Back to Basics....Bread!!

So what is it that most of us would not think of making???? It's too hard ??? Think of coming home and your house is filled with the aroma of fresh bread. You cut a piece while it is still warm, spread some fresh butter ,Cretan thyme honey..or Greek olive oil....and well words are simply too little..

It's gloomy outside, windy and for some strange reason making the most basic food throughout our history is a very satisfying experience, even if you make it only once. It brings you memories of the past and back to a time when we made things with our hands, our hearts, our sweat. The bread will never be good if you skip on the love and patience. The warmth of your hands molds it and patience helps it rise. Relevant don't you think in our times. Then share this bread with your neighbours, your friends, they will be warmly surprised.

recipee

1 kilo all purpose flour

1 tbsp salt

1/2 tsp sugar

1/4 tsp ground aniseed

2 small packs dry yeast

1/4 cup olive oil

..about 2 glasses of warm water

*add flour and water as needed

 Put all the ingredients in a large bowl then knead very well until you get an elastic dough..guys you need to use a little elbow grease here (strength) and patience it takes some time to get the right consistency...

Cover  up the mixture with a clean dishcloth and a wool blanket. Let the dough stand for about 3 hours..It should become about double its size .

Divide dough and form into the shapes you like and place on a floured baking tray. Cover again..and let the dough rise again for about an hour...

Take a sharp knife and slit the top surface of the bread with small slashes (about 4 per loaf)
spray water on top..sprinkle sesame seeds..and cook at 200c* for about 1 hour.

To check if the bread is ready, you turn the loaf over and tap the bottom with your finger. If it sounds hollow its ready..!
Try it once..you will not regret it!!

* always preheat oven before you place bread...