For nearly twenty five years bread-making has been a part of my domestic routine. It started with a friend who created bread, pizza dough and rolls for her family every Friday after homeschooling. Being a lover of fresh and simple foods, the idea of making my own bread appealed to me.

Once I watched her through the entire process, I searched for the machines and ingredients. Samples from her kitchen always delighted the recipients. The greatest selling point was my husband’s request for me to generate bread for us regularly.

A Warm Hug

So, I thought about how I wanted to nurture my home. At this time, there were only three of us. Making fresh, warm, homemade bread was a hug of sorts!! Whenever someone would come to the door they seemed overcome with the smell of fresh bread. I made it a habit to share a loaf of bread with anyone that came to the door on the day we made bread!! This meant that the UPS, postman and a neighbor across the street were regular recipients of fresh bread.  It seemed unkind to tease.

A gift of steaming hot bread with homemade jelly improves anyone’s day. When we bake bread, we bake enough to share. Fresh, hot bread is a gift not everyone can give. Some of the best gifts are homemade.

Fun factor

Making bread remains one of my favorite things to do. My recipe involves warm water, yeast, salt, freshly ground wheat flour, local honey and high quality olive oil. Simple ingredients ensure perfect taste.  Bread creating is not difficult. Twelve loaves of bread can be produced in three hours when you calculate waiting for the bread to rise and cleaning the kitchen as part of the process.

When the first batch is baking, my husband and kids hoover in the kitchen preparing the bread board, butter and jellies. The first loaf out is gone instantly. They claim that sampling is a priority.  Frankly, we are all spoiled now. No one wants store bought bread.

Nutritional Value

Much could be stated for the nutritional value of grinding the wheat and incorporating ALL of this high protein food immediately into our bread. When I grind my own flour, I retain the whole nutrition from the wheat berry. “Of the 44 known essential nutrients needed by our bodies and naturally obtained from foods, only 4 are missing from wheat; vitamin A, B12, and C, and the mineral iodine.” Sue Becker

The outer layer(bran), which contains the largest amount of insoluble fiber, magnesium, thiamine, niacin, iron and zinc; and the germ(seed) which is an excellent source of B vitamins and other crucial minerals. The endosperm(middle layer) contains protein and carbohydrates along with small amounts of B vitamins, iron and soluble fiber according to Kristin Nobles.

However, aside from the known nourishment of this bread, we appreciate the yumminess factor most. While making my bread for my family is an investment of time, I decided it is one of the best ways to “nurture my nest.”

For easy instructions on making bread check out the youtube video on Breadmaking 101.

A complete recipe in this companion blog.