seattle...

Hi Dave,
Do you have any stores in the Seattle area of Washington that sell your bread?
Thanks, Judith


Hi Judith...not yet, but we have lots of interest. QFC has contacted us, but we aren't ready to meet the demand. Stay tuned!

cut the crap, slacker...

This one's for those who've been in the "planning" stage of an exercise regimen for anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of decades. If you have plans of blog-hopping, Internet shopping, or eating a half a loaf of Good Seed Bread (like me) as your next activity, I submit to you a challenge: Whatever is the most vigorous exercise you are capable of performing, do it now. If walking 50 yards is more than you've done in 6 months, walk 50 yards now. Better yet, walk a lot more than 50 yards. If you can, run around the block. Get a couple of miles on your old 10-speed bike. Start now, feel good about getting started, and do it again tomorrow. Before very long, you'll need to increase your level of exertion. Once you get in the habit, you won't want to ever go back. I guarantee that you will get the results you earn.
For me, one of the secrets to success in such an endeavor is to not expect too much from yourself at the beginning. To be real, I haven't been "totally" out-of-shape in many years. The worst was in the mid 90's, when I was deep in the meth sack and unaware of just how much harm I was doing to myself. The reality check wouldn't come until I was jumping out of a car and waddling as fast as I could to get away from a pursuing cop. I would often get away, simply because most cops don't want to work that hard. But when they finally put me away this last time (in '97), I had found a new low in every imaginable way. And my body was shot, baby.

I got really healthy in prison, but as I approached my mid-40's, I started experiencing more and more pain and swelling in my joints. It appears that I have mild psoriatic arthritis, and some of the things that were easy and painless not too many years ago have become difficult, if not downright torture. Like running. Remember running? Well, I don't run anymore (and if I leave the drugs and crime alone, I probably won't have to.).

Now I am the happy owner of a fine elliptical trainer. After a short (5 set) daily weight-training session, I move on to a high-level (for me anyway) 50-minute workout on the elliptical. This has been the game plan for the past several weeks, and during this time I have seen the kind of results I experienced as a younger man with running. I don't have a scale at home, but I have a wall-size workout-room mirror that tells me no lies. The love handles are reduced and the muscle looks harder and more defined. I have incredible energy and I'm told that I brighten every room I enter (b.s. alert!). I am still hideously unattractive, but poised. This is what exercise can do for you!

Again, my challenge: get started now. Do anything more strenuous than you're used to. Feel good about making that start, and do even better tomorrow, and so on.

feeling the love in corvallis...

They rolled out the red carpet for me at 1rst Alternative Co-op in Corvallis as I gave folks their first chance to try all nine varieties of Dave's Killer Bread. Many of them had tried one or more already, and they made me feel very much at home.
I'm hoping that others here in Portland and elsewhere will see the light and use DKB in their restaurants and sandwich shops. It's working out very well for my friends in Corvallis.

it's really not all about me...

Yep, I am no different than my cats. I love attention. These pictures represent ideas we are working on for 2 new "Dave's Killer Bread" delivery trucks.
The wanted poster would go on the back door and the "line-up" would be on the side.
We welcome your feedback...

and another killer testimonial...

Dave,

I have emailed you before. Great job with the bread. Nice to see an individual meld wholesome food and smart business with environmental concerns. I hope you are making a ton of money. It is simply excellent!

Just a note to you that I have not purchased another brand of bread for well over a year. I pay the premium, but it is worth it.

Put this note in your comments on your website.

BUY DAVE'S BREAD

Leif Anderson
SE Portland

the part that bread plays...

Hi Dave,

I'd like to share a bit of my story. I recently had intestinal surgery. I am recovering as I write this.

I haven't been very hungry or able to eat alot anyway, and I was supposed to stay away from nuts and seeds for a while. My husband bought a loaf of your bread at our local co-op and it fits perfectly with my current diet. There are mornings, or when my stomach is upset, or at night when I need a little snack, that all I want is a piece of toast. And it's your bread that I have been eating.

I never read the complete label until just the other day, and your story really touched me. I have a 28 year old son who has been in and out of jail and prison for the past 8 years (drugs, etc.). He's currently out but if he breaks the law one more time he's looking at some serious time. When I read your bread label, standing in my kitchen, finding comfort in my piece of toast, it made me smile. I am always happy to see that, no matter what, we always get a second chance as long as we are living and breathing. My hats off to you, Dave, for your successes!

