Artisan Bread

 

My first loaf of bread was a success!!

THERE ARE SO MANY REASONS WHY I MAKE BREAD

I first started making bread with my sister several years ago and then I just stopped.  But when the pandemic hit I decided to try bread baking again. What I discovered about making my own bread is amazing!  Let me share with you a few of the reasons why I continue to make my own bread. 

Artisan bread is healthier than commercial bread

The reason that I believe that Artisan bread is healthier than bread purchased from the store is because it does not have any chemicals added to the flour.  

 

Commercial bread contains additives. There are ingredients that are used in the bread making process to give it "texture" and to make sure that the bread does not get moldy while sitting in the store.  The problem is that these ingredients are not good for your health.

 

When I make my own bread, I can buy flour that is organic.  I check the expiration date on the package to make sure it is fresh.  I also read the ingredient label to make sure that it has not been bleached. 

Artisan bread and food allergies 

Making your own bread can reduce the experience of having an allergic reaction to bread.  I believe that the additives that are in commercial bread are related to the reason why some individuals can not eat bread without experiencing some distress. By making your own, simple breads you may find that you and your family can enjoy bread again!

 

This bread is made from just a few natural ingredients: water, yeast, salt and .... flour! That is it! (No milk, eggs, sugar, etc.)  And the taste is so amazing!  This is why I think that so many people are starting to learn how to make their own bread for their family .... just like their grandparents did :)

Artisan bread is a simple recipe 

So here is the basic recipe for making free formed bread.  I suggest that you start with the Half recipe first, while you are learning the processes.  You will find that many other recipes will vary in amounts, but the ratios are all similar.

Getting started...

Full recipe (up to 5 loaves over 2 weeks)	Half recipe (about 2 loaves over 2 weeks)
3 cups of water 1 1/2 tablespoon yeast 1 1/2 tablespoon salt 6 1/2 cups All Purpose flour	1 ½ cups of water 3/4 tablespoon yeast 3/4 tablespoon salt 3 1/4 cups All Purpose flour

 

Here is a great video to help show you the basic methods and get you started with your first bread making project.  (It will also show you the basic kitchen supplies to use.) You will find that each time to make a loaf it will get easier, and easier !

Learn the process...

Bread making supplies

I use a pizza stone for my bread, but you do not have to buy one.  Try it on a baking sheet, just like in the video and you will still get a great loaf of bread.  For example, I use a small cast iron pan for the cup of water you place in the oven at baking time (I can't find my broil pan).  It all works very well.

So, don't let not having all the suggested baking equipment stop you; just use what you have in your kitchen right now. The end result is the same....yummy, crunchy, delicious (healthy) bread!!!  And, if you discover that you love making this bread, you will soon purchase the equipment that works best for you.  

 

The added benefit of making Artisan bread is that I found it to be so relaxing and enjoyable.  I also feel that once you practice it a few times, you will enjoy it too!

 

This video is well done and she uses a Dutch Oven pot for baking the bread:

Good Luck!

 

by Phyllis