Hi Friend,

Can I save you a little frustration?

If you're new to fresh milled flour, it can be so tempting to jump straight into baking a beautiful loaf of bread.

I completely understand.

When most of us picture milling our own flour, we picture a warm loaf sitting on the counter with butter melting into the top.

But if I could sit across the kitchen table from you today, I'd probably tell you to start somewhere else.

​Start with pancakes.​

​Or muffins.​

​Maybe cookies.​

Why?

Because I want your first experience with fresh milled flour to feel like a win.

Bread has so many moving parts—kneading, proofing, hydration, timing—that it can be discouraging when you're still learning how fresh milled flour behaves.

​Pancakes don't ask nearly as much of you.​

​Neither do muffins.​

You still get to enjoy the flavor, the freshness, and the satisfaction of using flour you milled yourself... but with a much better chance of thinking,

"That was easier than I expected."

And that's exactly what I want for you.

Not perfection.

Confidence.

One recipe at a time.

I think we put so much pressure on ourselves to master a new skill overnight.

But learning to bake with fresh milled flour is just like learning anything else.

You don't become confident because you read about it.

You become confident because you keep showing up.

​One batch of pancakes.​

​One tray of muffins.​

​One pan of cornbread.​

One small win after another.

Before you know it, you'll look back and realize the thing that once felt intimidating has become second nature.

If you're looking for a place to begin this week, I'd love to encourage you to pick one simple recipe.

Not because you need to impress anyone.

Not because your kitchen has to look perfect.

Just because every time you mill flour and make something for the people you love, you're building confidence.

And that's worth celebrating.

I'm cheering you on.

Love,

Dana

​P.S. If you're looking for a simple place to start, my Fresh Milled Flour Jumpstart guide walks you through the basics and includes some of my favorite beginner-friendly recipes. If you haven't downloaded it yet, you can grab it here.