rND Bakery: Beyond Wheat - theHumm November 2019

rND Bakery: Beyond Wheat - theHumm November 2019

By Sebastian Weetabix

Wherein the hero is identified, a disease is defeated and medicinal food is defined. All this in a thousand words and one picture! (For those coming in late, see my column in the October 2019 issue). Our story resumes with the reminder that celiac disease is a real disorder, not a preference or a sensitivity. It can be difficult to diagnose but even a small amount of (wheat) gluten can be the source of much and long-lasting misery.

Wheat and wheat processing played a key role in the development of urban societies. One need not to go to Vienna to appreciate the cultural benefits of a mid-afternoon coffee accompanied by an example of a pastry chef’s art. It is fitting, therefore, that the hero of this story is not a baker by tradition. Rather, he is a PhD microbiologist who moved to the field of food science. There he acquired a Master’s degree and an interest in the concept of food as medicine. According to Will Spencer, “Medical doctors could not give a consistent definition of health”. Modern medicine is good at treating acute problems but there is little systematic research on food as a programming language for long term health. In part this is a result of the structure of our academic enterprise. Research value is generally measured by the output of research papers. Rewards go to participants with the wit to take on problems that admit to short projects and publishable answers. The eminent chemist Keith Laidler once published a table showing the limits of research problems in chemical kinetics in terms of reaction times; at the upper limit was the “half-life of a graduate student”. Real impact of research is a hard metric and one that does not necessarily produce a quick answer for the departmental promotion committee. Weetabix may comment further on this in another venue, but suffice it to say that people who want to achieve tangible results do not necessarily stay in academe; Will didn’t. His move, motivated by a desire to do something with a tangible impact on health, was not a half-baked fantasy.

Armed with a deep understanding of some of the basic issues and a love of baking going back to his childhood, Will decided to become a professional baker and to learn the practical realities of working with food. There is a lot of “art” to baking, and even in modern industrialized food systems the final process of converting ingredients to bread has a unique sub-culture. There are aspects of the process that are not totally documented, and even though very large bakeries can make a consistent product by rote, this is largely the result of forcing farmers and millers to produce a uniform industrial ingredient called flour. Wheat flour as we know it is shelf-stable and highly consistent in its behavior. It has been blended to uniformity and owes its stability to the removal of both the germ and bran — components that are both nutritious and troublesomely variable across different varieties of grain. Artisanal bakers who work with real whole wheat flour know that there is significant batch-to-batch variability, and that flours as received at the bakery can give significant variances in performance. Experienced bread makers learn to make minor adjustments “on the fly” to make a fairly consistent product, or they work with a standardized flour — and once you leave the world of wheat, the practical lessons of working with grain varieties need to be relearned. So, back to Will, who decided to bake up batches of medicine in the form of breads.

First things first: learn the craft of baking at a commercial scale and don’t forget that taste and texture define foods. Food as medicine cannot succeed on the “eat it because it’s good for you” premise. In fact, a lot of food is eaten simply because it tastes good, and very little gets past the lips if it doesn’t. Will’s motivation was reinforced by fond memories of his mother’s baking and the realization that he could combine palatability with real health benefits. The mother of a friend suffered from celiac disease and so the big idea acquired practical focus — taste, mouth-feel and a happy feeling could be delivered in a truly gluten-free bread. That was eight years ago… instant success takes time.

Learning how to bake at scale is essential. This is important because food has to be affordable and bakers have to eat. Basic arithmetic determines the scale (number of loaves and price per loaf) needed to support any bakery. The move from product to production is complex. Baking is both capital- and labour-intensive. Fortunately there is some camaraderie among bakers, and Will was able to learn “hands-on” from Morty White at Bagel Bagel — an artisanal producer that still manages to make an impressive volume of bagels.

With the basics under control, Will was able to use space in some established bakeries where he could do recipe development and learn the practical aspects of turning the recipes into a palatable product. For over three years, Will struggled with the variability of doughs and baking methods. Pat Graham (True Loaf Bakery) provided advice, perspective and encouragement. Obsessively working through the research and development phase, Will took three years to develop a product that was customer-proven in the only way that matters for food: it tasted great. People wanted it for itself — not just for its medicinal benefits.

Four years ago, the opportunity to repurpose part of an institutional kitchen in Smiths Falls brought Will and rND Bakery rndbakery.com to its present home where Will has continued to expand his offerings of gluten-free baked goods to a growing clientele in the Ottawa region. Look for rND Bakery products in health food and specialty stores. Beware: supplies are limited and they sell out quickly. Gluten- and yeast-free, Will’s products have an interestingly short list of ingredients and no added preservatives. Weetabix confirms their shelf life is sufficient to get them from point of purchase to home. He is not celiac but enjoys good bread.

