Bella Casa
(@artisanbreadmamma)
🎨 Bread That Tells a Story
Bella Casa’s breads are more than just visually stunning, they tell stories. Her work draws inspiration from her rich cultural heritage and family traditions, blending beauty, history, and creativity in every loaf.
Bella’s roots run deep. Her mother was born in Calabria, Italy, and migrated to Argentina as a child before settling in Australia. Her father, also of Southern Italian heritage, was born and raised in Sydney. Growing up in a household where bread was always on the table, Bella inherited a love of baking that feels almost ingrained on a cellular level.
❤️ A Connection to Family Through Baking
“My paternal grandmother, Nonna Anna, was a talented baker, cook, and knitter,” Bella shared. “I often feel connected to her when I bake or knit, sometimes even blending those skills, like when I knitted a blanket to line my banneton, creating a unique crust pattern.”
Bella’s connection to her heritage extends beyond her techniques, it’s woven into the very fabric of her baking. Her bread scoring often draws inspiration from organic shapes and patterns, reflecting her deep appreciation for nature and the stories passed down through generations.
🌾 The Story Behind Nero
Nero wasn’t just another bake. Its origin traces back to 2021, when Bella created a loaf with a single wheat stalk running through the center, a design she named Zenith. She shared it on her Instagram account, @artisanbreadmamma, where it gained traction in the baking community and connected her with other artists, including Mia Nyberg (@vilda_surdegen), who created her own version.
The version of Nero that caught the group’s attention recently was Bella’s first time using black cocoa to create contrast, and it left a lasting impression. “I love the bold contrast the cocoa creates,” she said. “I’ll definitely be incorporating it into more designs in the future.”
The evolution of this design led Bella to explore bolder, more intricate patterns, eventually resulting in her iconic Nero loaf, which continues to inspire bakers today.
✂️ Her Tools Tell a Story Too
Bella’s tools aren’t just functional, they carry personal meaning. The bread board featured in her Nero post was a thoughtful birthday gift from her cousin, who shares her passion for baking. “It was such a thoughtful gift, accompanied by a rolling pin and a bow bread knife,” Bella said. The Tasmanian timber, with its unique grain patterns, echoes Bella’s belief that no two loaves, or boards, are ever the same.
She also holds her Poco lame and Bread Mat close to her heart, appreciating not just their functionality but the stories of their makers.
✂️ Precision Meets Creativity
A Heritage That Shapes Her Baking
Bella’s Italian heritage is impossible to miss in her work. “Being of Italian background, a love for bread (and carbs!) is ingrained from a young age,” she joked. “The table isn’t set unless there’s bread on it.”
Her love extends beyond sourdough. When she doesn’t have time for a full bake, focaccia fills the gap. And pizza? “That’s my ultimate comfort food,” she admits. But her most cherished memory is watching her Nonna bake bread in her wood-fired oven. “It was magical. And when there was a bread strike during a summer holiday, Nonna just rolled up her sleeves and made bread for over 40 people by the sea.”
📚 From Sourdough Learner to Teacher
Bella’s baking journey took a serious turn during lockdown when she received her first sourdough starter. “Like many, I was overwhelmed at first, but I kept going and never looked back. In such a dark time, sourdough became my light,” she reflected.
Her love for the craft naturally led her to teaching. “Last year, I taught an in-person artisan bread-making class, and I truly loved the experience. Teaching feels like an extension of my own journey, a way to pass on the knowledge and passion I’ve cultivated.”
💡 Bella’s Advice for New Bakers:
“Keep going. Each bake will teach you something. What worked and what you need to work on.”
Bella emphasizes that baking is a continuous learning process. With each loaf, bakers can fine-tune their skills, develop intuition, and refine their craft. Her advice highlights the importance of patience, practice, and a willingness to learn from every bake.
🔥 Inspiring the #ScoreBig Challenge
Bella’s work serves as a powerful source of inspiration for the return of our #ScoreBig Challenge. Her ability to bring nature to life through scoring reminds us that every loaf has the potential to tell a story. As we start this year’s challenge, we encourage participants to channel their creativity and experiment with scoring techniques that reflect their unique perspectives..
🎁 Follow Bella and Stay Inspired!
Follow @artisanbreadmamma on Instagram to see more of Bella’s inspiring work and stay up to date with her latest scoring masterpieces.
🎯 Ready to Put Your Scoring Skills to the Test?
Join the #ScoreBig Challenge this April and take your bread artistry to the next level! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this challenge is your chance to learn, improve, and showcase your best scoring techniques.
👉 Click below to join and start scoring like a pro!
Check out Wire Monkey’s lineup here.
🎉 Closing Thoughts
Know a Member Who Deserves the Spotlight?
If you know someone in our community who’s doing amazing things with bread, we’d love to feature them! Drop us a note and let us know who we should spotlight next.
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🎁 Get My Free eBook – Sourdough for the Rest of Us
Ready to dive deeper into sourdough? Download my free PDF, Sourdough for the Rest of Us, or check out the flipbook version if you love the sound of pages turning.
👉 Download the PDF Here
👉 View the Flipbook Version Here
Thanks for Visiting us at Baking Great Bread at Home
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