Making a house a home through bread
Blog Post: How Bread Can Make a House Feel Like Home - with recipe
When you think of home, what comes to mind? Perhaps it's the warmth of a cozy kitchen, the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread filling the air, or the simple joy of gathering around the table with loved ones. Bread, a staple in many households, has a unique way of creating a sense of home unlike any other. The nostalgia of bread brings me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen. Not only as a young girl, but as an adult with my own children as well. It only seemed fitting that my first blog post pay homage to her and her bread.
The Power of Bread in Creating a Homey Ambiance
There is something undeniably special about the process of baking bread. From kneading the dough to watching it rise and finally enjoying the fruits of your labor, each step is a labor of love that infuses a space with warmth and nostalgia. The act of baking bread can transform a house into a home, filling it with not just delicious scents but also a sense of comfort and belonging.
Nurturing Connections Through Bread
Sharing a loaf of freshly baked bread with family, friends, or neighbours is a timeless tradition that fosters connections and builds relationships. Breaking bread together is not just a physical act but a symbolic one, signifying unity, hospitality, and togetherness. In a world that often feels hectic and impersonal, the simple act of sharing a slice of bread can help create a sense of community and belonging. For my grandmother, it is a true act of love. Whether it is making a fresh loaf of bread for a family dinner visit or whipping up a batch of buns as a thank you to someone for a kind gesture, I can’t remember many days when you couldn’t smell the warm aroma of bread in her home .. or her telling my grandfather to bring up another massive bag of flour from the basement. It is an honour to be following in her footsteps and falling in love with the art of breadmaking myself.
The Ritual of Breadmaking
Incorporating breadmaking into your routine can also be a meditative practice that grounds you in the present moment. The rhythmic kneading of the dough, the patient waiting for it to rise, and the anticipation of the final product can be a calming and fulfilling experience. The ritual of breadmaking can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment, turning a house into a sanctuary of creativity and nourishment.
Bringing Home to Your House
Whether you are a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, the act of baking bread can transform a house into a home. The inviting aroma, the sharing of bread with loved ones, and the meditative process of breadmaking all contribute to creating a warm and welcoming environment. So, the next time you want to infuse your space with a sense of home, consider reaching for a bag of flour and letting the magic of breadmaking work its wonders.
Remember, home is not just a place - it's a feeling. And sometimes, all it takes is a loaf of bread to make a house truly feel like home.
Our Families Favourite Bread
Here is my families go-to bread recipe passed down by my grandmother.
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1/3 cup milk
2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 tbsp butter
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp traditional yeast
In a microwave safe measuring cup, add water and milk. Microwave for 45 seconds. Pour into bread maker. Add sugar, salt and butter to the liquid. Pour in your flour and create a little pocket to hold the yeast. Add your yeast to the middle. Close the lid and let the machine do the rest! This recipe bakes great in the bread maker. We prefer the light crust setting. Depending on your bread maker, this can take up to 3 hours from start to finish.
Our favourite way to get the perfect size loaf however is make the dough in the machine on the dough setting. After it is done (about 90 min), I take the dough out to a lightly floured surface (I use blending flour for this). After kneading it a handful of times to remove any air bubbles, I cut off 3/4 of the dough. I roll it out flat with a rolling pin, then gently roll it up and shape it to fit my 8.5” x 4.5” pan. The leftover 1/4 leaves enough dough to make 3 small buns (our oldest’s fave), which I shape and place on a small pan. I place both the buns and the loaf in the oven with the oven light turned on. I place my grandmother’s tea towel on top and allow to rise for 40 minutes.
Once risen, I remove the covered pans and preheat the oven to 350F. On the middle rack, I bake the buns for 15 minutes until golden brown. I leave the bread in for an additional 10-15 minutes until it too is golden brown. When finished, I remove them to a cooling rack and I brush the bread and buns with a light coating of butter.
An electric knife is the easiest way to get the perfect slices. I love using bread bags off Amazon (Linked below) to keep them fresh. This bread freezes well.
Bread Bags - https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BPZ22Z58?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