Links for this article at Sebastien Weetabix,

 

Canadian Winterscapes
The Algonquin Ensemble Premieres Stunning New Production
- theHumm November 2019

The Algonquin Ensemble has created a stunning new production and it’s coming to the First Unitarian in Ottawa on Saturday, November 30 and to the Almonte United Church on Sunday, December 1. Canadian Winterscapes is a multi-media journey celebrating the untamed beauty and indomitable spirit of a Canadian winter through music, art and photography. With moving pieces from the ensemble’s acclaimed début production Sonic Palette, uplifting arrangements of traditional seasonal repertoi......

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David Ivens —He’s Got a Hammer - theHumm November 2019

By Sally Hansen

Art… and Soul

That’s not correct. He has many, many specialized hammers and other metalworking tools, and he hammers in the morning and in the evening and in the afternoons. And he’s been happily doing it for over forty years. You know you’ve found your niche when what you want to do after you retire is to do more of what you’ve been working at.

David Ivens ran a restoration and fabrication company in Toronto for forty years, creating, reproducing and......

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No More Secrets
Healthy Minds, Healthy Men
- theHumm November 2019

On Tuesday, September 7, 1982, Peter Hamer walked into Bell High School for the first time. He was a shy kid taking the first steps into his new school eager to begin grade 9. Like every other young person beginning their high school adventure he had all the hopes and dreams for a future filled with opportunity and excitement. The next four years at Bell would prove to be anything but that.

Not much of a jock, or a high achiever scholastically, Peter found his place in the music room. Par......

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Sivarulrasa Gallery’s5th Anniversary Show - theHumm November 2019

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Who Stole Christmasfrom Mississippi Mills? Who? Who? - theHumm November 2019

By — Heather Phaneuf

Disgruntled are you? Could it be the pre-winter blues? The looming holly-daze? Or are you fundamentally concerned about the suspicious red boxes that traipsed willy-nilly through last month’s Humm? Hmmm? You should be!

Something is amiss in Mississippi Mills. Something is horribly wrong. Someone is ranting about Almonte, Pakenham, Ramsay and why the heck isn’t it called Alpakram? Almapakarama? Ramalamapakahama-ding-dong? Why wouldn’t you be concerned?

Solve the mystery! Grab a ticket to......

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rND Bakery: Beyond Wheat - theHumm November 2019

By Sebastian Weetabix

Wherein the hero is identified, a disease is defeated and medicinal food is defined. All this in a thousand words and one picture! (For those coming in late, see my column in the October 2019 issue). Our story resumes with the reminder that celiac disease is a real disorder, not a preference or a sensitivity. It can be difficult to diagnose but even a small amount of (wheat) gluten can be the source of much and long-lasting misery.

Wheat and wheat processing played a ......

...more

Mississippi Masala
Child Haven Fundraiser on November
- theHumm November 2019

It’s time again for Mississippi Masala — the fourth annual festive evening in support of Child Haven International. Come on out for an enjoyable social and cultural evening!

On Saturday, November 23, you can beat the chilly weather by immersing yourself in warm South Asian culture. The Carleton Place Curling Club will be transformed for the evening: draped in the rich colours of Indian fabrics and featuring talented young Kathak dancers from the Upsana Dance School. Enjoy a ......

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Deck the Small Halls
Special Music for the Holiday Season!
- theHumm November 2019

Get festive in small halls across Eastern Ontario! The Ontario Festival of Small Halls is bringing big names in music to even more special places this holiday season.

The Festival is growing its holiday offerings, presenting thirteen shows leading up to Christmas that include two Juno-nominated artists: the undeniable musical talent of Royal Wood, as well as the dynamic live performance and unforgettable harmonies of the Fortunate Ones. They are also delighted to bring back Còig, one of Atlantic Cana......

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2019 Heritage Perth Christmas House Tour
Fourteen Years of Holiday Cheer & Fundraising for Education and Literacy
- theHumm November 2019

By — Mary Rothfels

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Author, Author!
Lesley Choyce & Charlotte Gray in Almonte
- theHumm November 2019

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Come out on November 12 and celebrate the launch of his new novel, Broken Man on a Halifax Pier. It’s a tale of one man’s shipwrecked life and an unlikely crew of rescuers. Charles Howard has lost his jo......

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Holiday Fun with Robin Hood & the Babes in the Wood - theHumm November 2019

The above is the description of a pantomime according to Dictionary.com . Many folks who are unfamiliar with the genre mistakenly think there will be no talking, but the opposite couldn’t be more true. There is singing and dancing, and an important part of the pantomime experience is audience participation. We polite Canadians are reluctant to shout out at a show, but it is expected here! You MUST boo the baddies and cheer on the......

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Perth’s Nick of Time Show - theHumm November 2019

Perth’s longstanding Nick of Time artisan show is back again this year, taking place on Saturday, December 7 from 10am to 3:30pm in the historic McMartin House, located at 125 Gore Street East.

All three floors of the McMartin House will be packed full of the work of artisans who do their very best to tempt and tantalise with wonderful creations and tasty treats. Enjoy shopping in a festive atmosphere and leave the crowded shopping malls behind as you relax and enjoy all that ......

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Seeing RED at Strévé - theHumm November 2019

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Red is the colour of fire and blood, so it is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power and determination as well as passion, desire and love. Red is a very emotionally intense colour. For the months of November and December, we associate red with Remembrance Day poppies and festive holidays such as Ch......

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Folkus Heads into 2020 - theHumm November 2019

By — Sandy Irvin is the Artistic Director of the Folkus Concert Series

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A Complete Waste of Time - theHumm November 2019

By Glenda Jones

I’m not proud of it, but I can procrastinate along with the best of them. I try to follow the adage “spend time, don’t waste it”, but it’s a hard thing to do when the weather is crisp and bright,......

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Upcoming at Curious & Kind - theHumm November 2019

By — Danielle Grégoire

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Come to the Christmas Artisan Market! - theHumm November 2019

If you are looking for thoughtful one-of-a-kind gifts for this holiday season, the 2nd annual Christmas Artisan Market will be sure to please. Hosted by the Smiths Falls & District Arts &......

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The Life & Timesof Joe Perkins - theHumm November 2019

From the time he arrived in Perth in 1938 until the day he died in an Ottawa hospital in 1990, Joe Perkins was a dominant figure in the town of Perth. Part showman, part salesman, over the years ......

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Why Become an Activist?
(When You Would Rather Sit in a Rocking Chair)
- theHumm November 2019

By — Rose Tekel

The Boomers are now reaching what has been called “the golden years.” We harvest fruits of years of labour and are beyond the cares and responsibilities of the on-going problems of the world.

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Gifts of Art for $100 & Under - theHumm November 2019

It’s that time of year again — when you can find fun, affordable art for yourself or for others at the West Carleton Arts Society’s $100 and Under Show and Sale. More than 25 local artists and ar......

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Life Lessons
Or, How to Get the Gig and Keep It
- theHumm November 2019

By Tony Stuart

A former student who is currently studying Music at university was recently in to talk with me. I love having these opportunities to catch up, and truth be told, I would go back to school tomorro......

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Art and About - theHumm November 2019

By Miss Cellaneous

Spirit Seeds at MVTM

Spirit Seeds: A Celebration of Indigenous Beadwork explores historical and contemporary beadwork created by the indigenous people of the Great Lak......

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Where theBad-Asses Are… - theHumm November 2019

By Kelly Thompson

Someone recently asked me what would happen if I messed up at work. It was part of a job evaluation process, but it actually made me stop and think about that question. I replied that the questio......

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The Positive Impact ofVolunteering with SchoolBOX - theHumm November 2019

By — Alexandra Few

SchoolBOX is a registered charity in Canada and Nicaragua that is making education a possibility for children. Founded in 2006 by Tom Affleck, SchoolBOX was able to put two young girls from Nicar......

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All Aboard: Much Afoot in Smiths Falls - theHumm November 2019

By John Pigeau

When the inevitable chill and early dark of November set in, I turn to the most elemental of comforts: good books and warm sweaters, crockpot chili and grilled cheese sandwiches, movie marathons ......

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Living Stones Christmas Sale
- theHumm November 2019

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Guatemala Stove Project’s Annual Fundraising Dance - theHumm November 2019

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Remembering Reva Dolgoy - theHumm November 2019

By — Sonja Seiler

I first met Reva Dolgoy when I was a toddler. She was volunteering alongside my mother at the Victoria School Museum in Carleton Place and, being the keen little helper that I was, I would often ......

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Wintertime Cheer - theHumm November 2019

By — Barb Bottriell

If you’re looking for a way to start your Christmas season off in a happy, uplifting mood, you couldn’t do better than to come and enjoy a selection of beautiful carols and seasonal songs present......

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Christmas Fair at MERA - theHumm November 2019

The 17th annual MERA Christmas Fair will take place on November 23 from 9am to 3pm at the MERA Schoolhouse in McDonalds Corners. Come out to support local artisans, have a wonderful treat fr......

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That Happened in Carleton Place?!?!!
Mudds Present CP200+ Time to Remember
- theHumm November 2019

By — Jenny Pfitzer

If history helps us to discover our past, define our present and shape our future, then the CP200+ Time to Remember show gives you that and much more: drama, songs, smiles… and tears!

Join th......

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To See the Stars: Imagining a Life
A Reading from Jan Andrews’ Last Novel by Ellis Lynn Duschenes
- theHumm November 2019

By — Jane Ellens

On Saturday, November 16, there is a marvellous opportunity to celebrate Jan Andrews’ life as a writer, an internationally recognized storyteller, a rock climber, and a woman who lived her l......

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See Double Visionin Almonte! - theHumm November 2019

Canada’s Ultimate Foreigner tribute band, Double Vision, delivers all the hits you expect and more. Selling out audiences throughout Ottawa and the Southern Ontario areas, Double Vision recreates......

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Gift of Art Show & Sale - theHumm November 2019

This very popular show is back again, featuring works of art from some of Ottawa’s finest artists. The show features sculptors, painters, photographers, fabric artists and more. With free parking......

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