Bread (From Farm to You Series) Book

I originally bought this book when it was first published in the 1980's. Up to that point I had been baking yeast bread using a mixer with a stainless steel bowl. I let the appliance do the kneading. The author introduced me to the concept of using a large ceramic bowl and a wooden spoon. While stirring in the ingredients I had time to think about what I was making. I could also hear the kids playing in the other room and my husband working outside in the yard. While kneading the ingredients together, I had time to reflect. It gave me a reason to focus on slowing things down.

I tried my hand at Perfect White Bread, Buttermilk Bread, Whole Wheat Potato Bread and Parkerhouse rolls. I also made sourdough starters for the first time all the while learning from my mistakes. Not limited to just yeast breads, I made Dad's Favorite Waffles and Sweet Streusel Muffins. I loved that there were recipes for Homemade Saltine Crackers and Honey Grahams. The directions were easy to follow and Ms. Moore includes comments about each of the recipes above their content.

My cookbook has seen hard times. It still has the cover and the pages themselves are in like-new condition. But it also has stains on the exterior of the pages where I must have used the bottom of my palms to turn the pages. The book is well-used. Not every recipe is a favorite but it was a great introduction on baking. The author encourages you to change the ingredients for more to your liking and gives you some good suggestions. She also talks about various grains and flours and the purpose of salt, sugar, eggs, fats and leaveners. She even gives you a few recipes using an electric mixer.

Though I now have some excellent bread books I still turn to 'The Wooden Spoon' on occasion when I want to take my time while making something good to eat. It is a visit to the past.