Chronicles of
Dear Readers,
In an effort to be more mindful eaters, we have launched a new and exciting program at Tara. We are baking our own bread! Baking your own bread encourages a deeper connection with your food. The process of kneading dough, watching it rise and baking it to perfection fosters a sense of mindfulness and appreciation for the effort that goes into making wholesome, nutritious food. The aroma of baking bread is one of Rhett’s favorite things.
Fresh bread not only tastes better but also retains more of its nutritional value. Plus, there’s the added benefit of being able to customize your bread to suit your taste preferences. Homemade bread is packed with nutrients. Whole grain flours retain the bran and wheat germ of the grain, which is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. By baking your own bread, you can ensure that you’re getting the maximum nutritional value from your ingredients. None of that GMO stuff!
Store-bought bread, particularly white bread, often uses refined flours that have been stripped of these beneficial components. In addition, it often contains a long list of additives, preservatives and artificial ingredients designed to extend shelf life and enhance flavor. These can include high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils and various emulsifiers. By contrast, home bread can be made with just a few simple, wholesome ingredients: flour, water, oil, sugar and salt. I recently priced a loaf of bread at the grocery store that I sometimes have purchased in the past, over seven dollars! I guess all those additives and chemicals must be expensive. I always say: Follow the money!
When a friend heard we were going to be baking our own bread, she offered us her bread machine that she no longer used. It looked brand new. We were able to Google instructions and were in business in no time. You don’t even have to get a bowl dirty. Just toss the ingredients in the baking pan, press the bake button and in four hours, you have bread! I got a little liberal with the yeast yesterday and my loaf almost fluffed itself out of the pan! Just follow the instructions and set that stick of butter out so it will be at room temperature by the time your loaf is done. Land O Goshen, there’s not a better treat to be had! Sincerely,
Scarlett
Please send your questions to [email protected] or postal mail to: Scarlett O’Dara, 902 Elizabeth St., Waycross, GA 31503.
