The Lost Art of Bread Making

In our health conscious society, bread and itssimple electric mixer, like a Kitchen Aid, can greatly
abundance of carbohydrates has almost become aassist with the more laborious tasks of mixing and
bad word. Many dietitians advise shoppers to avoidkneading. Some professional bakers advise first-times
the "carb canyon" in the middle of the grocery store;bakers to knead by hand at the end of the process
popular diet books warn consumers to skip thefor a more homemade taste and texture. Bread pans
bread. Yet like most everything else that we crave,are another staple of the baker's kitchen. A good loaf
everything in moderation is the best rule forpan is a good way to get you started making great
long-term health and skipping bread all together oftenbreads, after which you can move onto more ornate,
leads to craving and binges. Over many culturesspecialty pans as you fine-tune your baking skills.
bread had been an important part of or diets. ThinkReady to get started? Why not start with a classic
of the French baker dressed primly in a white apron.loaf of French bread. With its signature crumb and
Let's take a look at how the average person cancrispy crust, this bread is best on its own, perhaps,
enjoy bread in moderation and focus on freshnesswith fresh jam or a slice of cheese. It is also
and whole-grain breads.compliments almost any dinner. This bread should be
Whether you are a professional baker in your uniformeaten immediately, as it generally has a shelf life of
polo just a bread lover that wants to have some funabout half a day before it begins to harden. There is
in the kitchen on a Sunday afternoon, the secret tono shortage of French bread recipes on the market,
good break making is starting with the rightso do some research and let the baking begin.
ingredients. Some bread staples for your pantryThe overall message remains make your own fresh
include: flour, special meals (coarsely ground grains)bread (when time permits), or buy your bread locally.
and additives, such as oatmeal rye meal or bran,These tips, combined with the golden rule of
yeast and eggs.moderation, will allow you to experience the full range
In large restaurants and hotel kitchens, it is notof sensory pleasures that a good loaf of bread has
uncommon to find staff in hotel uniforms usingbeen offering families across the globe for centuries.
professional grade mixers. For the home baker, a