Bread Baking: My First Week

I never spent much time in the kitchen until I got married in 2006. At that point, I could not even fry an egg. Over the next few years I improved and learned a few basic kitchen skills. When I had my first baby, I vowed to prepare healthier foods for the good of my family. I began preparing dishes containing more fresh herbs and veggies, different grains, and more lean fish. I didn't do much baking with the exception of cookies and brownies. 

Over the past year, my son Brady expressed an interest in helping out in the kitchen and he really started to enjoy baking. We made such a mess and my little hand mixer couldn't stand up to our baking frenzies. When fall rolled around I decided I would ask Santa Claus for a KitchenAid stand mixer. I had to remind Santa of this several times, but low and behold there was a giant box under the Christmas tree with my name on it. I took my new mixer out of the box the very next day and read the entire instruction manual. There was a section on breads and the process of bread baking really seemed interesting. I have made plenty of banana breads and other quick breads but I decided I wanted to make real bread, like the artisan bread you buy for $4.99 at Harris Teeter. So I stocked up on some supplies and started with a basic wheat loaf: 

Whole wheat loaf: Perfect for sandwiches or toast. 

Next, I decided to try my hand at some pretzels, because they looked so fun to make. They aren't picture perfect, I'll need some more practice with shaping.

I made jalapeno-cheddar, salted, and cinnamon sugar. Yum!

I wanted to try a buttery, garlicky, rustic bread next. I found this one on Pinterest. This was so good we ate one loaf the first night! 

Rosemary garlic bread. No kneading required on this one! 

My most recent project was ciabatta. I love salty breads with chewy crust and a nice crumb (those big holes on the inside of the bread.) It took a lot of mixing and proofing (rising time) but I think it came out wonderfully for my first try. 

The loaves on a couche, ready for proofing.

The final product, with a view of a couple of large hole structures.

I know my breads are far from perfect, but I have never gotten so much enjoyment out of baking. The science of the flour, yeast, salt and water coming together to form bread is nothing short of amazing. Kneading and shaping the dough into loaves is so relaxing, and watching the dough rise and double in size over the span of the day gives me a sense of accomplishment. Knowing I can make fresh bread for my family, for very little money, makes me happy. Also, I know what goes into the dough and it is not artificial flavors, ingredients, or preservatives.  

I'm not sure if this is a passing interest, or will turn into a lifetime love of bread baking, but I am having a blast learning and experimenting. Don't be afraid of trying, I promise your family will be happy you did!