All about bread

Bread making is a traditional process, found and practiced all over the world. Of course, now it is no longer a simple tradition, but also a way in which it has evolved into different product ranges, preferred by consumers. Bread has finally become a delicacy, essential at almost any table, and it hides a lot of secrets and tricks to be tasty.

Particularly over the last year, with the pandemic, but also with the desire to cook more at home, healthily and to suit one's own tastes, there has been a surge in the amount of diverse and sometimes contradictory information. Today we have puttogether an article for you on the essentials you need to know about bread and how to enjoy its delicious flavour at home.

How to make bread at home

Bread is a product that does not require a large amount of ingredients, and all these, such as flour, yeast, water or salt, are affordable. When you want to bake bread and you are at the beginning of the experience, you might have an interesting journey to perfection. Even if the soft bread and crispy crust seems like something out of the sci-fi realm, you'll get there.

Another advantage of homemade bread, compared to other dishes, is that it does not require much attention. It stays more in the leaven or in the oven, than you have to keep an eye on it or actually prepare it.

It should be noted that you can enjoy a commercial yeast-based bread or a natural yeast bread, such as sourdough, which we wrote about here - which will bring your tastes and results on the road to victory.

Whether you're just trying to make bread, or you've done it in the past, you'll inevitably end up enjoying the process maybe even weekly or more often.

If you're just starting out...

If you are new to baking bread, it is best to start with something that won't compromise the end result or your expectations. For example, a good place to start might be bread that doesn't require kneading even if that means you'll end up with a smaller loaf.

You can use commercial yeast, sourdough or baking soda – choose what you think is most suitable and celebrate the first homemade bread!

If you carry on...

Once you've made it through the first stage, you've reached the next level where you prepare all the ingredients and utensils you need to make the perfect loaf of bread. So, to ensure it rises properly and develops a rich flavor, you'll need to use a dough starter such as sourdough, though it's fine to use ordinary yeast if you prefer. This type of dough can be used to make bread, as well as pizza, flatbreads or other similar dishes.

The reason why sourdough has become more and more popular, even if it requires a long preparation time, is that you have total control of the ingredients. Sourdough is natural, made only from water and flour, and so is the bread (plus salt), unlike shop-bought bread. What's more, sourdough bread is easier to digest and tastes delicious.

Other ingredients that can be added to the dough, in addition to water, flour and salt, can be eggs, milk, butter, even olive oil sometimes – especially if you are going to prepare focaccia or ciabatta. Some chefs even add cranberries, pears and buttermilk or caramelized onions.

When you come across complicated recipes on the internet, try not to be intimidated, because any exercise comes with a result. You will improve your techniques and your own recipes in no time, so don't hesitate to try at least once, to see what comes out.

What utensils do you need?

Although, in theory, baking bread seems simple – you mix the flour, water, yeast and salt, pop it up in the oven and yu are done - having the right utensils can make this process much easier and ensure success. Baking bread is a ritual, whether you want to make pastries, pizza, sweet treats or plain bread, every step is absolutely essential to this art.

Here's what utensils you need to have in your kitchen

● Kitchen Scale

Unfortunately, the kitchen scale is an essential tool for almost any recipe, but especially for obtaining a tasty loaf of bread. So, measure the flour according to the guide you use in the process, water, salt, oil – all with very high precision.

● Bowls

If you get the feeling that any bowl works when you combine the ingredients for the mix – Well, you're right! However, when it comes to the "perfect bread", the dough needs space to expand, and bowls with measurement markings can help you follow this aspect until the end.

● Leavening baskets

We can't talk about leavening bowls without mentioning wicker leavening baskets. They are typical of French bakery and help you perfect the shape, texture and crust of bread dough before it is baked.

What's more, it helps in the fermentation process and the absorption of excess moisture, preventing the condensation process from occurring. You can choose both round and rectangular leavening baskets.

● Suitable trays

Like anything that requires baking, it also requires a suitable place to sit for growth. Depending on what you want to prepare, you need different trays or cookware. For example, if you plan to make bread for sandwiches, a small frying pan is enough. On the other hand, if you choose to prepare pizza or a large loaf of bread, you need cast iron or aluminum baking trays – trays that you heat properly inside the oven before the dough is placed in them.

Of course, there are other baking trays such as those for baguettes, buns, sponge cakes, cakes or cookware with different shapes depending on whatshape you want for your dishes – round, rectangular, square.

Emile Henry cookware is loved by many passionate bakers and chefs around the world, thanks to the quality of the patented ceramics, but also to the end result – that is, fluffy bread on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Thanks to the innovative technique of refractory ceramics, the baking dishes in this range from Emile Henry help you prepare crispy pizza, fresh bread at home – round and fluffy or rectangular - in various sizes or perfectly shaped French baguettes that taste just as good as they do back home.

The domed-shaped lid allows for even baking and provides the sufficient level of moisture, resulting in a loaf with a golden crust and fluffy, airy interior. Moreover, the cookware is easy to clean and last for many years, if used and stored properly.

For round bread, another great solution is cast iron dishes, such as those from Staub.

● Bread knife

If you want to get a delicious bread, it would be a shame to ruin it with an improper knife. Choose a serrated knife that can give you the perfect slices to place in a basket on the table.

● Storage box

Once you have gone to the trouble of baking bread, we guess you want it to keep well, right? That is, if it doesn't get eaten within the first hour.

Store bread in a special box, made of wood, bamboo or even stainless steel. They provide proper ventilation and keep bread fresh for several days. And some models, such as the one from Brabantia, also have lids that can be used for serving and can be easily carried and stored. Plus, it looks gorgeous in any kitchen.

BONUS: Skip the whole process with a bread maker

If you still find it too complicated or think it takes too many hours to be around (especially for the leavening stage), here is an even simpler and quicker alternative. Use a bread machine.

With this invention, you can make white bread, wholemeal bread, cornflour bread or even gluten-free bread with almost no effort at all.

With the digital timer you can add the ingredients up to 15 hours before baking. For example, you can set the timer so that baking starts at 6 a.m. and you can enjoy fresh, warm bread before 9 a.m. And for a bread with a perfect crust, there is also a button to adjust the browning level.

Totul despre paine

Moreover, some machines, such as the one from Tristar, can also be used for other dishes, such as yogurt, marmalade, cake tops or even rice.

Here are some bread recipes, which you can try

Now that we have covered the basics - and hopefully it doesn't seem too complicated anymore - here are a few recipes for you to try.

In conclusion, bread is an essential ingredient when you want to give your meals a well-rounded flavour. It only really comes into its own when you pay attention to every detail - the right cookware, ingredients, the correct quantities, the kneading process and even preheating the oven properly. From start to finish, bread products remain a firm favourite with guests and what is more, they go with almost anything! Bear in mind all pieces of advice given above and get baking your own bread.

So, we invite you to take up this challenge and bake some bread at home, just the way you like it, to enjoy its special smell and delicious flavour. What do you say, are you up for it?