Making French Bread with Danielle Ellis, World Bread Awards Judge

Welcome! I’m pleased to introduce Danielle Ellis, an Ambassador for the Real Bread Campaign and a judge for the World Bread Awards.

Danielle’s path to professional baking began with influences from childhood—memories of French holidays, a transformative summer as an au pair, a spirited Scottish mentor, and a demanding pastry teacher. Those experiences led her to leave a long career in marketing and enroll in an intensive French baking school, where she completed a 670-hour professional course.

Her training included extended practical placements, one of which was a two-week WWOOF placement at a Normandy bakery that operated without electrically powered equipment—even for large dough batches. Those hands-on experiences, combined with formal study, shaped Danielle into a well-rounded baker.

Today Danielle combines deep craft knowledge with expertise in scaling recipes, bakery operations, and food marketing. She teaches bakers at all levels—novice hobbyists through to professionals—sharing practical skills and business insight.

Highlights

What the Real Bread Campaign is and why it matters
Danielle’s perspective on why many people describe themselves as “gluten intolerant”
A life-changing summer in France that influenced her career
Teaching not only baking technique but also bakery management and marketing
The energetic Scottish mentor and the strict pastry teacher who challenged her approach
Two weeks in a Normandy bakery via WWOOF, learning to make bread without electrically powered equipment
Completion of 670 hours of professional training in France
Founder of one of Scotland’s most successful food blogs

Danielle Ellis - Real Bread Campaign Ambassador — Real Bread Campaign Ambassador. Photo Helen Green

Listen to Danielle Now

Hear Danielle share her story and insights on the podcast episode.

Follow The Storied Recipe in Your Favorite Player

Apple Podcasts
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Danielle’s Storied Recipe: Pesto Rolls

Basil Pesto Spiral Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls

More Interviews with Professionals in the Food Industry

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200 The Vindicated Mother and Her Lebanese Lamb Chops
199 The Foremost Wild Food Authority and His Favorite Taco
196 The Tireless German Oma and Her Creamy Quark

More Bread Recipes

Basic Sourdough Loaf: An Easy Homemade Sourdough Bread Recipe
Sweet and Savory Bun Recipes (Great for Lunar New Year!)
Sally Lunn Bread: No-Knead Light and Airy Brioche
Rúgbrauð Icelandic Rye Bread (No Yeast, Slow Cooked)

How To Contact Danielle Ellis of Severn Bites

Instagram: @breadbakerdani
Website: www.severnbites.com