I used to make a lot of bread. I loved taking out my frustrations by kneading it. I loved the aroma in my house while it was baking. There was nothing better to accompany one of my homemade stews or soups for dinner. My family loved every loaf. They not only loved savouries, they also enjoyed sweets. Toasting a thick slice with some preserves for breakfast was drooling on many cold mornings.

Then they grew up and left. Making a loaf of bread for just my husband and me is pretty ridiculous. I rarely eat a sandwich and prefer cereal for breakfast. My husband is one of those people who won’t eat his bread unless it’s fresh out of the oven. After that, he considers it stale and does not touch it.

Now when soup season rolls around I buy a loaf of artisan bread and use what we need and freeze the rest. Here are some of the best I’ve found in Orange County:

Believe it or not, Costco! Especially if our “kids” join us. A shipment of the most wonderful artisan breads from La Brea Bakery is delivered every day. Our favourite, either the rosemary and olive oil or the kalamata olive. The only drawback, besides having to buy two large loaves, is that you have to be an expert in slicing!

Von’s or Pavilion’s also have wonderful artisan breads with many flavors and textures to choose from. My favorite thing about this new “loaf of bread” is that they will cut the loaves to your specifications! Thin, thick, it doesn’t matter, they will accommodate and accommodate. They also have an area to make your own nut butters. So you can really create the pretty old-fashioned PB&J (peanut butter and jelly)!

Panera’s is one with gourmet breads. Tucked away near Mother’s Market in Costa Mesa, this little place offers great produce. The aroma of wonderful baking is truly intoxicating. It’s worth the trip and the wait, which both times I went in was about 15 minutes.

Pacific Whey Baking Company at various locations throughout the county. In addition to the wonderful breads, the breakfasts here are fantastic. Personally my favorite is the chocolate pinwheel. Great bakery items no matter what you think here. Trust me, when you see the display, you will NOT stop at a loaf of bread.

Now I personally didn’t enjoy Boudin Bakery very much, but there are many who think this place has the best sourdough. They boast of using a 150 year old starter motor. Maybe I prefer better the sourdough I tried at Vie en France just because the staff treated me better. It’s up to you.

If you’re more inclined toward challah, Jewish rye, and whole wheat rye bread, look no further than Solomon’s Bakery in Laguna Hills or Katella Bakery in Los Alamitos. Both are made on the premises and all types are very good.

Remember, bread is the sustenance of life; all the places mentioned above know this and make it worth your while to take one of their breads home and have a big bite.