The Flaxette: There's a New Artisan Loaf in Town
Attention bread lovers. There's a new artisan loaf in town…"The Flaxette," a beautiful crusty, nutty bread featuring organic ground flax seeds and a marvelous chewy tender interior. The bread is made by a Michael Mordechai and his startup, The Fairfield Bread Company.
A few months ago, we attended a gypsy dinner where we sampled "The Flaxette" for the first time. It accompanied a bread and cheese platter, and while the cheese was very good, it was the bread I couldn't stop eating. When I heard he had taken his bread on the road, I raced over to The Pantry in Fairfield to purchase the delicious loaf. Moments later I was ripping off the ends and hoping there was some left once I got home so I could sample the product with butter. Mind you..it's not a long drive.
Why is this bread so darn good? 1. Michael has been baking bread for a long time. 2. Michael uses a three day fermentation process that he has developed over the last year and a half. 3. Michael knows his grains and uses really good ingredients.
And indeed the ingredients are simple and wholesome. The Flaxette features King Arthur flour milled from hard red spring wheat, grown in the Northern Plains and Canada. Whole wheat flour and organic ground flax seeds are the other key players. We have all heard about the health benefits of flax, but in "The Flaxette" it also adds a distinctive nutty, toasted flavor, and a slight crackle to the texture. The flavor develops through four proofing stages, then Michael bakes the hand-shaped loaves to create a caramelized crust with a tender, chewy interior.
More good news: The shelf life of "The Flaxette" is longer than most breads. Day 2 still finds it wonderful "as is," but even better sprinkled with water and baked for 10 min. at 350. Day 3? The reviving process will yield an excellent bread. Or, toast and top with salmon, onions and capers; cut into croutons for soup or salad, or to snack on; made a killer chocolate bread pudding with caramel sauce. French toast? Yes! "The Flaxette" freezes extremely well in its fresh state wrapped tightly in foil or plastic, then unwrapped and baked frozen at 425 for 10 minutes.
Officially in business for 3 weeks, the client list is growing daily. Currently you can find this artisan loaf at The Pantry in Downtown Fairfield, and Spic N Span Market in Southport Center. Additional markets are being added every week and we will update you as more retail locations become available.
Grab yourself a loaf and let us know what you think.
Bakery, breakfast, comfort food, kid friendly
Reader Comments (9)
The Flaxette was also used in the gypsy dinner's favorite hors d'oeuvres -- duck liver pâté, organic lavender-infused peach preserves, topped with fresh rosemary leaves and ground black pepper. Easy to recreate this treat at home using store-bought ingredients.
I say this bread at the Pantry this past weekend. Do they have their own "shop" yet? Is one in the works?
Harbor View Market in Black Rock and Garlick & Herbs in Westport introduce The Flaxette today, Saturday, Jan. 23
Is the bread anything like Wave Hill Bread?
To answer Peggy’s question, Fairfield Bread Company’s “The Flaxette” has a distinct flavor and texture. The perfect blend of white and whole wheat flours with organic flax, brought together over a three-day process. You’ll taste a slight tang in the moist, springy texture, and a “crackle” from the organic milled flax seeds.
The Flaxette tastes great and it’s healthy. Kids love it! And adults send us emails saying it’s the most delicious bread they’ve ever tasted.
Here’s an email that just came in: “Your bread is gorgeous. It has just the right crunch and texture. Perfect for honey and cheese!”
Westporters can pick up The Flaxette at Garelick and Herbs. Fairfielders can find it at The Pantry and at Spic & Span in Southport Center.
Thanks for the question, Peggy. We hope you enjoy The Flaxette.
Michael Mordecai, Bread Baker
Fairfield Bread Company
Just picked up a loaf of your Flaxette Bread for the third week in a row from Harbor View Market in Black Rock. We're becoming addicted to it. Is there any store in downtown Bridgeport that carries it? So far, I can find it.
Fairfield Bread Company's The Flaxette is now available at CT Farm Fresh Express.
http://www.ctffe.com/
Fairfield Bread Company's Flaxette will debut at Palmer's Market in Darien, Sunday, Feb. 28. There will be a tasting from 11 to 1. Come taste the bread and say hello.
Hi all, you can find the Flaxette pizza dough at The Pantry in Fairfield now. We love the Flaxette!! - It's great with smoked salmon and Irish butter