Kneading to meet demand

No-proof Instant Bread baked in Cast Iron Pot with lid (Photo by Cynthia Nelson)

Hi Everyone, There is increased demand for bread during the holidays and not just any bread but good quality homemade bread. We need bread for so many things. There is Pepperpot to be sopped up, Garlic Pork sandwiches to devour and Ham sandwiches to customize. There is Sunday morning toast to accompany bacon and eggs, and there is the simple pleasure of having a warm slice of bread smeared with butter, melting into the bread.

20140809TasteslikehomeThe holidays are when we want the best of everything so we splurge and go the extra mile. Home cooking is at its best around these times; even those who do not cook all year round make the effort and step into the kitchen. Hard as this is to believe, good quality bread is not always easy to find and during this period of high demand, waiting at the last minute to get fresh bread from a bakery can be disappointing – sold out! You will never have to worry about that if you’re willing to make your own bread, and this is where this column comes in. I am going to offer you three options from which to choose how you want to make your own bread. My recommendation is that you make your choice based on your level of comfort in handling dough and what you desire from a loaf of bread.

Here are the choices.

If you are intimidated about kneading, then the no-knead version is perfect for you.