If you’ve followed along for a while, you know I have a love hate relationship with baking. I SO want to become an accomplished baker. I really do. But baking and I? We’re still working on our relationship. Maybe you are too! So when I was on my rabbit hole of TikTok suggesting that I too could become a homesteader, I started thinking about changing up a bread recipe to make it my own. Hoping with all my heart that it was going to be edible.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups warm water (around 100 degrees)
• 2 tsp yeast
• 1 cup whole wheat four
• 2 cups bread flour
• 2 tsp salt

Let’s Bake!

• Mix the water and the yeast in a large bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes until it gets bubbly
• Stir in the flour and the salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms
• Put in a oiled bowl and let rise for an hour until it’s doubled in size
• Turn the dough onto the counter and knead for a couple minutes until you shape a round loaf.
• Place in a Dutch oven lined with parchment paper
• Score the top of the loaf with a serrated knife
• Cover and bake at 450 degrees for 30 minutes
• Uncover and bake for another 10-12 minutes until golden brown
• Cool completely before slicing (it’s the worst part)

I opened the oven after the first 30 minutes and thought, Wow… did I actually pull this off?
Ten minutes later, I saw a crusty, golden loaf that looked, dare I say, store-bought. I’ve had more than a few failed loaves in my past, so I was waiting for the other shoe (or loaf?) to drop. But this? This was a win. A crunchy crust, tender inside—just right for sandwiches, toast, and especially homemade croutons for antipasto night.

Are you a bread baker? What’s your go-to loaf? I’m feeling just a little empowered to try something new!

Eat well friends!

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