Stopped by a bakery in Boise and saw a tray of perfect croissants next to a pile of burnt ones.

The baker told me they keep the fails on display to show the process isn't easy. It made me feel better about my own lopsided sourdough from last week. Do you think showing your baking fails helps you learn faster?

3 comments

3 Comments

jessicahill2mo ago

Honestly, that baker is onto something. Seeing the burnt mess next to the perfect ones is way more real than just the highlight reel. It totally takes the pressure off. For learning, it forces you to figure out what went wrong instead of just hiding the evidence. My first few loaves looked like doorstops, and staring at them was the best motivation to try again. Keeping the fails in sight is a solid move.

the_diana29d agoMost Upvoted

Does anyone else think this could actually make the bakery more approachable? Like if you walk in and see the messed up loaf next to the perfect ones, you might feel less intimidated to ask a question. It breaks down that wall between "perfect bakery" and "real person making bread." For the baker, it also shows they are still learning and trying new things instead of just cranking out the same stuff every day. That kind of honesty sticks with people. It makes you trust them more because they aren't hiding their mistakes.

mitchell.shane2mo ago

Exactly. It also makes the good ones look even better by comparison. Like a before and after shot right there on the counter. That's smart marketing if you ask me.