
Mel’s Molasses Bread is an independent micro-bakery based in Beavercreek, Oregon. Melissa “Mel” Logan has been an amateur baker for over 20 years. She baked her first loaf of white bread as a first-year college student using a recipe from the Joy of Cooking book. To her surprise, it actually worked and her love of bread-baking was born.
Years later, Mel started eating molasses due to an iron deficiency. Blackstrap molasses is her favorite, which has 11% of the recommended daily value of iron in just one tablespoon. She tried making “molasses bread” with recipes from the internet, but none of them retained the flavor profile of the molasses itself.
In spring 2018, she decided to try again — this time with her own recipe. Mel blended a couple different molasses flavors, tinkered with ingredients and sizing, and the result is what you taste today! She debuted her bread to the public at the Beavercreek Craft Bazaar in November, at the Salem Holiday Market December, and is now starting monthly “bread drops” at sites in Portland, Salem, and Beavercreek, Oregon.
As a brand new business, your feedback is important! Please reach out to mel@melsmolasses.com and let her know how she’s doing.
FAQ
So, what does Mel’s Molasses Bread taste like?
Looking at it, you might think it’s a bitter rye bread or perhaps a sugary gingerbread, but the flavor profile is quite different from both. It’s a semi-sweet bread with a molasses-forward taste. Some people have likened it to “brown bread,” an old recipe with a few of the same ingredients. We’d love to hear how you describe it! Email mel@melsmolasses.com.
How long does it last? How should I store it?
It can last 3-7 days on counter depending on your environment – or make it last by storing in the fridge for 5-10 days. The colder it is, the longer it will last.
Our molasses bread also freezes well. First, slice the bread, spread evenly onto parchment paper, and put in the freezer for a few hours. Then put all into a freezer bag and store for 4-6 months. When you’re ready to eat, defrost in the fridge or pop it into the toaster! You can also freeze the entire loaf. When you’re ready to eat, put it in the fridge to defrost.
Is there added sugar? Is it organic?
There are NO artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or ingredients and NO added sugar of any kind – molasses is the only sweetener! We are aiming to get certified organic and non-GMO in 2019 also, so stay tuned.
Do you offer gluten-free and/or dairy-free bread?
We don’t have these options right now, but plan to add a gluten-free option toward the end of 2019. Dairy-free hasn’t been requested as often, but perhaps down the line we will add it. If this is something you’d like, please email mel@melsmolasses.com to let her know.
What if there’s a problem with my order?
Food cannot be returned, but please contact me if you have any problems with your order.