Polka’s Mandi Hough is the new bread baker in town

GRAAFF-REINET — Mandi Hough, a qualified chef with more than 16 years’ experience in the industry, can pinpoint the exact moment that validated her decision to dedicate her time to creating healthy and wholesome bread.

“I never knew how entrenched baking bread could be in a human being until I started devoting my days to the kneading, rising, and tending of artisan bread”, Hough said.

Hough is a relatively new inhabitant of Graaff-reinet having moved here only two months ago. Originally from Botswana, Hough discovered her passion for baking bread while in Franschoek and has been actively perfecting this craft ever since.

Since her arrival in Graaff-reinet, she began baking, earning a cult following for her ciabatta and rye loaves among other.

Hough - having been approached by Hestie van der Mescht, Polka’s proprietor, to bake for her restaurant - has now established her bakery at this Somerset Street restaurant, which means her crusty, freshly-baked loaves can be now be sourced on a daily basis from Polka to be enjoyed at home.

The bread created by Hough can only be described as artisan - a word which sums up just how much attention Hough gives to the bread she creates - this entails the long, traditional processes she uses, the way she closely monitors every single handmade loaf and the quality ingredients used.

Loving all things ‘bread’ the way she does,

means Hough is also passionate about sharing the intricacies of this craft with others and, apparently, local breadlovers can look forward to a workshop or two in the near future during which Hough will share her expertise with those in attendance.

Bread can also be ordered as needed, although, keep in mind that the method Hough uses to create her bread requires a long fermentation process which means that the dough takes up to 24 hours to develop - orders will, therefore, need to be placed well in advance.

To find out more, pop Hough an e-mail at mandvn84@gmail.com Mandi Hough’s crusty, freshly-baked loaves can be now be sourced on a daily basis from Polka to be enjoyed at home.