Bread baking, there is something truly magical about the art. It’s not just about the enticing aroma that fills the kitchen or the delicious taste that satisfies our taste buds. Baking is a joyful and fulfilling hobby that brings families together, creating lasting memories and a sense of togetherness. Let’s explore why baking bread is a fun and rewarding activity for the whole family to enjoy!
- The Joy of Creating Together: Baking bread is a collaborative experience that allows family members to join forces in the kitchen. From measuring ingredients to mixing and kneading the dough, each step becomes an opportunity for shared laughter, conversation, and teamwork. It’s a chance to bond and create something special as a family.
- A Feast for the Senses: The process of baking awakens our senses in delightful ways. The smell of fresh bread wafting through the house is simply irresistible. The feel of the dough in our hands, soft and pliable, is a sensory pleasure. And let’s not forget the satisfying sound of a crusty loaf crackling as it cools. Baking bread engages all our senses and brings us closer to the experience of creating something truly wonderful.
- Learning and Exploring: Baking bread is an opportunity for both children and adults to learn and explore. It introduces us to the fascinating science of yeast fermentation and the wonders of gluten development. From understanding the importance of precise measurements to experimenting with different flavors and ingredients, there’s always something new to discover. Baking bread becomes a delicious educational journey for the whole family.
- Sharing Love and Nourishment: There’s a beautiful tradition behind sharing homemade bread with loved ones. Baking bread allows us to show our care and affection by offering a warm, freshly baked loaf. It’s an act of love and nourishment that brings joy to both the baker and the recipient. Whether it’s enjoying a loaf together at the dinner table or giving it as a gift to a neighbor or friend, the act of sharing bread strengthens the bonds of family and community.
Baking is more than just a hobby—it’s a wonderful way to bring families closer, create cherished memories, and share the love and warmth that comes from a freshly baked loaf. From the joy of working together to the sensory delights and educational experiences it offers, baking bread is a truly family-friendly activity. So, gather your loved ones, dust off your aprons, and embark on a delicious baking adventure that will fill your hearts and tummies with happiness.
If you like this recipe, don’t forget to check out our Classic Banana Bread Recipe!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (between 95 and 110°F)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine water, yeast, and sugar (call me superstitious but I prefer to not use a metal utensil to mix). Let sit for 5 minutes
- In a large bowl combine salt and flour.
- Add Water/yeast mixture to flour and mix until a shaggy dough forms. It will be slightly sticky.
- Place in a buttered or oiled bowl. Cover dough and let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 7 hours (up to 18 hours).
- Transfer the dough to a well-floured piece of parchment paper on your work surface.
- Fold the dough onto itself, pulling the outer edges towards the center creating a ball. Continue to do this until you create a ball that is tight, smooth, and holds its shape.
- Pick up the parchment paper with the dough ball and place back into your prepared bowl, cover, and let it rise for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F and place Dutch oven, with lid on, inside to preheat.
- Once the oven is preheated, carefully remove the lid of the dutch oven. Using your parchment paper as handles, transfer the dough ball into the preheated dutch oven. Place the lid back onto the dutch oven and back for 30 minutes.
- Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Using the parchment paper as a handle, place the bread on a cooling rack. Allow bread to cool for at least 1 hour before cutting.
- Enjoy!
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