Weekly Breadcrumb is a new weekly series where I look back on what baking has taught me, shown me, or reminded me over the previous week. A lesson, or gift, I have received from baking.
Yesterday, I was reminded of an important reason for why I bake.
But first, let me back up. Over the last several weeks, I have baked quite a bit, learning many lessons in baking with fresh flour. Sometimes, I have a critical or overly-analytical response to the bread I have baked. For instance: Did the bread rise enough? Was it underproofed? Is it burnt?
So yesterday morning, my two older kids came over to pick up something, and I had just baked some sourdough. They each sat down at the table, and started cutting some slices of bread, spreading butter and making cheese sandwiches. They both seemed very grateful for their warm, home-made snack, which they enjoyed together.
The response my kids had to this bread was pure enjoyment and gratitude, a moment that really filled me with joy as a parent. They didn’t care whether the bread was “good” or not, or how it measured up against other bread expert bakers make – they just enjoyed it.
It was a reminder I needed of an important reason I bake homemade breads and treats – to bring my loved ones together, providing something nourishing and enjoyable. Another reason is for my own nourishment and health reasons – which I’ll talk about another day.
So, yes, I aim to learn as much as I can about baking with freshly-milled flour, and want to improve my techniques. But if I can continue to remember why I am doing this, and to really just enjoy it all – that’s probably the best lesson I can get.
That is beautiful! Bet is was delicious.