My surgery was supposed to be basically routine, but to the surprise of the doctors, they found cancer. We're not entirely sure how extensive it is at this time, and of course, it's too soon to know how successful treatment will be. I will start chemotherapy in a couple of weeks. I know that, should I have days when I don't feel like eating or my stomach is upset, I will probably only want toast.

May we never underestimate what impact we are having on others, even in the seemingly insignificant, unseen ways. Keep up the good work, Dave, and as long as your bread is on the market, we'll be buying it!


Sincerely,
Jane Easton
Corvallis, Oregon

oh yeah...

If you are intersted in reading a "story-ad" that I wrote for February's Natural Awakenings Magazine, here is the link: http://www.naportland.com/images/Feb07Issue.pdf

help!!!

http://www.polarastudios.com/Dave_NB

Once again, we at Dave's Killer Bread can't make up our minds. We are asking everyone's help deciding which of the photos (click the above link) is going to go on the new Dave's trucks, which'll soon be roaming the streets from P-town to Eugene.

Give me your recommendations via email at:

dave@daveskillerbread.com

Oh yeah...just one thing. we won't be using any of the guitar shots.

thanks, kelly...

Hey Dave,

Your bread rocks! I just tried it for the first time a week or so ago. Specifically, I have thoroughly enjoyed your Powerseed bread. I read your testimonial on the back of the bag as well, and I’m inspired. Way to go Dave, your bread is awesome! : )

Keep up the good work!

Devoted fan,
Kelley Liesinger
P.S. I’ve been telling everyone about your bread, even people in California. I think it’s pretty cool that this great bread comes from right here in Portland! (Oh, and I have been purchasing it at Fred Meyer. Thanks for having them carry it there.)

cherokee wisdom...

Two Wolves

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a
battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son,
the battle is between two 'wolves' inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret,
greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment
inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope,
serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence,
empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute
and then asked his grandfather,
"Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

peace bombs, and other subjects.

Is it possible for a raging workaholic to enjoy himself away from the work site? I believe that the answer is that for a true workaholic, the whole world is his work site. It's Saturday, my day off during the Portland Farmers' Market's off-season. So the first thing I did today was spend a couple of hours answering, clearing, and filing my Outlook inbox. My load thus lightened, I climbed on my elliptical trainer, presumably burning 1313 calories while watching a DVD of the late, great Stevie Ray Vaughn in concert. If I'm not mistaken, there has never been a finer musical performer, ever. This guy lived his life to be great. He must have made many sacrifices in other areas as he devoted himself to attaining such a level of virtuosity.

Who has time for that?

My friend, Than Clevinger http://www.tridentblog.blogspot.com pointed me to a cool internet page about "how to be creative" http://www.gapingvoid.com/Moveable_Type/archives/000876.html and it made me feel pretty doggone good about what I've done, what I'm up to now, and what I can hope to accomplish in the future. Soothing and uplifting food-for-thought for a workoholic on a mission.

And my mission? Well, it's about making great bread, and having a great time doing it. And a whole lot more, but I'm not going to beat myself up about it if I don't get to everything.

Toward the end of making the best bread, we at NatureBake got our second visit from Zia McCabe and her 2-year-old daughter, Matilda yesterday. Zia, from the Dandy Warhols dandywarhols.com is my celebrity guinea pig, who's giving lots of good feedback on my new light bread made from sprouted wheat. The Dandy's got a few shows lined up, one of which my brother Glenn and I will be attending in Eugene on March 1rst.

I've got other guinea pigs, too. Over the past 18 wonderful months, I've met some very supportive folks, who are always willing to take some time to test and give honest feedback about my projects. Not being an overly-social cat, my bread gets me out of my shell. I'm very grateful to have found this simple, straighforward path.

And if you're wondering what the new cartoon (Ryan Alexander-Tanner) is all about, it's for the back label of our new "Peace Bomb", which I introduced toward the end of last year's farmers' market season, without a label. It will also be a sprouted wheat offering, as a baguette.

The best bread, and lots of fun. My mission continues...

a real nice testimonial...

