by Cheryl Abney

Created on: June 07, 2009   Last Updated: June 08, 2009

Bread, called the staff of life, has satisfied our hearts, souls and bodies for centuries. 'Staff of life' is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as a staple or necessary food, especially bread.* Modern white bread was first created in Egypt around 1000 BC and continues to be a mainstay in our diet. In our technological, fast-paced society, the question arises, "Why make bread from scratch?" We can go out and buy a loaf a lot easier and quicker from the grocery. However, speed and ease can't duplicate some things. Consider the following reasons to bake homemade bread:

1 ) Nostalgia and memories

2) Health advantages

3) Creative satisfaction

4) Economy and simplicity.

Nostalgia and memories are awakened by the yeasty scent of fresh made bread. The popular candle scents of banana bread, baked apple pie, and vanilla cookies attest to the fondness we share for kitchen scents. The image of cinnamon, raisin and plain white bread loaves lined up to cool along my grandmother's long, kitchen counter is a special memory. Mouths watered in anticipation of mealtime and the pleasure of eating warm, buttered, fresh homemade bread. Grandma and bread are indelibly linked in my heart and mind.

Health advantages of homemade bread can be readily seen when comparing the ingredients of store-bought bread to the ingredients you use to create bread from scratch. The label of store-bought bread may include any or all of the following: unbromated unbleached enriched flour, riboflavin, high fructose corn syrup, niacin, thiamin mononitrate, calcium propionate, tricalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, monoglycerides, and enzymes as well as butter, sugar, and nonfat milk. Compare with my cinnamon bread ingredients (recipe provided): milk, eggs, butter, bread flour, sugar, salt, dry yeast, pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Also, when making homemade bread, you are free to use reduced fat ingredients, sugar and egg substitutes and a variety of flours. Bread varieties are only limited by your personal tastes and creativity.

Creative satisfaction of the baker and heartfelt appreciation of the bread consumers, are further reasons to make homemade bread. The actual act of preparing and baking bread rewards the baker. You are totally involved in the process, from mixing to kneading, watching the rising, and punching down the dough. The physical and emotional experience of creating something palatable, nourishing and attractive is both empowering and self-satisfying.

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