Maria Baradell, also known as @leadandloafco on social media, went viral on TikTok for making sourdough bread from scratch while 30,000 feet in the air during a flight from Dallas to Barcelona. Baradell, a mom of five, documented her process in two videos that have collectively garnered over 1.8 million views. She fed her sourdough starter before leaving Dallas to ensure it was ready for baking on the flight. Baradell mixed water, starter, flour, and salt in a bowl on her American Airlines flight from Chicago to Barcelona and completed various steps like stretching and folding the dough during the flight.
Baradell reported that she did not face any issues with other passengers or flight attendants during her baking experiment on the plane. She apologized on TikTok after some users expressed concerns about the presence of flour in the enclosed space, which could be a risk for individuals with Celiac disease. However, Baradell defended her actions by stating that the high baking temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit would kill any germs present and that she maintained good hygiene by using hand sanitizer before each step. Despite the criticism, some social media users praised Baradell’s dedication to baking bread on a plane.
Upon reaching her sister’s kitchen in Spain, Baradell shaped and proofed her sourdough before finally baking it. She continues her passion for baking by making over 60 loaves of bread each week for her community. Baradell’s aspiration is to have a bread baker in every neighborhood by sharing baking hacks and content on social media. Celiac disease, an immune reaction to eating gluten, was noted by some comments as a concern with Baradell’s in-flight baking, as exposure to airborne flour could pose a risk to individuals with the condition. However, Baradell remains undeterred in her love for baking and sharing her bread-making journey with her followers.
Baradell’s unconventional bread-baking method garnered mixed reactions from social media users, with some praising her dedication and others expressing concerns about the potential risks associated with baking on a plane. Despite the criticisms, Baradell continues to share her passion for baking and hopes to inspire others to explore the art of bread making. She emphasizes the importance of hygiene and safety in her baking process, ensuring that she takes precautions to maintain cleanliness and minimize potential risks associated with baking in unconventional settings.
As a homemaker and bread baker, Baradell’s journey highlights the growing interest in traditional crafts like sourdough bread making. Her videos on TikTok have sparked conversations about the intersection of baking, travel, and social media, showcasing how individuals can combine their passions to create unique and engaging content. Baradell’s story serves as a reminder of the power of social media in connecting people from different parts of the world and inspiring them to explore new hobbies and interests. With her dedication to baking and sharing her knowledge, Baradell is paving the way for a new generation of bread enthusiasts and homesteaders seeking to reconnect with the art of handmade goods.
