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The Love of Bread
Date February 8, 2011
Author creative

The Love of Bread

Sourdough Bread

The Love of Bread

Before I was a Chef, and when I was growing up, I enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen because it was therapeutic. I could lose myself- for a while at least, as I watched my Kitchen Aid mixer blend bread dough. The smells coming from the mixing bowl were intoxicating; the yeast was working, and the water and sugar were combining to make a small doughy combination that was actually alive. I would watch the dough rise, and place the loaf in the oven to cook.

Soon the house was filled with an intoxicating aroma; baked dough, on its way to becoming something. My friends and family would always smile- they liked fresh bread.

Over the years, my fascination with baked bread continued. I spent time in different specialty stores buying rye, whole wheat, and rice flour. I made sour dough starters, added molasses to dough for dark breads, and made six grain. Some bread required an egg-wash, others did not. There were times when the mixer wouldn’t do- I needed to feel the yeast, flour, and water in my hands.

Throughout my career there has always been one constant; making bread- it’s the one food that I have continued to make every week for almost 20 years. There’s something magical about creating something from water, yeast and sugar; something that is sustaining.

The next time you find yourself in the baking aisle, pick up some flour and yeast. Stop by your bookstore, or go on-line and find a basic yeast-dough recipe. Next, activate the yeast, and get mixing; you’ll be surprised at the enjoyment you’ll experience in the process.

Chef Chuck Kerber
chefchuck@cooksandeats
cooksandeats.com

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One Response to The Love of Bread

  1. Chris Nicholson Miller says:

    I could see the loaves going in and coming out of the oven with that delicious aroma hanging in the air as I read this!

    My favorite dish to have really good bread with his homemade chicken noodle soup. Two comfort foods that go so well together! Of course, most soup goes well with bread. It sure sounds good in this cold weather too.

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