I've been trying to learn to bake my own bread. I know that it's much better for my family and a lot cheaper but I keep coming up with these flat loaves that are very dense. We ate them anyway because the smell and taste was so good even though the texture left something to be desired...that and I didn't want to waste the ingredients. There were only two loaves out of about 10 that we threw away...they were bad!
Yesterday, I spent several hours with my friend, Jodi, from Homestyle Mercantile learning this ancient art. I took all my own ingredients...especially flour from my own mill and my KitchenAid mixer. I wanted to make sure everything I used there would be what I'll be using at home...no mistakes this time!
After she had her flour ground up and her mixer set up we were ready to go. She has a Bosch Universal, which is my dream machine. That thing can hold enough dough to make 4 to 6 loaves of bread! Maybe some day...I set up my little KitchenAid and we were ready to roll.
We worked through the recipe and she showed me what to look for and when I needed to add things. Mostly what my dough should look like when it's done. I am a real visual learner so this was great and I learned a lot. The bread turned out wonderful and perfect in both taste and texture. She really knows her stuff!
At the end of our time together, we had several loaves of bread and a nice visit. I love to seeing Jodi and Aaron down at the store because I always learn from them and I'm hoping this lesson sticks in my brain. I'm sure if I need a refresher she's patient enough to handle it. :)
Oh...on the way home, I couldn't help myself. The smell of that bread all through the van was irresistible! When I arrived home, there was one loaf missing the end and now there are only a few slices left on the counter. Guess I'll be making bread tomorrow...but I don't think it will be a problem.
Thanks Jodi and Aaron! Oh and kids!
Have a great day!
Mavis D.
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