That's a wrap for 2021

Christmas day is around the corner and I am thrilled to have made it through December. Multiple 6 day weeks, as a well as 3:30am wake-ups have taken their toll. Regardless of the physical toll, it has been an exciting month for Crumbs and motivation has been strong. The good folks at ‘Layla’ up in Ladbroke grove have been good enough to take me on as a baker, and I will now be doing 3 or so shifts a week with them going forward. If you get a chance then do visit. It’s a small, open space and every square inch is used to the max. All the bread, pastries and sandwiches are exceptional, and there is a vibrancy in being able to see the bakers squirrelling away as you chose which treat to buy. I have already learnt a lot from the Head Baker Nelson, who has worked at Pophams and Ottolenghi, and no doubt shall continuing learning throughout 2022. Without doubt it will be invaluable to the future of Crumbs for me to gain experience in a bricks and mortar bakery. This means that in the short term I will be doing one bake a week each Friday, perhaps with a few exceptions.

As well as the Layla shifts, I have also been pumping out bread etc for my awesome Crumbs customers. Generally, I have been very happy with my December baking. I have been slightly tweaking my sourdough method, reducing bulk fermentation, while slightly increasing basket rests. The results have been good. No doubt the tweaking will continue.

I love all the feedback and DMs that you send me, so please keep it up. Any ideas on pastries and cakes for the New Year are more than welcome, so don’t hesitate if you are struck my a bolt of inspiration.

Lots of love and Glad Tidings!

Harry