Bread Challenge #1

The last couple years I have become more aware of all the processed junk that gets added into almost everything you can buy on the supermarket shelves. I have always enjoyed cooking and baking, but seeing the high rates of sugars, salt and added preservatives in the stuff I used to buy has encouraged me to try and make more of my food from scratch.

I decided to start by baking my own bread regularly (by hand- none of those bread machine contraptions in my kitchen). The obstacles I face are limited time (I work full-time) and lack of skills. I have made my fair share of cakes, cookies and pie crusts, but I am by no means an expert on anything food related, much less bread baking.

Earlier this year I bought a few books about bread and was enlightened about all sorts of bread-related issues, like how the type of flour you use affects the rising and how to properly knead dough. It is fascinating stuff.

Since Ross has been patiently enduring my new obsession, I let him choose a recipe for my first bread baking session. His choice: Foccaccia with Rosemary and Sun-dried tomatoes

The foccaccia was so tasty that Ross has requested it three times since the first trial. It has come out perfectly each and every time.