The first time I tried making bread, it was a humble loaf of white sandwich bread. I remember carefully measuring the flour, watching the yeast foam in warm water, and kneading the dough until my arms ached. The kitchen was a mess of flour, and I was not entirely confident it would work. When I pulled the golden-brown loaf from the oven, the sound of the crust crackling as it cooled was a small miracle. That initial success, the transformation of simple ingredients into something warm and nourishing, was incredibly rewarding and sparked a deep curiosity to learn more.
I enjoy the process of making bread because it is a grounding and mindful practice. The methodical nature of measuring, mixing, and kneading provides a quiet focus that pulls me away from daily distractions. There is a profound satisfaction in working with my hands and feeling the dough come to life, becoming elastic and airy. I appreciate the slow, patient rhythm of the rises and the almost magical alchemy of the oven spring. Ultimately, I love creating something tangible and wholesome that I can share with others, turning basic components into a source of comfort and connection.