After finishing yesterday’s post, Greg and I decided to venture out into the nasty weather to the library. I was in search of some new baking books. Bread baking books, specifically.
You may recall that I have never successfully made bread, and also that it was one of my resolutions to learn how.
There really wasn’t much of a selection, but I did find this book, which looked pretty good.
I also brought this one home, since I’ve had my eye on it for a while.
Though I don’t have a gluten allergy, I do love experimenting with new ingredients! After a quick look, it seems pretty awesome. Lots of interesting ingredients, some that I’ve used, some that I haven’t. Everything does look very delicious and pretty healthy. There’s not one recipe that uses sugar! Love! Even the frostings are sweetened with agave nectar.
So obviously, after I checked these books out from the library, a trip to Whole Foods was in order. I kept it simple and just bought some whole wheat flour and yeast to attempt a loaf of bread. Some further research is required for some of the gluten free recipes in the Babycakes book.
I chose a simple bread to start with, which was made with half all purpose and half whole wheat flour. I worked on the loaf well into the night (well, until about 11pm, way past my bedtime). I was really not expecting it to work. I thought it was rising, but I wasn’t sure. When I finally took it out of the oven, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It really looked like bread! Unfortunately, I was way too tired to actually enjoy it.
When I woke up this morning, I remembered my bread (I think I was actually dreaming about bread last night). I sped to the kitchen to make sure it was real.
It was real! It wasn’t just the best dream ever!
It was so awesome that I just wanted to give it a big hug.
Instead, I just ate it.
It was really decent bread! Soft and chewy on the inside, crusty on the outside.
I can’t wait to try another recipe!
Today, Greg and I are spending the morning at Alterra working on our respective projects.
Tea sipping (tangerine ginger).
Snacking.
This outing will also be followed by a trip to Whole Foods. I need some chic ingredients.
Have an awesome day everyone, and may all of your dreams about wonderful, homemade bread turn out to be real in the morning.
Never managed to make bread eh?
Start out with a soda bread recipe, it doesn’t need all that time it takes to rise as they don’t have any yeast. The magic comes from baking soda!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/nigels_lazy_loaf_71344
I have found that recipe works well…
Up until this week, I have only managed to bake bricks! Thanks for the tip, I’ll give that recipe a try!
LOVED the account of your success. Can’t wait to hear all your helpful hints.
It was a very exciting day for me
I am just on the first attempts of baking my own bread too
congrats to your successful one!
Thank you! Good luck with yours, and I’d love to see the results!