It's rare of me to make personal journal posts on Simple Daily Recipes, however, I REALLY wanted to share some photos with y'all.
A few weeks back the City Manager of Sulphur Springs, Marc Maxwell CALLED ME asking if I would do a cooking demonstration for our local Main Street Farmer's Market. As maturely and calmly as I could, I said "YES!" It wasn't until I hung up with Marc that I remembered - I can't cook and talk at the same time! Oh pickles!
Marc asked if I would bake Spinach Feta Bread on location and fill the air with fresh baked bread. This particular recipe would bring attention to the vendors selling spinach and homemade feta cheese. Again, I said, "Sure!"
This was such an opportunity for me and SimpleDailyRecipes.com. You see, YOU know of me, but my own home town doesn't have a clue I'm here. This was my chance to get the word out around town.
Seeing how I've NEVER cooked in public before, especially baking bread outdoors, I called on my facebook friend and cookbook co-author of Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day, Zoe Francois, for help. Zoe was a real sweetheart, giving advice and support with every question that came to my mind. Zoe advised me to bake loaves ahead of time, then warm them on location to have ready to give out as samples. She's so smart.
Four days before kick off, I quickly learned how to calculate large amounts of ingredients and determine my expenses. I created a classy looking flyer that promoted Simple Daily Recipes and sent it off for printing.
Three days before, I made all the doughs. Besides Spinach Feta Bread, I prepared the Onion Rye Bread on page 63 of Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day. (That was an excellent choice!)
The day before the cooking demonstration was baking day. I started at 7:30 in the morning and finished packing up everything by 8 0'clock that evening. I ended up with 18 loaves of Spinach Feta and uh, I think 14 loaves of Onion Rye.
Packed and ready for the Main Street Farmer's Market.
I can confidently say that I can make bread with my eyes closed now. And it's no problem Showing others how easy it is to make Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day.
I had a wonderful time at the Main Street Farmer's Market. My dearest friend, Kim Sellers (shown in first photo), stayed by my side. Kim was an excellent promoter. She's the Nutritionist at the local hospital and knew most of the people walking by. When I would finish demonstrating the bread, Kim would step in and talk about the food blog. It was as if we rehearsed, yet we had not considered one word. Totally smooth, full on smokin'!
Folks crowded around the booth, drawn by the aroma of fresh bread, excited to taste the crispy loaves. I talked and baked and talked and baked and talked some more. So many good people, friendly faces, and all happy to learn of SimpleDailyRecipes.com. It was a fantastic experience that I will never forget.
I cannot close without saying thank you to Charles and John, our dear husbands. They took turns watching all the kids while Kim & I rocked the farmer's market. THANK YOU Charles & John!
Way to go, Jill! Those loaves look to die for and you obviously rocked it.
(((((FRANCIEeeeeeeeeee)))))
I’ve missed you! Meet me over on facebook tomorrow, let’s catchup.
Jill!
You are very brave to do this! I would have completely cowered out. I feel intimidated if only one person stares at me while cooking – how much more in public and in front of strangers!
I admire you. Now on to your intriguing Feta Loaves. I wonder if this is possible with sourdough???
Cheers!
Gabi.
I hear ya, Gabi. I cannot make speeches or perform skits, it must have something to do with the topic of discussion.
Over the years, my husband has watched me MANY times, talk food with complete strangers at the grocers, farmer’s market, even the appliance store.
One time, a man came up to me and asked if I could help him pick the ‘right’ parsley for his wife’s recipe. (curly or flat leaf) Well I drew a blank, but I had my iPhone on me, so we Googled it. After that, he went on to talk about his wife recipe and we talked about our favorite dishes. We must have talked a good 15, 20 minutes.
I never got his name.
Jill,
I am so happy your cooking demonstration was a success! I agree the loaves look awesome. You are an inspiration, there are 2 loaves of Granola Bread in the oven baking. Wish I could whoosh the heavenly aroma to all!
Susan
ah garsh, Thank you Susan. Did you say Granola Bread? I haven’t tried that one.
Jill,
I had the privilege of being at Market Days, the day of your first cooking demo! You had me fooled, you did a great job. And, that bread was delish!!!!!!!!! And, so pretty and fancy looking, to boot. You are awesome at what you do!
Thank you, Melissa! I’m trying to figure it all out and still come off smooth.
Congratulations. The first one is often the hardest and it sounds like you pulled it off without a hitch.
Great to get local people knowing what you do. And doing a demonstration at the farmer’s market is so much fun. I hope that you get to do more.
Thank you Jill, (such a lovely name
)
You’re absolutely right! After doing 3 demos now, it feels completely natural. You should see my gear. I keep 3 Rubbermaid totes loaded & ready for the next demo.
My involvement in the Main Street Farmers’ Market has grown. Charlie & I volunteered to build their blog, check it out. Main Street Farmers’ Market
This past Saturday, I talked with my favorite Italian restaurant owner, Rick of ciboVino . He’s volunteered himself & a few of his cooking staff to get in the cooking demo rotation. It will be much more interesting to have a variety of chefs and great cooks at our Savor the Flavors demo booth than just little ol’me.
I’m so stoked!