Baking Bread.

I really enjoy cooking and baking. I'm a strict recipe follower, but still find it to be a creative outlet. I stick to dessert type things when baking. This weekend I decided I would try my hand at baking bread. I finally remembered to pick up some yeast at the grocery store, so I thought no time like the present.

Now, I must admit, I'm not the most hardcore (I didn't grind my wheat into flour) but I felt accomplished nonetheless.
ame nervous I had lost count. I am fairly certain, now, that I did not. After mixing into a doughy glob, I had to knead the dough. I love kneading things because it reminds me of my high school ceramics classes, which I miss. After kneading the dough, the dough is placed into an oiled pan to rise for about an hour. When this actually happened, I was pumped.

The first thing one must do is proof the yeast, to make sure the yeast is still active (or alive?). Mine was-VICTORY #1. I knew this because it became foamy.

Next, you mix in LOTS of flour and some oil and sugar. My mom called during the adding of 6 cups of flour, and I became worried that I lost count. I an confident, now, that I did not. After the mix became doughy, I placed it in a well oiled bowl to rise for about an hour.

After the dough "doubled in size" I kneaded it again and then formed one half into a loaf to be white bread and the other half I made cinnamon swirl bread.

I baked them for about half and hour and have to say this was a proud accomplishment for me. I have been thoroughly enjoying my bread on sandwiches and the cinnamon swirl for breakfast. YUM.


I don't know what about baking that I love so much. I think it gives me a sense of purpose and accomplishment. It is also something I feel good at and like to be able to do for Chris. I also like working with my hands. While baking isn't the most hardcore of work, it is work and takes care and patient. It really does make me happy.

I am really looking forward to trying different recipes and more interesting kinds of breads.