As a cobargo tradie, Craig Jenkins has spent years navigating the rugged roads of the coastal region of New South Wales. With his trusty Hilux, he’s delivered goods, fixed broken fences, and even made the odd appearance in a popular reality TV show. But Craig’s latest project is one that even his mates wouldn’t see coming – a woodfired bread oven in the back of his ute.
Craig’s fascination with woodfired bread started several years ago, when he stumbled upon a small bakery in the nearby town of Bermagui. The owner, a passionate pizza chef, would often invite Craig into the kitchen to share a pie or a slice (or two). Over a few beers, Craig would watch in awe as the baker expertly crafted dough into crispy crusts. The smell of wood smoke and freshly baked bread became a siren’s call, drawing Craig back to the bakery time and time again.
One day, while working on a job in Cobargo, Craig had an epiphany. Why not convert his Hilux into a mobile woodfired bread oven? It was the perfect solution for a small-town tradie who wanted to bring a taste of Italy to the people of the Far South Coast. With the help of his mate, Tony (a skilled engineer from Narooma), Craig began to transform his trusty ute into a veritable bread-making machine.
Why the Hilux?
For Craig, the Hilux was the perfect vehicle for his bread-making venture. Tough, reliable, and spacious enough to carry a small oven, the Hilux was the ultimate mobile bread-maker. But it wasn’t just its ruggedness that made the Hilux the perfect choice – it was also its proximity to the town of Cobargo. Craig wanted to be able to pop into town, hook up his oven, and start baking without having to worry about transporting it from elsewhere.
"Plus, the Hilux has a great reputation for being tough," Craig says, chuckling. "If anything goes wrong, I can just tell the blokes at the garage in Moruya to fix it. And it’s already got the four-wheel drive, so we’re good to go for any jobs in the dirt."
The Oven Itself
The woodfired bread oven is a marvel of engineering, designed by Tony and crafted by Craig. Made from steel and refractory brick, the oven is capable of producing perfectly crispy crusts and tender interiors. The secret to its success lies in its clever design – the wood-fired chimney runs along the center of the oven, providing even heat to the bread as it bakes.
To build the oven, Craig and Tony began by creating a sturdy base from 20mm steel plate. From there, they constructed the oven itself, welding refractory brick to the sides and floor. A stainless steel chimney rose from the top, leading to a ceramic-lined wood-fired chimney. And to keep things simple, the oven is controlled by a basic temperature gauge – no fancy electronics required.
Baking in a Hilux
So, how does one actually bake in a Hilux? It’s surprisingly simple, thanks to the clever design of the oven. Craig begins by lighting the fire in the center of the oven, allowing it to reach a blistering 500°C. While the wood burns down, he preheats the oven to 450°C – the perfect temperature for baking bread.
Next, Craig shapes his dough into a perfect ball, sprinkling a pinch of salt and flour on top. He carefully places the dough onto a baking stone (which sits inside the oven), and shuts the lid. The heat of the oven does the rest, producing a perfectly crusty loaf in just 20 minutes.
"It’s like magic," Craig says, grinning. "You can feel the heat, smell the wood smoke – it’s like being in a real Italian bakery. And the best part is, we’re selling it straight from the oven to the customers. No refrigeration or cooling needed – just pure, hot bread."
The Response
When Craig first started selling his woodfired bread at local markets, the response was overwhelming. People from all over Cobargo and the surrounding towns flocked to taste the freshly baked loaves. And while it’s not all been smooth sailing (Craig’s had his fair share of setbacks, from equipment malfunctions to tricky dough), the end result is well worth it.
"It’s not just about selling bread, really," Craig says. "It’s about creating a community. Everyone’s been so supportive, come to help me out with baking and even lend a hand with the kids. It’s a real feel-good thing."
The Long-Term Plan
For Craig, the short-term plan is to continue selling his bread at local markets. But in the long term, he hopes to expand his operation, setting up a dedicated bakery in Cobargo and employing local staff. And, of course, there’s the bigger picture – to use the bread to bring the community together.
"We’ve got so much potential here in Cobargo," Craig says, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. "With the right support, I reckon we could build something truly special. So, if you ever find yourself in Cobargo, come on by and grab a loaf. I’ll be baking all day, every day."
In Conclusion
Craig Jenkins, a cobargo tradie with a dream, has single-handedly created a mobile woodfired bread oven in the back of his trusty Hilux. With the help of a skilled engineer and a dash of hard work, he’s transformed his humble vehicle into a veritable bread-making machine. Whether you’re a foodie, a tradie, or just looking for a taste of something new, Craig’s woodfired bread is not to be missed.
Additional Information
- The oven is available for hire for private functions and events.
- Bread is sold at local markets and online through Craig’s website.
- To keep up to date with Craig’s latest creations, follow him on social media.
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Keywords: woodfired bread, cobargo, tradie, Hilux, bread oven, New South Wales.
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