What is it about the baking of bread that has transfixed me, as well as many others? I will not attempt to scientifically resolve this lofty question, but I will talk about what it has meant and does mean for me.
My History With Bread
I have always been a carb-lover. Particularly doughy carbs. Bread, Pizza, Pasta, Tortilla, Noodles, Cookies, Muffins - the list goes on. Oh, and Beer. And it was beer, and my beer brewing brother, that got me into the mindset of DIY food, or MYOS (Make Your Own Shit). But after having a kid, and looking to minimize our "stuff", the beer brewing and it's large scale supplies, along with it's time commitment has had to be pushed out of my life.
In place of the beer brewing, and still fulfilling the MYOS, baking, and particularly bread making have emerged as a very efficient and practical (in comparison to beer brewing) way to scratch that itch.
Bread is Simple
I didn't necessarily say that it's easy. But it's not hard either. And unlike many other baked goods (cakes, cookies, pastries, etc), it's actually DIFFICULT to screw up bread. Seriously. If you get the ratios wrong, or the times wrong, or even the ingredients wrong, you will STILL end up with bread. Just a different bread. Perhaps even a BETTER bread. With bread, there is so much room to improvise, so much room to bend to rules, try new things, and BE CREATIVE. And yet, at the end of the day, it's just flour, water, yeast, and salt (although with practice, it can be done with just the first 2). Everything else is just icing on the cake, or rather, poppy seeds on the loaf? I think that is ultimately why I gravitate to bread so much more than other baked goods - it's the simplest foundation with endless possibilities for experimentation.
Bread is Versatile
Not only in the sense that there is a wide variety of type of breads, but bread goes with almost anything. And it work well on it's own as well. Wondering what to bring to a gathering at someone's house? Fresh homemade sourdough loaf - 'nuff said.
Bread is Fundamental
Understanding the basics of bread-making can open up a whole lot of other understanding of culinary exploration - it's a core foundation of so many things. The Flour + Yeast + Time + Temperature equation is so applicable outside of just simple breads. The more I explore things in the kitchen, then more I feel I can apply my bread knowledge.
Bread is Fun
Seriously, dough is awesome. It's chewy, squishy, gummy goodness. And bread is the butterfly to dough's caterpillar. Yeah, I just came up with that little chestnut. Put that on a friggin motivational poster, and hang it in your kitchen - I won't take royalties (yet). Bread is the spoils of all your time and patience and understanding, and everyone digs it. The pickiest of eaters will still nosh on some bread (believe me, I know this thanks to my son). Crusty and crispy, soft and doughy, warm and fresh, stale and crouton-worthy, savoury and sour, sweet and sugary, heavy and tough, light and fluffy. And how about the smell of freshly baking bread, ay? Find me somebody who cannot go a little weak in the knees for that. There's something there to enjoy and smile about for everyone, every palate, and every preference.
Bread is Life
I'm not going to get all Biblical on your ass, but let's face it, if the world was ending, and you could grab one food-stuffs before you ran out of the door before the zombies invaded your abode, what would you grab as nourishment to keep you alive? A can of beans, a block of cheese, or a loaf of bread? Everyone may have their preference in terms of taste, or nutrition, but let all be honest, if the living dead are breaking down your doors, you won't be debating macro-nutrients and insulin levels. The beans need a can-opener, and will go off after opening. The cheese won't last long out of the fridge. The bread will travel, keep, and nourish with no extra fuss (particularly if it's a sourdough). I mean it come with its own edible casing! Come-on!
Let's Make Some Friggin Bread!
So with all this in mind, I hope to impart a little bit of my understanding and experience with bread on you, in a simple and unintimidating way. It's time to MYOS! Let's get to it!