In a world constantly buzzing with technology, fast-paced lifestyles, and instant gratification, there's something incredibly satisfying about slowing down and embracing life's simple pleasures.
One such delight I enjoy is the age-old tradition of making our own rustic artisan bread. Not only does this practice take us back to a time when life was slower and simpler, but it also fills your home with comforting moments, nostalgic memories, and the irresistible aroma of a bakery! Who doesn't love that smell??
Baking bread is so comforting, and I love sharing my homemade bread with family and friends. It’s a great way to say “I love you” and to treat them!
Continue reading for my delicious rustic artisan bread recipe and how making your own bread can bring profound joy to your life!
The Joy Of Making Bread
Embracing slow living and homemaking
With all the conveniences we have these days, we often forget the joy of creating something from scratch, using our hands and intuition.
Making bread takes us back to the basics of homemaking and slow living, a time when people cherished the process of creating with love, care, and patience.
It's a beautiful reminder that not everything needs to be rushed – sometimes, the best things in life are nurtured patiently.
And oh, how rewarding this delicious bread is indeed!
Aromas of Comfort and Warmth
Imagine waking up to the gentle aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home. The scent evokes a sense of comfort and warmth, instantly transporting you to a place of tranquility.
Each slice of your handmade masterpiece carries not just the taste of well-crafted bread but the essence of nostalgia, filling your kitchen with joy and the echoes of past generations.
A family activity
I love making bread with Ava, and I encourage you to make it a family pastime activity!
As you gather around the kitchen counter, flour dusting your hands and laughter filling the air, you're not just making bread – you're creating cherished memories that will linger in your heart for years to come.
Children can shape their own mini loaves, practicing hand coordination and seeing the fruits of their labor, while elders share stories of simpler times. It's a family activity that transcends generations, fostering a sense of togetherness that's truly special.
Slow moments enjoyed with family
Healthier and more wholesome
Making your own bread offers a healthier alternative to store-bought bread, often laden with preservatives, additives, sugar, and salt.
You have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring your loaf contains only the finest, most wholesome components.
Check out this blog from Country Life Foods:
Homemade bread vs. store-bought bread - the major difference!
rustic artisan bread recipe
Contrary to the misconception that baking is a laborious task, making rustic artisan bread requires minimal effort, time, and ingredients.
I want to assure you that anyone can make delicious homemade bread; you do not have to be a great cook or baker!
Best of all, you only need a handful of pantry staples – flour, water, yeast, and salt.
You’ll have bread that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with that beautiful artisan look in no time!
Ingredients
3 Cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. yeast (instant yeast works best)
1 1/2 cups warm water (not boiling)
1 1/2 Tbsp flour for dusting
directions
Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl with a wooden spoon. (If you have a Kitchen Aid mixer, you can use it to make the process even easier).
Slowly add the water and mix until combined. No need to overmix; it will look sloppy, but that is ok ;-)
This step is where patience comes in. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 1 to 24 hours. I recommend at least 4 hours. The longer you let it rise, the more sourdough-like flavor and consistency it will have.
Once the dough has risen enough (it should at least double in size), flour your countertop generously, and add the wet dough on the floured counter.
Quickly pull the edges around the sides of the ball to the bottom of the loaf. You are tucking edges onto itself.
If it is too sticky, add extra flour to help you work.
You only need to do this for about 15 seconds to shape the ball.
Place the dough ball onto parchment paper and let it sit while the oven warms up to 450 degrees.
Score the top of the bread with a sharp knife. This will allow air to escape.
Place the bread with the parchment paper in a Dutch oven and bake for 30 minutes covered and 15 minutes uncovered.
Remove from the oven and set on a cooling rack and cover with a lightweight flour sack or kitchen towel to let it cool.
The bread will soften as it cools.
Enjoy with your favorite toppings like strawberry honey butter, low-sugar peach jam, or orange flower and pistachio marmalade.
Note: You can make this bread on a pizza stone, but I recommend you use a Dutch oven. It ensures for the best bread and is, in my opinion, the easiest way to make it.
I also love that one can do variations.
For example, add dried rosemary or thyme for a savory, herb-infused bread or raisins and cinnamon to make it sweet. Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors and extra ingredients like nuts, seeds, grated carrots, apple pieces, spices, herbs, etc.
If you don't try it, you'll never know. And this is all part of the experience and memories created!
Friend, when the world seems to be spinning faster than ever, embracing the art of slow living and doing simple things like making bread allows us to pause, breathe, and savor life's simplest pleasures.
As your hands knead the dough and your home fills with the delightful scent of freshly baked bread, you'll find solace in the comforting embrace of nostalgia.
So, gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a journey that fills not only your table but also your heart!
If you are looking for more ways to live a simple and intentional life, I think you’ll love these blogs too:
14 ways to create an intentional home for your family
20 Ways to experience country living no matter where you live
6 Ways to be more self-sufficient - improving your health, environment, and pocket
Love, Annette
THE HARVEST TABLE
The Harvest Table is so much more than a cookbook; it’s a resource for true seasonal and simple living on the homestead.
The Harvest Table is a plant-based garden-to-table cookbook that helps homesteaders, gardeners, and families eat in alignment with the seasons with the freshest ingredients possible. Most recipes are gluten-free!
Annette Thurmon of Azure Farm and Angela Ferraro Fanning of Axe and Root Homestead guide you through seasonal eating with breakfast, appetizers, entrees, side dishes, dessert, and more. There are even recipes for the barnyard family members and activities the whole family can participate in together.
You’ll also find homesteading tips and checklists for easy reference.
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annette thurmon
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