Levain, sponge, or starter are the humble beginnings of a superb loaf. Chewy baguette, crusty rounds or tangy sourdough. So many methods to choose from it's hard to know where to start, I know! But if you are feeling a need to slow down a little, as I am, to fire up the stove, to immerse yourself in domestic tranquility, then bake a loaf of bread. And if at first you don't succeed you'll still be rewarded with a heavenly scent to savor over a cup of tea.
The net is full of recipes you might try, but a nice book, one you can leisurely browse while your lovely bread dough is rising, is Amy's Bread.
Our brief snow has turned back to the standard rain today. And it's a genuine gully washer with rising streams and flooding. A perfect day for home baked bread don't you think?
Dough rising in a warm place.
Carrot ginger loaf at the ready.
I'll be donning rain gear for an adventure in the woods this afternoon. Then sharing a bit of this with a friend over a warm cup of Earl Grey tea.
But before I slip on my boots I want to share with you this short video for a glimpse into the calm and patient process of baking bread.
Bread love to you & warm winter greetings.
the art of making bread from tiger in a jar on Vimeo.