At the Tofte township annual meeting on March 13, citizens heard an interesting update from Birch Grove Foundation Director Patty Nordahl—about bread. Nordahl said the foundation was looking at installing an outside brick oven on the Birch Grove Community Center grounds.
Brick ovens are popular and are used by groups to make pizzas and bread (among other things) for large gatherings. The cost is estimated at $6,000, said Nordahl.
“There might even be a chance to sell bread to area restaurants,” said Nordahl, adding that she didn’t know if there were any commercial health code rules prohibiting or allowing such sales.
After some discussion the Tofte town board said it was behind the concept and discussed ways to finance building an outdoor oven.
Tofte Supervisor Jim King asked Nordahl if she was familiar with the brick oven at North House Folk School, and Nordahl said yes, the one being proposed for Birch Grove was similar in size. King said North House has classes to make brick ovens and one could possibly be purchased from the school cheaper than building at the center.
Nordahl will pursue that option and come back to the board with an update.
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