Tuesday, March 9, 2010

I.Made.Bread.

I made my first two loaves of homemade bread this weekend. For those of you who missed it last week when I made homemade pizza crust, I admitted that I was afraid of yeast. I don't know why. It just seemed so easy to mess up. So, since I've been getting braver in the kitchen, I decided to give it a try.

I used the Honey Wheat Bread recipe from the back of the Gold Medal whole wheat flour bag. I used my KitchenAid mixer, but did the rest by hand. No bread maker here. (Although the funny thing is, I had one for years and never used it. I just sold it at a flea market a few months ago.) I also like Jo-Lynne's step-by-step instructions with photos here.

I'm pretty proud of my first effort. Not so proud that I remembered to take a picture, though. Dangit. The loaves came out more dense than a traditional sandwich bread you buy at the store. And, it tastes REALLY good! I will probably have to make it a few more times to get it perfect for us.

What did I learn this week? I learned that I need to stop saying "Oh, I can't do that." Because I most certainly can. And, because who really cares if I fail at making a loaf of bread?

I can see how this translates into other areas of my life. I've been a bit on the timid side my whole life. Playing it safe. Too scared to get hurt/fail/look stupid. It's funny, as I get older, I find that I don't care as much anymore. Not that you will ever find me sky diving or mountain climbing mind you. Really uncoordinated people know their limits. But, I want to try new things. I think this calls for a list. Hmm... I will have to start working on that.

What have you tried that has taken you out of your comfort zone?

This post is linked to What I Learned This Week at Inmates to Playdates (guest hosting for Musings Of a Housewife)

8 comments:

  1. LOVE that you did that! I too have a fear of yeast. . .LOL

    Hillary

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  2. YAY! Good for you! I'm so glad you're enjoying it.

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  3. Hmm - what have I done recently out of my comfort zone?

    Probably opening my on-line store!
    Starting to lead a small group bible study this week at our church - I did it, survived, and actually enjoyed it!!!

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  4. I love homemade bread! I'm glad that it worked out for you.
    I don't think I've been out of my comfort zone for a while, maybe I should branch out a bit.

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  5. Good for you! I reached out of my comfort zone and started a BLOG! Good for me! I make roti(Pakistani style bread-similar to tortillas)but have made a loaf of bread in forever!

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  6. I was very shy as a kid and did not get involved but stayed "safe". As an adult, I decided I did not want to live like that. I like life much better now. :) Way to go with your bread!!!

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  7. You go, girl!!! I bet it was tasty! Thanks for linking up this week! =)

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  8. I'm with you! I tried pizza dough and now my family wants only homemade pizza. Sweet! We have gone from spending $30-40 each Friday to now homemade. I think all combined its $10. Maybe. I am going to try bread next. Really. Yes. I. Can. =)

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