Monday, December 6, 2010

The Anatomy & Science of Yeast Breads

Long sigh...sourdough schmourdough. Why so complicated? Yeast, that's why!

I did a ton of research today on making sourdough from scratch, starter too. There is so much out there I'm not sure where to begin. My research answered a question I've been asking myself for a long while now, but never had the time to look up, how were they making bread 100 years ago? They couldn't go to the store and buy little jars or packets of yeast, so what did they do? Now I know.

They made it. They "woke up" yeast that is naturally present in flour. Only back in those days, they were grinding their own wheat berries and such to make their flour to start their bread. What women! And I thought I was baking bread from scratch! I've learned that buying yeast and adding it to your starter, is apparently "cheating" and "taboo" in the world of sourdough breadmaking. Excuse me!!

So as I walk through the valley in the shadow of bread, I shall fear no yeast and all I say is..bring it on baby...bring it on! One day, it won't have nothin' on me!

I will perfect you.

1 comment: