While looking up a word, Cyndie made a brilliant discovery...

My wife Cyndie and I learned long ago that the key to understanding any subject is to make sure you look up and define any words you don't know the meaning of. This includes learning all of the definitions (and any words in the definitions which may also need to be defined) and the etymology (language history) of the words. I've found the etymology (or derivation, as it is also called) to be a fascinating study in and of itself. Case in point is today's opening article. 

Cyndie was looking up another word when she came across the word "lady" in the dictionary. While she was on that page, she checked out the derivation of the word. Wow... Then she looked up "lord" and the derivation was another wow. Both words are based upon, of all things, BREAD! I asked ChatGPT to summarize this connection and here is the result:

The words "lady" and "lord" have intriguing etymological roots that connect them to bread, highlighting the significance of bread in medieval society.

• Lady: The word "lady" originates from the Old English term "hlǣfdige," which combines "hlāf" (meaning "loaf" or "bread") and "dige" (related to kneading or making). Thus, "hlǣfdige" essentially means "bread kneader" or "bread maker," reflecting the lady's role in managing the household and ensuring the provision of bread.
• Lord: The term "lord" comes from the Old English word "hlāford," a contraction of "hlāfweard," which combines "hlāf" (loaf) and "weard" (guardian or keeper). Therefore, "hlāfweard" means "guardian of the bread," indicating the lord's responsibility for providing sustenance and protection for those under his care.

These etymological origins underscore the centrality of bread in medieval life and the roles of the lady and lord in the household and broader community.

I guess that makes all of us sourdough lovers Royals in a way. Interestingly, since we do all the work of making the bread for you (though actual kneading isn't part of the process), you get to be Lords and Ladies and keepers of the bread! Of course, keeping the bread from being eaten by those who would eat a whole loaf in a day given the chance, requires ruling with a firm but gentle hand.

So kick back on your throne, survey the dinner table, then raise your hand to signal it's time for the feasting to begin!


Breaducation: Dr. William Li on Sourdough and Cancer

Recently posted on Instagram, here's some AMAZING Information from Dr. Willaim Li about the beneficial lactic acid bacteria in sourdough and its relationship to your gut microbiome! There's an anti-cancer benefit as well. Click/tap the above image to watch the short clip (turn on sound).


Memorial Day Weekend: It Ain't Summer, yet...

Traditionally, Memorial Day weekend is supposed to be the kick-off for summer weather and BBQ season. Well... according to the above forecast, although it should be sunny and warm during the day, we've got a few nights of sub-50 lows coming. So stock up on Breadness because ya never know when you might get a hankerin' for a late-night bite!

If you do fire up the grill, Go Bun-less with Breadness! Hot dogs, sausages and burgers all get elevated to Royal status atop a throne of our artisan sourdough. And your microbiome will thank you for having a bio-friendly bread with your protein...

This Week's Breadness...

Here's what breads are available this week:

> Artisan Sourdough Country Loaves (full-size boule, batard and petite)
> Cinnamon Raisin Maple Pecan Sourdough Loaves (full-size and petite)
> Artisan Sourdough Crisps (Naked, Tuscan Herb, Smoked, Cinnamon Raisin Maple Pecan)

Order the above (and any of our other artisan products) at breadness.com/#shop. If a product is visible in the online shop, it's in stock. If you don't see a product in the online shop, it's sold out (but we might be making more, in which case the counter will be set to the available quantity).

Also, we can slice your bread(s) different thicknesses. Our most popular are Medium (about 5/8") and Thin (about 3/8") but we can do in between as well. Just ask! If ordering on line, enter your slicing preference(s) in the Special Instructions box during Checkout.

And Remember... we also carry the finest and freshest Organic Olive Oils from Ojai, Aged Balsamics from Modena, Jamazing Jams from Laura Ann in Eagle Rock, Solar Grown Honey Spreads from Clif Family in Napa, Tasty Tapenades from Lisa Grabow in Pasadena, and the Best Butters from Raw Farm in Fresno.

Do we ship? Absolutely! 
If you (or someone you wish to gift) live within 120 miles of Los Angeles, we can ship on Wednesday or Thursday (via UPS Ground) and in most cases your Breadness Box will arrive on Thursday or Friday. Place your order before Wednesday morning here. If you live outside of So Cal, we can now ship 2-Day Air (or Ground service) on Wednesday (unsliced bread) for Friday delivery (orders that require 2-Day Air shipping must be in by Wednesday morning!). Join our growing list of nationwide customers who look forward to receiving their Breadness deliveries on a regular basis!

Connect with us...
Random Acts of Breadness is located at 2214 West Magnolia Blvd. in Burbank (2-1/2 blocks east of Buena Vista on the south side of the street). Come to the bakery and sample our artisan wares, or order on line for bakery pickup, or have Breadness delivered or shipped to your door. You may also order by phone at 818-562-7303 and pay when you come pick it up. We're open Thursday, Friday & Saturday 12 to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.