Welcome to The Bread Wagon: A Journey into Baking and Family Life

Hey there! Welcome to The Bread Wagon. My name is Katy, your fearless bread baker gal. As I sit here on this blustery February day with all the roads closed, I thought, why not start now? Join me as I explore the journey of Crust & Crackle and share our life at the beach.

The Birth of a New Blog

For a while now, I've been contemplating the idea of blogging. It feels like such a foreign territory to me. Typically, I spend my time in the kitchen or out in the garden. With kids always involved, I haven't had the chance to sit down and write. To be honest, writing was never my strong suit, nor did I feel particularly passionate about it. However, as I grow older, I realize it's time to start sharing my family's stories—who we are and what we love. Maybe you lead a similar lifestyle or can draw inspiration from ours. We are all intertwined in this big, messy, beautiful globe we call Earth.

More Than Just Bread

Of course, I will talk about bread, baking, and running a micro bakery, but I also want to share other aspects of our life. Living locally is important to us as a family. I’ll write about our adventures, the things we cherish, and, of course, lots of food. Food is an integral part of our being and connects us all. It’s that thread that binds us together in community.

Now that I’ve taken the leap, I’m not exactly sure where this blog will take me. It will be a journey—as I continue to learn to write, grow, and experience life. I invite you to join me on this adventure.

A Bit About My Background

Let me tell you a little about myself. I grew up in a bush setting by a lake, right in the heart of cottage country. What an amazing place to be! The lake and bush became a year-round playground for young and old alike. I lived a rugged life that has profoundly shaped who I am today.

The kitchen was my sanctuary even as a child. We all have our natural skills, and mine lies in creating, testing, and tasting all things food. Several years after graduating high school, I decided to take that passion to the next level. I enrolled in Culinary School at Georgian College in Owen Sound. Afterward, I worked in fine dining restaurants and even ran a catering business, crafting beautifully curated seven-course dinners. My creative energy in the kitchen never sat idle!

The Challenge of Food Allergies

In our household, several family members have serious food allergies and sensitivities. Navigating food choices has become complicated. It was increasingly difficult to find safe products at the grocery store. Thankfully, my culinary background allowed me to create everything from scratch. Bread became a staple, but finding great options free from allergens was tough. This is where Crust & Crackle was born—out of necessity to enjoy real, safe bread.

Gardening and Growing

Beyond cooking and baking, I have a large passion for being in the dirt. After moving into our first home, my husband and I began transforming our yard into an edible landscape. We created multiple vegetable plots and a small fruit orchard. Edible plants are scattered throughout, allowing one to graze their way through the garden, enjoying fresh produce.

With kids in tow, we laid down roots in Sauble Beach, Ontario. We soak up the sun and sand during summer and enjoy frolicking through the snowy days in winter. Our family is always on the go; our feet hardly stay in one spot for too long.

Join Us on Our Adventure

Explore our journey with us! I am excited to share everything we learn along the way. Whether it's perfecting a bread recipe, trying out new dishes, or tips for family adventures, there's so much to come.

Feel free to connect with us. Together, let’s celebrate food, community, and family life!

Katy