A tale of triumph often begins with a deceptively simple question: “What inspired your venture?”
For Jen Cutting, a Delaware County resident, the narrative unfolds with threads of reinvention, resilience, and the artistry of sourdough.
In June 2023, The Loaf Lab emerged, borne from a career in substance-use/recovery support - a labyrinth she both walked and guided others through.
Her business, The Loaf Lab, was propelled by a desire for solace from the tumult of her former profession.
After years of extending a helping hand to others, she found her own mental wellbeing faltering. Stepping away from her career, she embarked on a journey of self-preservation — one “knead” at a time.
While adept at crafting conventional baked goods like muffins and pies, mastering sourdough proved to be a laborious chore. Eight months of trial and error yielded a viable starter — a living amalgam of yeast and lactic acid bacteria, essential for leavening bread. Crafting the starter, a delicate fusion of flour and water left to ferment, mirrored the tenacity required for her personal sobriety journey.
She draws parallels between the patience demanded by sourdough and the resilience cultivated through sobriety. Each setback unveiled her determination — a metaphor for breadmaking.
Self-taught and determined, she immersed herself in a whirlwind of experimentation.
The cornerstone of her craft lies in the selection of premium bread flour, rich in protein — a testament to nurturing growth.
As The Loaf Lab grows, so does Jen’s repertoire and aspirations. From modest beginnings, she now orchestrates workshops and classes on sourdough starter and breadmaking, with an array of offerings ranging from cookies and bread to rolls and scones. Her marketing ingenuity is unconventional - suggesting sourdough-making classes as an alternative to traditional gatherings like bridal or baby showers.
For now, The Loaf Lab’s offerings grace the shelves of select locales, including Nightshade on Elm in Hancock and the Pretty Pretzel in Bainbridge. Her Maple Cheesecake S’mores and More cookies reign supreme, earning accolades in culinary competitions. Focaccia, baked in a variety of flavors and spices, remains a perennial favorite, alongside gluten-free delights like Blueberry Lemon and Strawberry White Chocolate scones and cookies.
For more information on upcoming classes and workshops email Cutting at theloaflab@gmail.com or find The Loaf Lab on Facebook and Instagram.
Cooking classes throughout the Catskills
Delaware County
Strickland Hollow Tasting Room, 70 Main Street, Delhi; Located in downtown Delhi Strickland Hollow also offers group and private cooking courses in the backroom of the shop. Each class takes an in-depth look at the processes, equipment, and ingredients used to make great meals. stricklandhollowfarm.com
Ulster County
Blue Cashew Homestead, 37b North Front Street, Kingston; bluecashewkitchen.com, 845-514-2300
Sullivan County
Natural Valley Kitchen, Jeffersonville; naturalvalleykitchen.com, naturalvalleykitchen@gmail.com
