Bread!

Today I conquered my fear of yeast. Yeast is a one-celled fungus which converts sugar and starches into carbon dioxide bubbles and alcohol. I don't know where my fear stemmed from exactly, I guess I may have been afraid of killing it. I've baked so many things but when ever a recipe calls for yeast I quickly turn the page. Today I found that yeast really is not that bad. I gave my yeast a warm bath in 110 degree Fahrenheit and watched as the yeast slowly began to "foam".

I made a wheat bread which had whole wheat flour, wheat gluten, wheat germ, and sesame seeds. On the top before I placed it in the oven I brushed an egg wash on top and sprinkled oats. Not only does the egg wash give the bread a nice shine after it cooks it also serves as glue for my oats.

The hardest part was kneading the dough...holy crap! forget upper body workouts try kneading bread dough! Towards the end my arms became so tired and I had a glean of sweat on my forehead. I now have a new found appreciation for those women back in the day who would make bread every day without the benefit of a bread maker.




While my bread was cooking it filled the house with a wonderful smell. The smell alone made everything worth it. After the bread was done I could hardly wait to try it. I know I should wait till things cool but I had to cut a slice! I drizzled honey on my end piece (the best part) and enjoyed the fruits of my labor.

I found bread to be very east to make, apart from the kneading. I can't wait to experiment with the herbs in my garden! two breads that I will try with stuff I find in my garden will be a spicy oregano with sun dried tomato, and of course a Rosemary flat bread.