It's just bread...
At the start of a new year I find I am torn somewhat. I know in my head that the 1st of January is just another day flowing in from the previous but my heart speaks to me of time spent in reflection and questioning before looking forward into the next 365 days of my life.
How do I want my world to look? How do I want to colour and decorate it?
I watched a video of the late Alan Scott [2] online recently and it has resonated with me deeply. He talks of leaving gentle footprints and when I think of the year ahead, I think of these words. I want to bake bread for my family, friends and people who are again appreciating real bread while leaving a gentle mark.
So it turns out the first bakes for this year have not been for us at all and I wonder if this will be a trend that may continue. Through some word of mouth and enthusiastic tasters I have started baking breads for a few people and families on a regular basis.
What can be more rewarding than this?
I have struggled with what to write next and Nat reminded me of some feedback that I received today which was along the lines of “Its just bread, but its amazing bread”
For me bread is so simple but so rewarding and this is what I bake for people, simple but rewarding bread.
I have settled upon a basic Pain au Levain formula and baking routine that fits easily into my schedule while bringing great flavour.
Also my hybrid ciabatta has been taken to MkII with a bake I did for a friend of ours on the weekend. I increased the hydration and dropped the amount of handling in the bulk ferment. Very pleased with the result and I may look at posting on MkIII in the future.
Even though I have streamlined my baking process as much as possible I still end up with inevitable amounts of washing up. While day dreaming yesterday ... elbow deep in washing up water from yet another bake, I spied a feathered visitor in our backyard. He was kind enough to allow me to take his picture.
All the best for the year ahead.
Cheers,
Phil