sort of ongoing reminder (of course of our vows) but also of the sort of life that we set out to create for ourselves together full of wholesome, simple and vital things.
It's no surprise then that I'm a bit biased toward the King Arthur Flour line of products. One look at their extensive web site and you too will be hooked. They offer a wealth of information not the least of which is a series of free online illustrated, step-by-step, baking classes. These two specifically caught my eye:
Breads from the Hearth: Baguette & Ciabatta
Alternative shaping of French Dough
Through Thursday of this week their signature flours are on sale -- 20% off -- web only.
