Hey there! I’m Tracy, and today I’m inviting you into my kitchen. It’s not just any day – it’s bread-making day, and I want to share this cozy, heartwarming experience with you. Let's forget about perfect measurements and fancy words; let's just enjoy the process and the lovely mess of baking, especially with our trusty Artisanal Ceramic Bread Pan.
The Simple Joy of Bread Making
So, bread making. It’s not just mixing stuff in a bowl; it's like a little bit of magic. You take simple ingredients, mix them in our gorgeous ceramic pan (seriously, it’s a beauty), and then wait while the house starts to smell like a hug. Even my teenage boys will leave their rooms and their screens to come down and check it out.
In our house, we follow a gluten-free diet. Both my husband and my youngest have an intolerance. But we all love great bread! I have perfected this recipe over the years, but for the first time ever, I’m using one of our new Figs and Jasmine ceramic bread pans. The one with the most vibrant and sparkling azure blues to bring a ray of sunshine into an otherwise dreary December day in Seattle!
Tracy’s Go-To Bread Recipe
Here’s my go-to recipe for a simple, no-fuss bread:
- 990 Grams Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour (Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 is great)
- 10 Grams Granulated Yeast
- 17-25 Grams Salt
- 30 Grams Sugar
- Warm water and 4 eggs (combined to weigh 850 grams)
Just mix the flour, yeast, salt, and sugar in a big bowl. Then add in the water and egg mixture. Mix with a paddle attachment, slowly at first to prevent spillage and increase the speed to medium-high. Continue to mix until smooth, about 1 minute. Let it rise in a covered container for 2 hours – but don’t seal it tight. Let it breathe a bit.
When you're ready, grab about 450 grams of dough and plop it (gently 😊) into our ceramic bread pan. Let it sit cozy under some saran wrap for an hour.
Preheat your oven to 450°F, toss a metal pan with water on the bottom rack (for moisture – trust me, it works), and then it’s showtime for your bread. Give it a dusting of flour, maybe a couple of slashes on top with a knife, and bake it for 45 minutes or until the crust is golden. Let it cool before you dive in – I know, it’s hard to wait.
A word about the ceramic pan
The non-reactive nature of ceramic bakeware ensures that it won't interact with acidic or alkaline ingredients, preserving the intended flavors of your dishes. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to a smooth, non-stick glaze. While ceramic bakeware is durable and heat-resistant, it is not without considerations. Careful handling is essential to prevent chipping or cracking. Despite this, it remains a popular choice due to its functional and aesthetic advantages in the kitchen.
Gathering Around the Table
Now, here’s my favorite part: the bread’s done, and everyone is waiting to dip it, butter it, or just get that crunchy, steamy first bite. I like to set the table with some olives, lightly drizzled in olive oil, marinated artichoke hearts, maybe some harissa (Tunisian hot sauce) and for those who like a milder experience, feta cheese, or just good old butter – all the good Mediterranean stuff that has become a staple in our house. Then you bring out the bread, still warm. It's not just food; it's like you're putting a piece of home right there on the table. I tried to capture the moment in these photos. I’m still learning product photography, but I really wanted to capture and share the feel of this experience with you all in these photos.
Bread, Baked with Love
That's what it’s all about – making something simple and beautiful, and then sharing it. Our ceramic bread pan? It’s not just for baking; it's for creating those little moments that we'll remember.
So, grab your apron, our new ceramic pan, get your hands a little floury, and let’s make some memories with bread.
Cheers to good food and great company.
Tracy
