BREAD MANNA FROM HEAVEN

You know when you have one of those days when you wonder what’s ‘IT’ all about?  I have them quite often, but that’s another story for another day.  I want to be positive and help find some strategies to get us over this confusing little episode.  BREAD, yes bread just maybe the answer well!! not the answer, I’d be earning millions if it were the answer.  I want you to try making some bread not batches and batches as one might assume. Remember the old days when people stayed in for days making bread all day and night. I think just a loaf will do, any shape any flavour is perfect. I personally like to make ‘boule’ style (its a bit French)

Why bread? Its so simply put together, it therapeutic through your fingers, it becomes a silky ball of pillowly goodness. I’m not going to mention any of that ” it releases aggression when kneaded”  that only goes to make tough unhappy bread. Don’t worry about having to nip out just cover up the little darling and let it sit until your return. Bread makers serve a purpose but don’t come close to the hand made thing.

I’m talking about watching something live and grow it can bring a reason to your day. It is an ageless activity and can be share or done alone. In fact your never quite alone when your dough is breathing in the kitchen (that’s sounds a little sinister but it is a happening event)  The house smells warm and welcoming and the result has endless possibilities,. Just think, homemade jam, carved Ham and cheese, or just butter. Every one is happy, hopefully so are you. You have not only created a mini master piece but have contributed to the circle of culinary life.

I find that 500gms strong flour, and 10gms dried yeast, 10gms salt, tepid liquid about 1/2 litre or 1 pint a good glug of oil (125mls) Add the liquid gradually you may not need it all you may need a little more depending on the flour. Mix with your hand, knead (however it suits you to knead) leave to rise in a covered bowl, 2+ hours. Shape and put on baking tray leave to rise for another hour. Pre heat the oven to 180c or gas 8. Bake until dark golden.

There you have it, a little piece of success with a reason and possibly an interim answer to ‘IT’

Let me know how you get on.