It's Bread Time!

I've told you before and I'll tell you again.

I love bread!

Like crusty, holey, flavorful sourdough french bread. Maybe broiled toasty with a little fresh garlic rubbed on and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Aaaaahhhhh. Or even better, do that and then add some fresh tomato, basil bruschetta on top. (excuse me while I go wipe the drool off my chin)

Some days there is nothing I want more than a soft chewy hot from the oven dinner roll with real butter and home made strawberry jam dripping off the sides. I remember when I was a kid and my mom would make rolls with dinner. You split the roll across the middle, smother it with butter and jam. Then replace the top and smash them together, delicious melting goo dripping between your fingers as you try to smash it into your mouth. (Yeah, that pretty much drove my Mom crazy.)

We got this book from the library after reading about it on the Breadfarm's web site:
Yesterday Mike started our starter or seed. It will take about a week before we can make our first loaf of bread from this seed, but we are on our way.

We went to the Breadfarm last Friday afternoon to get a loaf and maybe ask some questions. It was so much fun just watching them work. The work counter is right there and they had an assembly line going with about six 'men' rolling and working the dough. Five of them looked like teenagers in an assortment of clothing styles, basketball shorts, baggy cargo shorts and jeans. One was weighing out balls of dough, adding a little here and there then flopping them on the counter, a few others took the previously weighed bunches of dough and then followed very specific identical methods of shaping and rolling, while another arranged the loaves on racks to rise.

I was captivated and wanted to hang out for a few hours watching the magic unfold. But alas, we had sick kids at home and needed to get back to them and their needs. So we bought a huge loaf of sour dough whole wheat bread and headed for home.

As soon as we got in the car, I tore off a hunk and handed it to Mike. Got one for myself and enjoyed the ride home.