by hand

Some may think it unnecessary work with modern conveniences like bread machines, but I really love making bread by hand. I don't do it that often, but I find it very satisfying (and delicious) when I do. I guess my reasons for this are many.

For one, living in an apartment with a tiny kitchen makes extra appliances, which require storage that I do not have, not very appealing. Plus, a bread machine takes away the satisfying part of bread making: kneading the dough. It's an excellent exercise if you're feeling stressed, upset, or any number of other things. Plus, I can see the progress as I work the dough from a sticky or floury mess to a smooth ball of dough. I find it fascinating that five simple ingredients - flour, salt, yeast, water, and oil - can make so much deliciousness.

Another thing I'm realizing about bread making is that it makes me feel more connected with family. My mom always made bread when we were growing up and would sometimes rope us kids into helping. I remember the smell of bread baking in the oven and how it was always (even now) such a treat to get that first slice as soon as the loaf was cool enough to slice. Her mother made homemade bread too. Even now, I think grandma still makes all her bread from scratch. So now, when I make bread, I mix the dough in a stainless steel bowl that used to belong to my great grandmother (my mom's mom's mom - did you get that?), and I wear an apron that my sister bought me. And so when I make bread, I'm perhaps just a little closer to all of them.