Novel Breads Co. is an artisan bread bakery where bread and books are beautifully combined. Tucked in the undulating hills of Western Pennsylvania, this micro-bakery creates classic and novel flavor combinations through the use of exceptional, unique and local ingredients. Owned and operated by a single baker, Novel Breads Co. finds its inspiration in literature… so of course we had to know more!
We love the idea of Novel Bread Co.! Where’d you get the idea to combine books and bread?
I’d been interested in starting my own business for a number of years. At one point, I even looked into starting an independent bookstore… but realized I wanted to create my own products to sell. When I finally decided to start an artisan bread bakery in early 2017, I was kicking around the idea of what I could do that would be different than some of the other amazing bread bakers in the area. I really wanted to create a unique experience for customers. In brainstorming, my mother suggested I figure out a way to combine my interest in reading with baking bread. From this little kernel of a suggestion spawned Novel Breads Co. Plus, now I have a great excuse to read everyday… it’s part of my work and my creative method.
How do you combine books with your bread?
A number of my breads are named after the books that inspired them. I also do the reverse and create a bread… and then go on a search for a book that matches the character of the bread.
Another way I include the literary is by inserting poignant quotes into breads — I call these quotes “bread crumbs”. If I’m baking for a book festival, I’ll sometimes try to tie in quotes from some of the featured authors. Customers and businesses can special order bread crumb quotes if they’re giving the bread as a personalized gift, and authors can include quotes from their books as a fun way to market their books. I’ll sometimes sell the book that inspired the bread, too. I currently have copies of A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman.
For other breads, I like to do a little word play (“Don’t Cry Over Spelt Coconut” or “Getting a Rye…zzz Out of Beer Bread”.
In my monthly newsletter, I recommend and reference books and book-related events and special occasions. I also host the food-themed book club, Novel Breads Eaters and Readers, where bread is always present.
How do you select the books that inspire breads?
Intuition and inspiration are my guides.
I read a lot, so I have a lot of material from which to choose. It’s usually a book that’s touched me in some way; it’s a book that I can comfortably recommend to bread customers and fellow readers. I’m also fortunate to lead a book club (Novel Breads Eaters and Readers) and to participate in another book club, which exposes me to even more books. Shelf Awareness and Littsburgh are some of my favorite online sources. The library is a weekly “business” trip and I’m always open to suggestions!
What are some of the exciting bread/book pairings you’re working on?
I’m on the search for some great love stories to partner with my Love Muffins (sourdough English Muffins shaped like hearts) and some interesting outdoorsy, campfire stories to pair with my hearty Smoky Sweet Buckwheat. The new bread, Weylyn’s Firefly Honey Bread, is a steamed bread that I have in the works. It was inspired by the novel Beasts of Extraordinary Circumstance. As a big Fredrik Backman fan, I recently enjoyed his novel My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry. From the scene when Granny brings cinnamon buns and beer to her hospital room, I came up with Granny’s Rebellion Cinnamon Buns (made with beer).
Okay, we’re sold. Where can we find your breads?
Customers can order online at www.novelbreads.com for pickup or they can find breads at the locations listed on the website: Vintage Finds On Grand (Fridays & Saturdays during the winter; Wednesday-Saturday during the rest of the year); The Mars Farmers Market (Saturdays, 9-12 starting May 18); and The Enchanted Olive (Sundays 1-5pm). Also, follow Novel Breads Co. on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter to find the breads at regional events. Sign up for the monthly newsletter on the website to get business news (signup form can be found in the menu bar and here). I’m also working on offering shipping options for anyone in Pennsylvania!
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