The sacred art of making bread

“I love making bread. Every day is different. You always have to feel your dough, the atmosphere in the kitchen, the temperature, the humidity.”

—Philippe

Philippe Farrugia is a master French baker. He and his wife, Kathleen, have a little shop in Grand Island called A Wish or Two Ago French Bakery & Market Place. When you look through the window, you see lace and home décor items. When you open the door, you are hit with a most amazing aroma. It is a combination of what has been in the oven all morning—bread, croissants, patisseries, cheesecake, cinnamon rolls (a nod to Americans), cookies, macaroons, biscotti, and other wonderful treats.

Philippe was only 10 when he began working in a bakery during summers. His cousin owned four bakeries in London. His vast experience is what makes him a master baker.

The avid baker makes 20 different types of bread, and Kathleen tells you immediately they are prepared with the healthiest ingredients.

“We believe this is really a ministry that Jesus has chosen us to do, especially with all the stuff going on with gluten free,” Kathleen says. “What happens is anything involving dough with enriching, bromating, and bleaching of the flours, all this goes through the body and it causes problems.”

She says even the government has said all ingredients must be listed, but with whole, complex ingredients, the list is small.

“Jesus is the bread of life. He broke bread at the table and said, ‘Partake of this; this is my body.’ He also multiplied the bread, so we know bread is important to us,” Kathleen says. “That’s why we are working here to repair the reputation of bread.”

Their bread is made without any additives, chemicals, or synthetic ingredients. And with flavors like kalamata olive, cinnamon raisin, rye, nine-grain, sourdough, and even what they call “God bread,” you know you’re getting good, healthy food that will sustain your body.

Throughout the shop, you’ll see names stuck to various items hanging from the ceiling. These names are from people who have left prayer requests for the couple, so their ministry not only feeds the stomach; it feeds the soul.