An In Real Life Meet-Up
TFL is such a great community. We share ideas, advice, recipes, and help each other, in general, along the way. In some cases, we get to know each other at an almost personal level. At least as personal as you can get communicating virtually with someone you’ve never met. 😁 Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to put a voice with a virtual face and have lunch with Paul (pmccool).
We had lunch as I made my way to a pre-ride for a mountain bike race today. We had the chance to discuss our shared alma mater and what’s changed there over the years, our career paths, and how each of us started and progressed on our bread baking journey. A great conversation that I hope to continue some day.
As you would expect with TFL’ers, our meet-up included an exchange of bread, and I was fortunate enough to get two of Paul’s loaves (and some of his starter). A pan loaf that smells wonderful (guarded family recipe) and a Swedish Limpa that I’m anxious to try!
It was great to make this connection, and I’m very thankful to Paul for taking the time to say hello in person. I hope I can meet some other TFL’ers in my travels!
Comments
That is so great that you and Paul were able to meet and exchange bread. This is such a great thing to be able to do. Prior to the pandemic I know there were some TFL’ers in and around Toronto who used to meet up. I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting anyone near home, but did meet with Alfanso in Fort Lauderdale once and hopefully again soon.
Benny
And I’m not just saying that because you picked up the tab for lunch.
I value the relationships I form here on TFL. Being able to meet another TFLer in person is an all-to-rare privilege. I’m happy to have made my circle of friends one person larger.
I’ve been admiring the hiivaleipa you gave me and will get into that sometime today.
Enjoy your (thoroughly muddy) ride.
Paul
Agreed Paul!
Muddy is the perfect description for today!
Still, better thee than me. ;-)
Your smile says that you enjoyed the experience, which makes it a win.
Changing subjects, the bread is delicious. The flavors are nicely balanced and well rounded. Not having had a YW bread previously, I’m much impressed by the loaf.
Paul
Glad you liked it Paul. I’m behind on my blog entries but I will try to get that one posted in the next day or so.
Paul,
The pan loaf was excellent! We had it this morning for breakfast. I had it as dry toast with a ham and sharp cheddar omelette. I really liked the level of whole grain. There was no sense of bitterness, and the sweetness was unique but not at all overpowering.
Thank you again!
In 2013 we had a Fresh Loaf meetup in the Boston area put together by a now professional baker Varda. We had it in a local public library and everyone brought some starter to share along with one or two of their own baked bread. It was so much fun and hopefully something we can do again one day.
I’d definitely try to make something like that!
the Swedish word for 'loaf' is 'limpa'.
Getting bread from someone else sounds nice.
Corrected. 😉
It was very nice!