About the Baker
Although I grew up in a home where making food from scratch was the norm, I didn't really spark an interest in being in the kitchen until adulthood struck. And then, it only made sense to learn what had been modeled to me. As a young mama of 4, I often found myself perusing recipes, especially ones pertaining to baking, in the evenings for enjoyment. I loved trying as many as sparked my interest for all the bellies I was feeding and found joy in sharing with friends and family over the years. Then at a family vacation a few years ago, my sister-in-law brought homemade sourdough bread. She hooked me up with some starter and I started experimenting. After almost giving up in frustration, I finally got the loaf I was aiming for....and I was addicted. I worked up the courage to ask the world of Facebook if anyone wanted sourdough. 65 loaves out the door in the first week and I had my answer! Inspired and excited, Three16 Bakery was born in November of 2022.
Fast forward 1.5 years. I was encouraged to check out a podcast about milling flour. After dragging my heels, I finally clicked "play." Within 30 minutes of listening, I knew a mill was in my future. It arrived a week later and I set to work learning the art of baking with fresh flour. I am absolutely hooked and my world of baking is forever changed. IMO, milling fresh flour is where it's at. I mean, what could be better than doing what I love- baking- AND sharing nutritious creations with YOU!
~Laura
Fresh milled flour...?
Skip all the processing that happens to flour before it gets to our grocery store shelves. Instead consume wheat from its natural state- enter, the wheat berry- and you get a nutrient dense punch added to your diet. Grind wheat berries in a mill and it will retain the 40 of the 44 nutrients naturally present in wheat-- making it the most nutrient dense thing on our planet! It's literally sustainable to life! Seriously, I know it takes a mental shift, but you REALLY can eat bread and not feel guilty. In fact, you could IMPROVE your health! By just swapping out store bought flour products and consuming fresh milled flour creations instead, you could experience the resolution of all kinds of health issues, including chronic constipation, congestion, gluten intolerances, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, etc. Not only is fresh flour extremely nutritious, it is also delightfully delicious!
Why "Three16?"
I am often asked if John 3:16 was my inspiration.... Although it wasn't the original reason for the name, I see God's hand all over it.
Yes, I love Jesus.
316 is my house number and the choice was originally to honor the fact that Three16 Bakery is a cottage endeavor as I seek to both follow my baking passion and be available to meet the needs of my family.
Even though sourdough with store bought flour was the launching item at Three16, God knew a year and a half later I would discover fresh milled flour and fall in love with it. I do so love all the spiritual parallels and connections to bread in the bible. After all, Jesus called himself "The Bread of Life," and when I learned how truly life-giving bread really is when made with REAL flour, I understood His name more deeply. What a beautiful picture of how sustaining and nourishing bread can be for the very bodies He created.
Take a lil' tour...
Thought you might like to see my baking space...I'm always curious to see behind the scenes myself.
