Breaking Bread

Yesterday, I logged into Facebook – something I rarely do anymore – and wondered if I’d accidently joined a Homesteader Group in my absence. Nearly every one on my Facebook wall was baking bread! And no, you didn’t read “Breaking Bad” wrong. It seems we’ve all collectively gone back in time, past the age of streaming television and straight into Little House on the Prairie.

How quaint! I thought to myself. How rustic, I marveled, as I chopsticked take-away Thai food into my mouth in front of the television in my pajamas. (The cognitive dissonance is real.)

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not completely helpless. I can rough it when I want to. I can hand-sew and knit. I’ve been camping. I’ve spent the last few summers in the South of France stoking my own fires, fetching water from a mountain source, collecting fresh chicken eggs, making up recipes from scratch, and drying my laundry on a line in the sun.

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And I’ve always loved those odd moments when the power goes out and we have to read by candlelight. There’s something timeless and connective about doing the same things our ancestors did. (Of course for us, it’s not a way of life, but an indulgence before we return to our beloved electronics and modern day conveniences).

Now, back to my old nemesis bread. I love to bake and I obviously love to eat, but I’ll admit I’ve always been a little bit scared of bread. Making bread always seems to involve some form of lengthy preparation – yeast, proving, a demon summoning circle sprinkled with fresh herbs…

But I guess you’re never too old to learn.

I found a somewhat easy looking recipe from bibliosphere for Peasant loaf, but I’d love if everyone could share or link a beloved bread recipe. During these difficult times, it’s important to break bread – to spend time with loved ones around a table. Even if that table is a Zoom conference call.

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What are your favorite bread recipes? Do you have any good memories that revolve around the making or eating of bread? Have you had any bread failures? Epic triumphs?

In the meantime, stay safe and stay healthy,