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VIDA BREAD

BRAZILIAN BAKERY COMES TO TOWN

hanks to Carla Guimaraes, Brazilian pão de queijo (pown deh kay-
Tzho) has arrived in Ashland. A native of Minas Gerais (the Brazilian
state considered the heart of Brazilian cuisine and the birthplace of pão
de queijo) Carla moved to the U.S. several years ago. As an artist, an
accomplished cook, and the mother of two, she brought with her a dedi-
cation to delicious, healthful eating. She also brought her unusually good
interpretation of this tasty treat, which she once sold in her bakery in
Brazil. Pão de queijo (translated “cheese bread”), is not a loaf bread, nor
is it a cracker or flatbread, but a unique wheat-free product made with
cassava, a tuberous tropical native plant and a Brazilian staple. Indigenous
people created this bread that was later adopted by cattle ranchers who
had plenty of milk and cheese, but almost no wheat.

VIDA Baking (vida means life) features the original bread in a variety of
shapes and flavors, including bagels, focaccias, bread sticks, and crou-
tons, among others.

For the sweet tooth, she also developed a line of pastries including muf-
fins, tarts, cookies, and a favorite, pistachio brownie, all gluten-free. She
created her own mixes of flour varieties from oat, rice, chick pea, and
cassava, and uses organic products as much as possible.

VIDA Baking opened in early February and has been well accepted and
supported by the community. She has since added breakfast, offering
few specialty items like Brazilian Nut Waffle, Banana Chia Pancake, and
more.
VIDA Baking Co.
149 N Pioneer St, Ashland

30 www.southernoregonmagazine.com | spring 2021