on a dull winter's afternoon

 

 

can there be anything more soothing and comforting to make than a loaf of bread? 

 

 

 

 

 It is easy to buy a good loaf or indeed make it in a bread machine, but nothing beats making it by hand. The wonderful alchemy that happens when flour and water are mixed with yeast always fascinates me. As you knead, a claggy mess turns into something alive and supple, soft and warm. When you hold it in your hands it is like holding a round, plump baby!

 The reward for a small amount of work is something delicious to eat and a house smelling of freshly baked bread.

 

 

 

 My favourite recipe for a basic loaf is one that I found on a Waitrose recipe card called rustic loaf.

I've also made the same recipe with half wholemeal and half white flour which also gave a good result.

 

 

 Delicious on its own with butter ....or jam...or cheese ...or pate ...or soup ....or anything really!!