Today I thought I would share a couple of sources for local baked goods.

 

These are small, independent bakeries who make an effort to use local ingredients; the flour is usually not local, because there is no source of grain local to Maryland (at least, not on the scale which a commercial baker requires!)  Still, anything you can do to support a small, local business is far preferable to buying mass-produced, preservative-laden bread that's been shipped across the country (or farther!) to your grocery store.

 

Here's where I buy bread:

 

1) The Breadery in Ellicott City. (Their site is temporarily down; according to an employee, it should be up within a week.) Their bread is in a class of its own, largely because they grind their own wheat on a stone mill at the bakery -- so it's impeccably fresh.  They bake on a rotating schedule, so you can get white or wheat any day of the week, but challah only on Fridays (and boy, is it worth the wait.) They also make muffins, quick breads (cake-type loaves, like orange-cranberry) and cinnamon rolls that are out of this world.

 

2) Atwater's in Baltimore (3 different locations.)  Also fantastic bread; they have the added advantage of also offering amazing from-scratch soups and salads, local cheeses and milk, and a dazzling array of homemade cakes, pies and pastries. If you have the misfortune to try some of their cherry-chocolate granola, I'm sorry to say you will never be satisfied with anything else.

 

3) Faith & Me Baked Goods in Catonsville.  I like this place because it's family-owned and operated; it has an unhurried atmosphere and a very easygoing and personable owner who will probably be around, if not working the counter, every time you visit.  They also make pies and cakes (including wedding cakes,) wonderful breakfast pastries, and a few lunch items -- cold salads, warm quiches and, of course, bread!

 

Those are my top three, but I'm sure there are more. Where do you buy bread in Baltimore?