Five Faves: Bread and Circe

Let these carbs work their magic on your holiday masses, one loaf at a time

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1. Stella’s Bread, $5 at Stella’s Grocery

I could storm the restaurant, blindfold Stella Dikos, then force her to make her pliant soda bread, and it would still come out perfect. Or I could march across the street to Stella’s Grocery and buy a loaf. Spread softened butter on hunks of it or just let it wick up the gravy.  

2. Rosemary Loaf, $6 at Idle Hands Bread Co.

We are the family that also serves beef at Thanksgiving. If that’s your schtick, you need this wild flora-fed, naturally leavened bread. Its crusty, rosemary-spiked exterior yields to airy pockets of sourdough tang, a compliment in contrasts that makes red meat hum. 

3. Polenta Loaf, $8.25 at Sub Rosa Bakery 

This is heritage bread. Milled red wheat and Virginia’s own Bloody Butcher corn give the hefty boule’s interior a dense, creamy laciness hinting at sweet grains. Throw some cubes in your stuffing mix and your feast-day bread basket. Plan accordingly; it’s available Friday and Sunday only, but freezes well. 

4. Chocolate Hazelnut Babka, $7.50 at Whisk

Twenty-pound turkeys, high-end floral arrangements: Some luxuries are meant to be shared. So, too, this buttery breakfast treat with the density of brioche, filled with Nutella and hazelnuts. Serve slabs of it with fresh fruit for an easy, fancy-company brunch or bestow upon your host this shareable indulgence. 

5. Prairie Grain Honey Whole Wheat Loaf, $4 at Prairie Grain Bread Co.

Prairie Grain has been stone-grinding pesticide-free Montana wheat daily for more than 18 years, using honey and raisin juice, not sugar, to flavor loaves. Also available at Wegmans, these slices are hearty enough to stand up to turkey, dressing and mayo-moistened leftovers.