Bread Therapy

   In my world, there are always things to consider.  There are always questions to be answered.  There are always issues to be addressed.  This makes me sound so very important.  This makes me sound like my musings will impact the future of the free world.  Not so much, unless my ramblings on pie making, baking and life somehow change the course of events to come.  I bring up this topic because in many ways, I find cooking and baking therapeutic.  Sometimes, it provides me with time alone in my head to work out the big questions of the day while doing something productive.  Sometimes, when cooking with friends or family, it provides me with companionship, conversation and laughter that helps move me out of my head for a bit. Getting out of my head is a good thing, believe me.

   Well on my quest to be a better person, a better cook, and a better baker, I have now begun to explore the world of bread making.  This is also due in part to the fact that I am no fan of store bought bread.  And once again, making bread can be therapeutic.  Just consider all of that kneading and punching down that must be done during the process of bread making.  Here is a clear way to take out some aggression!  Not that I am full of rage or anything.  

   The photo below is of this bread baker's best friend.  This lovely Kitchen Aid mixer does a whole lotta work during the process.  And it is a beautiful red color!  In the photo, the mixer is kneading an herb bread. 

    What is so cool about using the mixer to make bread, you ask?  Well,  like the fact that it does a good portion of the work but still allows you some of the hands on experience at the same time.  If you make bread in a bread maker, you just throw everything in and go. Now that is convenient but you miss the process.  As a pre-kindergarten teacher, I must tell you, process is important. 

    Below, the herb bread after the first rise.  But before the addition of the herbs, just in case you were wondering.

    So, I made four little loaves in these ramekins.  This photo shows the addition of the herbs and the shaping process before the second rise.  I definitely could have done a better job folding in the herbs.  Ah well, next time.

    So, some funny little breads, right?  Kinda look like ice cream cone breads.  But they are tasty and served as a nice little Mother's Day treat for my Grandmother and Stepmother. 

   Bread making as therapy.  Works pretty well.  And it is a hell of a lot cheaper. 

   To all of you moms out there in blogland, you have a complicated job.  On this day, make sure you are taking some time for yourself.  You deserve it!  Maybe even eat some bread. Come on, carbs won't kill ya.