I have an insatiable fondness for homemade bread, especially when it comes to the sublime creation that is sourdough. A dear friend of mine possesses an uncanny knack for crafting the most divine loaves, and each time she graces me with one, it feels like a gift from the heavens. However, as much as I adore indulging in the delights of sourdough, I find myself unable to fully commit to the rigorous process of its creation.
Nevertheless, this bread, with its ethereal texture and tantalizingly crunchy exterior, remains an indispensable addition to any meal. Whether paired with a hearty soup like my taco soup, broccoli cheddar, carrot ginger or served alongside a sumptuous dinner, its presence elevates the dining experience to a realm of pure bliss.
Upon waking in the morning, I embark on the initial mixing process, using a large mixing bowl to prepare the dough. This allows the dough to undergo its transformative journey while I attend to a non-stop day. By the time evening comes and dinner preparations commence, I lovingly fold the dough over itself a couple of times before delicately placing it into the waiting embrace of a preheated dutch oven. It’s a ritual that yields consistently spectacular results, with the key to achieving that coveted crusty exterior lying in the dutiful preheating of the dutch oven before the dough is added.
In the realm of culinary pleasures, few things rival the sheer satisfaction of savoring a slice of freshly baked bread, its aroma filling the air and its taste transporting one to a place of pure gastronomic delight. Indeed, for me, it’s not just bread—it’s a manifestation of warmth, comfort, and the enduring bond of friendship that comes with sharing such simple yet profound pleasures.
Helpful Hints:
- If your home is cooler set the bowl under you microwave light to help it to rise
- If you home is warmer you can reduce the time needed for it to rise
