-
141 Petaluma Boulevard North, PetalumaPH: 707-763-0161Services Offered:- Outdoor Seating
One of Sonoma County's famous bakeries, Della Fattoria is a must-stop for travelers in Petaluma or heading through on their way to the wineries: “First you chop the wood.” This was the original name of our little bakery. We wanted our customers to have a sense of stepping back into time, to have an archeological experience of tasting bread as it once must have been, ancestral breads, almost lost art breads. But as a name, it was a little awkward, so here is our story. A Word About Our Method We bake in brick ovens heated with wood fires that are started the day before the bake and allowed to burn for around twelve hours. The ovens are swept out and sealed up allowing the heat to disperse evenly throughout the oven for another six to eight hours. The hand-shaped loaves are baked directly on the hearth, using the heat that has been stored in the bricks. This is called “retained heat” since once we start baking there is no opportunity to add more heat to the oven. Instead of using commercial yeast, we use a natural starter. Our original started was made a number of years ago with organic flour, water, and Weber Ranch grapes; a concoction that was allowed to ferment in a controlled environment until the perfect acid balance and healthy bacteria were created. We keep it alive by refreshing it two to three times a day with organic flour and water. This contributes greatly to the flavor, texture, digestibility and keeping quality of our breads.
