Making bread...

At this point you may think I've given up making beer. Think what you may.

While on my little hiatus I've decided to try my hand at making something else with yeast. My brother-in-law shared a book called Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery That Revolutionizes Home Baking a year ago. I read a bit of it and put it down. I probably had some beer to make. Anyway, a year later with nothing to do during our Snowpocalypes in combination with my convalescing after surgery I picked it up again. After browsing and skipping to the master recipe I decided to give it a shot. It's the least I could do while the rest of my family shoveled us out. Wouldn't they be proud?

The process consists of mixing up a bunch of wet dough ahead of time, storing it in the fridge, taking it out as you need it and baking it. So, I gave it a shot. Within a few hours I munched on my own "Artisan" bread. Not just any bread. Bread with chewy crust, a soft crumb and delicious yeasty flavors. You know, like the fancy stuff you buy at the store. Not the stuff in plastic, the real stuff.

Why am I telling you about this? Well, I'm excited for one thing. Two days later, and I've already made three loaves. I'm also thinking that you crazy brewers out there have what it takes to make this bread; a little patience, a propensity for process and the desire to create something and share it. Just think of it as making beer in solid form. And it's easier!

By the way I emailed my brother-in-law. I told him I'd return the book. I guess I'll have to buy my own copy now.