Foodie Firsts: Bread

Some firsts are never forgotten. Like the first time we ride a bike. Or the first time we visit the beach. Or the first time we get married.

I still remember the first time I made bread: Kim was visiting me in North Carolina, and I wanted to impress her with a gourmet dinner. I watched Emeril make a simple pasta dish, and I thought that would go over well; I didn't know much about cheese, and bought the wrong kind (no thanks to the person behind the deli counter), so I should have taken that as a sign. But no, I had to add insult to injury with a loaf of homemade bread.

It was hearty, to say the least. It was also very salty, and dense as a brick. Kim was kind enough to finish off the first piece, but only with a gallon of water (slight hyperbole).

I don't like failing, so after that experience I've been hesitant to dive back into the dough. But Sunday, a friend and foodie extraordinaire invited me and a couple of friends (Chris and Alisa) over to learn how she makes bread—three loaves a day, in fact. She assured our success.

Renee prepared dough on Saturday so that we could bake Sunday, and while things rested we made a new batch to take home. She walked us through the process, and together we baked six loaves…Renee also explained the benefits of making your own bread, so we didn't feel guilty for immediately consuming two loaves.

My confidence restored, I took home a loaf of fresh bread, dough, and a starter for future baking endeavors (I named mine Peter—because you're supposed to name it). On Monday, I baked two loaves solo, and I'm proud to say they were damn tasty. Kim will back me up.

So, Renee, thank you for sharing your baking expertise, and for such warm hospitality. (Did I mention the homemade bleu cheese and chevre, or the lemoncello, or the Open Space burgers on homemade buns?!?) As for the rest of you: roll up your sleeves, walk to the kitchen, and try something new (and then share with the rest of us, of course)!