Interesting experience-what is good bread?
Every year I attend a Soup and Bread luncheon given at a local church. There is an accompanying bake and produce sale and all proceeds go to support programs. It is in a lovely setting in a 19th century chirch in the county. All the soups,breads and baked goods are homemade by church members-no mixes allowed. Some of these ladies have been baking bread for decades and there was a wide variety available-Grandma's Oatmeal, Honey Wheat, Rye, African Coriander, White, French, Beer, and biscuits. 2 cups of soup-2 slices of bread-drink (Rhubarb tea-was my fav) -all for $5. Truly enjoyable.
So what is the interesting part? All the different flavored breads tasted similar. The breads I sampled had good texture and seemed to be properly proofed and baked but most of them lacked much in the way of flavor, all had about the same texture and all were sweet-even the rye. This was good bread in everyone's eyes and the wonderment was in the successful making of a homemade loaf and appreciation of the effort. I think it was a great illustration of the variety of expectation of what a good bread actually is. I am saying this with full appreciation of the fact that everyone has different opinions and I hope I never become a bread snob.
Which brings me to the question: What is bread to you?
Since this is an international forum, I really hope to hear what bread is in your part of the world. Since we have all level of skills here-novice to pro- I hope we hear differences as a result of that, as well as differences from different ages.
SO is your bread flat-round-salty-no salt-sweet-fermented-no leavening-spiced-baked-steamed-boiled, etc,etc,etc. There are so many.
What grain/starch is you bread made with? Is your bread always made with wheat? How is it served? Butter? Covered in liquid (like Idlys in Indian cookery?) Served with every meal? By itself?
What tradition is especially memorable or important to you in regards to bread?
I bet we can hear some interesting stories. Attach links and images, if it is helpful.
So what is bread?