Bread Wheat

Archive for May, 2007

Homemade Bread is Easier Than You Think! A hundred years ago, bread making was a daily chore for most families. Then, in the early part of the 20th century, bread making was taken out of the home and put in the factory. The general consensus became that making your own bread was difficult and time consuming. Despite this misconception, most people agree that there is nothing like a fresh loaf of homemade bread. But, the only time many people taste a fresh loaf is when they buy it from a bakery or dine  in a restaurant. Anyone who makes bread regularly knows that bread making is not nearly as difficult as commonly thought. The ingredients are simple and few. Making the dough takes no more than ten minutes and the rest of the work is done by the yeast. Once the bread has risen and is placed in the oven to bake, the whole house is filled with the most wonderful smell. That alone is reason enough to bake your own bread. But, if that doesn’t convince you, here a four reasons why you should give it a try. Homemade bread is healthier than purchased bread.Mass produced bread is full of chemical preservatives. One simple truth about fresh bread is that it spoils fast. Without preservatives, a regular loaf of bread will last a few days, at best, if left out on the counter. But, chemicals, like calcium propionate, can help that bread stay mold free for eternity. Chemical preservatives are not natural. They are not good for your body, and worse, some people have reactions to preservatives. Hyperactivity in children is linked to preservatives, like BHA and BHT (source). Even breads that are made with whole grains and sold as healthier alternatives still list preservatives and other undesirable ingredients, like high fructose corn syrup, on the label. High fructose corn syrup has been linked to obesity.Homemade bread, without the chemicals of purchased breads, will spoil fast. To prevent this, yet still only have to make bread once or twice a week, simply put any extra loaves in the freezer. Keep one loaf out and ready to use. Before you go to bed, put a frozen loaf on the counter. It will be thawed and ready to use in the morning. Healthy homemade bread is cheaper than healthy purchased bread.

Bob’s Red Mill whole grain gluten - free bread mix is tasty. Lots of seeds. I’m not sure about the caraway seeds in it, and it took me most of the slice to realize the chewier bits were sunflower seeds, but overall, I’m satisfied with the mix . … There’s a company in Sedona that makes gluten - free all-purpose flour that they say is a cup-for-cup direct replacement for AP wheat flour. They say on their website it’s distributed in AZ and the southwest for now. …

Read the rest of this entry »