The Story Behind Anchored Homestead
In August of 2020, we moved into our new home in Newtown, CT, whose rich agricultural history dates back to 1708. By 1710, the initial proprietors were farmers being second and third generation immigrants from Britain who moved to the interior of the state where land was more plentiful and larger farms could be built. The homes were typically a saltbox or a one and a half story cottage. In back of their dwelling, a barn and other small outbuildings such as privies, were soon erected, and small gardens were laid out for growing vegetables and herbs. Further back, an orchard was planted.*
Our new home was built on pastureland & abundant to say the least were the prospects of things to come! But like innumerable other people during that ill-fated year, I found myself working from home. While this was a complete disruption to my usual routine, I was able to spend more time outdoors, tending to my garden, flowers and home.
I've always had a love for baking & making sourdough bread had long been on my list of culinary endeavors, but I was too intimidated by the process. Despite the countless hours of researching, my first sourdough boule was baked & despite my best efforts, it was unimpressive, homely & dense, but it tasted insanely delicious! I was proud, and more importantly, I was hooked and down the rabbit hole I went!
I began to researching & well, stalking several influential sourdough bakers online, bought & read several books, scoured the Internet for answers to my never ending questions. I continued to experiment, failed & tried again & again. Determined to continuously learn & better my skills, I would gift a lot of bread to family, friends, neighbors as I was baking more than we could eat.
Eventually, my skills and knowledge gave me the idea & confidence to become a Cottage Food Operator (CFO), allowing me to bake from home with certain requirements and sell directly to consumers from my home (farmers' markets, a farm stand and special events). My homesteading journey took on a whole new life with this new knowledge.
Anchored Homestead was born on January 7, 2025. I am a Certified Food Protection Manager, licensed and insured to share my love and passion from my home. At Anchored Homestead, not only will you find sourdough bread & baked goods, but infused salts and sugars, jams, jellies and various seasonal offerings.
Welcome to Anchored Homestead ~ I'm so glad you're here & I hope you'll enjoy this adventure with me!
*Source: Newtown Historical Society
