TheBurg

01.21 | THEBURGNEWS.COM | 31 "We mill them for flour for our bread," said Shana. Bread choices include wheat, rye, sourdough, European rustic and darker breads, which are crusty on the outside and chewy on the inside, with the French bâtard being the most popular. "People also love our fruit and nut breads," Shana said. Cheese is sourced from Caputo Brothers in York. "We have ricotta salata, aged ricotta, provolone and mozzarella," she said. During warmer weather, the couple encourages customers to stay awhile and enjoy an old- fashioned, yet upscale picnic. "We sell a grazing board, which includes a variety of meats, cheeses, breads, pickles and spreads for $11 a person," Shana said. To make things extra fancy, customers can bring along vases and purchase a bouquet from Carlisle- based Roots Cut Flower Farm. MANY THINGS Cathie Jenkins has been a fan of the couple's artisanal breads since being introduced to the products at Farmers on the Square in Carlisle. "Having spent time in Europe, we missed the hearty, nutritious bread we had learned to enjoy there," Jenkins said. "rough snow and ice and frigid weather, Joe and Shana kept us supplied with their tasty creations." She said that she has watched the couple perfect their craft over the years, even going so far as to order a mill from Austria to process locally sourced grains, with some grown on their own farm. Jenkins said that she is thrilled that the business now is closer to her home. Customer Liz Dete, a twice-a-week customer, is equally as satisfied, saying that the business is many things to many people. "For my husband George and me, it's a coffee shop for coffee, a chocolate chip cookie and lingering outside at a picnic table," she said. "It's a grocery store for house-made egg and chicken salad, locally pickled red beets, house-made sweet slaw and local granola." Dete said that she also buys her cheeses, produce and baked goods at Talking Breads. e Amsterdams currently raise chickens and cows on their 26 acres and live in the house located behind the business. ey eventually want to connect the two buildings and hold workshops and classes and add café seating. Future plans include planting more fruit trees, perennials and flowers, and they talk of making their own products for their charcuterie boards. "Salami is not available locally now because we can't find anyone who does USDA charcuterie in the area," Shana said. "To sell cured meats wholesale, you need a federally inspected facility, which involves a lot," Joe added. e couple employs nine workers, and they expect to bring on additional help as they expand. "Every day is different," Shana said. "One day, I'll be baking and shaping bread or weeding the garden or moving the cows. It keeps things interesting, and watching the community come together and embrace us as they have has been very gratifying." Talking Breads is located at 1619 W. Lisburn Rd., Mechanicsburg (Monroe Township). For more information, visit www.talkingbreadsbakery.com or their Facebook page. Picnic area at Talking Breads

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