Christmas boost for Portstewart bakery as demand grows for traditional wheaten bread
A small Portstewart bakery is gearing up production of wheaten breads one of the traditional Christmas dinner favourites.
Baker Lynne Gardner, owner of Amazin’ Grazin’ in County Londonderry town, has developed a delicious range of a traditional breads that have become especially popular with food market shoppers at Christmas, as well as at other times of year.
An experienced school cook, Lynne created a small part-time business in 2016 based on her expertise in producing premium quality breads, which she sells at local food markets, including the big Causeway Speciality Market in Coleraine, and also for delis in the region.
“Christmas is easily my busiest time of the year. Everyone seems to insist on wheaten bread for the family dinner, especially with a warming soup,” Lynne says.
Lynne’s creations include wheatens with Guinness. Irish Whiskey, date and apple and cranberry and walnut. The range includes gluten-free and sugar-free options.
The tasty breads are all handmade in her home kitchen. She has also produced a beer wheaten using Rathlin Red Ale, a local craft ale from Ballycastle in county Antrim.
“I’ve been baking wheatens for many years,” she adds. A hugely
positive response from family and friends led me to start selling at
markets and to become a member of the Taste Causeway organisation which promotes artisans in the area,” she continues
Her wheatens have also been recognised for quality and outstanding taste in the UK Great Taste Awards over the years.
She’s a baker by trade who has managed restaurants in the seaside town and has created the artisan bakery business out of her love of baking and especially wheaten bread, sometimes known as brown soda.
“Nothing beats a slice of homemade wheaten bread. It’s delicious when served warm from the oven, or toasted for a tasty snack or breakfast.
“What I’ve been doing is to introduce different flavour options,” she adds.