Dave,
I have nothing to ask you, just two comments.
1) I am one of those that appreciates your support of KPOJ (620AM). I am also one of those people reached by your ads on-air, and your video clip on the KPOJ website (just a note to let you know that your advertising dollars are working!).
2) I'm glad I DID hear you ad. This is some of the best blinking bread I have ever had. Slightly sweet, nutty, awesome. I can say that I finally have found a bread that is more than a vehicle to get sandwitch fillings into my face. Actually - now that I think about it, I have yet to make a sandwich. I keep eating it straight-up.
Let's see - local small company; wholesome, organic breads (that *are* killer); ex-con working hard and doing well; and an apparent love of raccoons. You have found another loyal customer. Thanks, and keep up the killer work.
Peace - Shawn R
NE Portland, OR

on track again

I'm writing in-between sets of shoulder-presses on my new Olympic weight set, luxurious after years of making due with whatever's around. Exercise has long been my most-effective daily recharger, and now, I'm doing it more in style.
I also went on ebay and found a $1900 elliptical trainer for $400, which I promptly had to invest another 3 bills on to replace a defective part. Still, $700 later, I have what I need to get my cardio. I used to run, but my joints are not quite what they used to be, with psoriatic arthritis compromising my toughness (some of the daily wrecks I used to get into as a wild druggie would shatter my bones now). The elliptical has brought the cardio high back into my life. I am very grateful.
If this is your first time reading my blog, you may not know that one of my current missions is to make a "killer light" bread, which for the most part, will mean smaller and thinner servings, but will also be made with only the most nutritious of tasty grains, seeds, fiber, and organic sweeteners. There are lots of challenges here, and many questions to answer. That's why I have enlisted the aid of one Zia McCabe, the lovely and not-shy keyboardist/bassist for the great P-town band of world renoun, The Dandy Warhols. In fact, I began this light killer bread errand at her request, among others.
So, I have one celebrity tester as well as several other beautiful women (yep, it seems that women are the only ones who understand or care about what I'm doing here) guinea pigs. Oh, the drudgery...
Light bread is a nice idea for keeping trim, but for me, it's more about that exercise habit. A half hour with the weights, and another 45 minutes (less, when I reach my target leanness) on the trainer, and a great day is guaranteed! Time to get back to work...

p.s. If I can make a successful comeback, so can you! My advice: get of your butt, go down to the local fitness machine store and order an elliptical trainer (or just check them out, and buy a used one, like I did.). The guys down at Northwest Fitness on Sandy/Burnside will do you right, even if one is a cop on disability. They fixed my elliptical, and were very nice about it.
Anyhow, eating right is only part if the recipe for making a comeback. The rewards you get from exercise are precious beyond any words I can give you.

Zia's Visit

Ever hear of the Dandy Warhols? Of course, you have! Well, my favorite Dandy, the lovely Zia McCabe, made an appearance at NatureBake in Northeast Portland last Thursday. She brought her toddler daughter, Matilda, and she toured the bakery with my brother Glenn and I.
The reason for her visit was that she is a big killer bread fan and she's one of those who has asked me to create a delicious, nutritious, low-calorie bread. If you've been reading this blog (which is extremely unlikely), you know that that is something I am currently committed to.
That day, I had gotten up plenty early and made 4 batches of "killer light", all made with sprouted wheat and without flour, but each batch slightly different from the others. The intention was for Zia to be my celebrity guinea pig, and to write about it all in this blog. Also, I intend to create a new bread character who is female, plays keyboards, and wears Zia glasses. And name the new light bread in the lady's honor.
As the loaves were cooling on the rack, I left the bakery to take care of something at my home, and when I returned I was informed that all of my test bread had been sliced and wrapped and sitting on a table for me. I appreciated the help, only now, instead of 4 batches, I had one.
Well, the bread was all good, and some of it was better. But who knows which?
The good news? Zia's coming back to the bakery. We'll try this again.

More love for Dave's Bread in Foodday (includes recipe!)

Clay-Cooked Chicken and Vegetables
Whiskwise
Chipotle powder is his secret ingredient, and chicken is the mainstay meat for this cook Ever wonder what inspires today's great cooks? This column takes a look at some of the best in our area, featuring a little about their backgrounds, culinary likes and dislikes and favorite quick recipes. Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Name: Roger L. Taylor

City: Beaverton

Age: 65

Occupation: Retired from Intel in June after 24 years in facilities maintenance.

Favorite cookbook: A 1969 copy of "Arizona Homemakers Cookbook" with buffalo, javelina (wild pig) and rattlesnake stew recipes; I found it in an old-time food market when I lived in Tempe, Ariz.

