Why You Should Bake Bread.

Back in 2007 WGN Radio announced a threat of record breaking bread prices due to high grain costs. I sprang into action so our little family budget would be saved. My post-pregnancy brain envisioned lunches at risk of extinction. Needless to say, the threat never came to pass but I did learn why homemade bread surpasses anything the local grocery store offered.

Why homemade bread is superior to the bread aisle:

• Taste is fresher
• No preservatives - unless you add them
• Usually cheaper
• Customize loaf size, color and texture.    
• The smell of baking bread 
• Waking up to fresh warm bread in the kitchen is one of the world's top indulgences
• Easy to make

For years, I have made Irish Soda Bread but this bread is a "sweet bread" designed for tea, not turkey.  A simple solution was the basic yeast bread. The first attempt was not ideal or edible. Even the birds snubbed the baking disaster. After several flops I came up with a few tricks for the perfect loaf.

Tips for the perfect loaf.

• Combine all liquid ingredients at room temperature.  Soak cold eggs in warm water for 5 minutes.
• Ensure the yeast is active and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.  
• Store sugar and wheat in sealable containers. Prevents bugs and early spoilage.
• Whole wheat is best stored in the refrigerator.  
• Let the loaf completely cool before cutting.  Usually 30 minutes.
• Vital wheat gluten is a great additive for a taller and less dense loaf.
• Keep hubby out of kitchen while bread is cooling.  He ignores the wait until it cools tip.

A bread machine is worth the initial investment.  Early in the bread quest, I realized Good Will sold used bread makers for seven dollars. Some units were well loved while others had the original price tag. The trick was inventory and knowing what you wanted in a machine.  A good review of bread machines can be found here.  

To save money and my sanity I purchased: yeast in two-pound bags, flour and sugar from a warehouse club. Some weeks the demand for sandwich bread fell, so the left over loaf turned into bread crumbs.  On Friday night the bread maker made our pizza dough.  Granted the end result was not an authentic Chicago Style pizza but it sure was tasty and healthier than anything delivered.  My favorite recipes can be found here. 

The idea for the post came after I purchased a new bread maker. The previous bread maker had an electrical issue which could have resulted in a fire.  Not my idea of a good time. I broken down and purchased a new one - a first.  The first few loafs were a disaster and shades of my earlier attempts came hauntingly back. Then I remembered the tips above and finally had a great loaf with tonight's dinner. 

Do you bake bread?  If so, what kind of bread?  Do you have a bread machine? Do you use the machine?  If not, why not?

Sharon, The Mayor