- Joined
- Oct 1, 2013
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I don't like the bread in the supermarkets. Not the taste, and not the way it's full of additives. There's some good bakeries around, but I can't really afford to buy their lovely loaves too often.
So a few years back I decided to start baking all the bread for the household. Or as much as possible, anyway. Does anyone else (try to) do this?
It was a challenge at first, but I've got it into a routine that works pretty well now. In case anyone would like to give it a go, these are my tips.
First, get a good recipe. I refined mine to suit my needs and ingredients and equipment. This took time, but it now turns out perfect bread every time and I can do it in my sleep.
Equipment. I couldn't do it without my Kenwood mixer. Hand kneading is time consuming. The mixer does the work while I do other things. While proofing etc. still takes time, I have very little active input in the bread making. I considered a breadmaker but I don't really have the space. The timer would be handy though; I can't bake overnight.
Have a routine. When I was working, I got the dough started as soon as I got home to get it done before bed. Now that I'm at home with the kids, I start first thing in the morning and have it ready before lunch. I don't need to bake every day, though once my children grow and start getting hungrier I reckon I will.
Lastly, accept that sometimes it's just not going to happen, and get your bread elsewhere. It's not the end of the world.
So a few years back I decided to start baking all the bread for the household. Or as much as possible, anyway. Does anyone else (try to) do this?
It was a challenge at first, but I've got it into a routine that works pretty well now. In case anyone would like to give it a go, these are my tips.
First, get a good recipe. I refined mine to suit my needs and ingredients and equipment. This took time, but it now turns out perfect bread every time and I can do it in my sleep.
Equipment. I couldn't do it without my Kenwood mixer. Hand kneading is time consuming. The mixer does the work while I do other things. While proofing etc. still takes time, I have very little active input in the bread making. I considered a breadmaker but I don't really have the space. The timer would be handy though; I can't bake overnight.
Have a routine. When I was working, I got the dough started as soon as I got home to get it done before bed. Now that I'm at home with the kids, I start first thing in the morning and have it ready before lunch. I don't need to bake every day, though once my children grow and start getting hungrier I reckon I will.
Lastly, accept that sometimes it's just not going to happen, and get your bread elsewhere. It's not the end of the world.