Fondest food memory: My mom's hand-pampered/hammered breaded veal cutlets, served with pearl onions in cream sauce, sauteed shallots, butter beans and creamed cauliflower bits with homemade buttermilk biscuits.

First meal you ever prepared: Apple crisp in my high school cooking class for a "Serve the Teachers Day." The entire dinner, including my apple crisp, turned out great. The edible results surprised even the teachers, and the event made the school yearbook.

Best meal you ever prepared: Turkey tortilla soup, a recipe from Sunset magazine, for my wife's family. I was a new member of the family, and they all loved it, even with the "spicy" tone it had.

One food you couldn't live without: Chicken, any way it's cooked.

Favorite recent food find: Dave's Killer Bread, a line of organic breads sold at the Beaverton Farmers Market and local stores. Dave Dahl, whose company's slogan is, "Just say no to bread on drugs," also has an interesting and sincere story about overcoming substance abuse.

Offbeat item you always have on hand: Chipotle chile powder. I use it in my spicy pecans, soups and on grilled chicken.

If you were an herb or spice, what would you be? Oregano. It's a delicate, ancient herb that's enjoyable to cook with. You hold it in your hands and crush it as you use it to prepare a meal with love.

Favorite guilty pleasure food: Jelly Belly malted milk balls.

Favorite Portland restaurant: Tabla, a quiet eastside corner restaurant that is owned and run by a dear friend of my wife; the menu is Mediterranean bistro and offers a variety of pasta and meat dishes. My favorites are a maitake mushroom flan; tajarin pasta with truffle butter; and bison short ribs with braised porcini mushrooms. Great wines, too.

Most memorable food fiasco: Pumpkin biscuits, from Sunset magazine. I misread the recipe and used baking soda instead of powder. It was saltier than New England dried cod.

If you could invite anyone to dinner, who would it be? Paula Deen, from the Food Network channel, because she overcame agoraphobia (fear of outdoors/open spaces) and has grown to make food preparation and meals from her heart. I'd also invite my three sisters-in-law, as they are superb "new recipe" users and never fail to amaze us at any meal.

Favorite quick/easy recipe:

Clay-Cooked Chicken and Vegetables
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Makes 4 servings

This freezes well for great rainy-day leftovers. Be sure to allow time to pre-soak the clay cooker before starting recipe. Serve the chicken hot with chunks of Dave's Killer Bread, available (seasonally) at Beaverton Farmers Market and stores that carry natural foods.


1 whole chicken, about 31/2 pounds (or chicken parts)
Olive oil
1 large onion, quartered
3 8-inch stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (divided)
1 large red onion, cut in 1/4-inch dice
1 12- to 16-ounce package baby carrots
16 whole fingerling potatoes
10 to 12 whole, small and peeled mushrooms, stems removed (see note)
2 cups canned chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder or to taste
1 medium shallot, cut in 1/4-inch dice
Salt and pepper
1 rounded teaspoon dried leaf oregano (not ground oregano; add more if you're an oregano lover)

Another Testimonial

---------------

From: Diane (last name withheld)
Sent: Tuesday, January 30, 2007 2:30 PM
To: dave@daveskillerbread.com
Subject: Yet another testimonial

 


Dear Dave:


I am not from this area. I am visiting relatives before heading to New Zealand and beyond to do volunteer work.  Last Wednesday I was driving my uncle's car down the street ( kind, generous relatives!) on Halsey, when I spotted the sandwich board "best bread in Portland".  I drove past, and decided I should check it out, and found my way back to your factory.  Ah, the power of good advertising!


 


I bought a loaf of Nuts and Grains bread, and a pack of cranberry orange muffins, after sampling them in the store. (free samples, the best marketing tool every invented). I  ate a slice of bread in the car, and was impressed. Now,  6 days later, your bread is still just as moist and delicious. I have now decided that your bread is the best bread I have ever eaten, and I have eaten bread in at least 25 countries around the world.  The muffins have proven to be too heavy to eat a whole one in one sitting, but in smaller doses, are magnificent as well.


 


I have made a couple new local converts for you, and now it is time to fly.  I look forward to the day you license someone in New Zealand to make your bread for you there.  You will have a good market there as well as the US.


 


And sincere congratulations on leaving your past life for something so much better.  Your brother loves you very, very much.


Sincerely,


Diane