How many uses are there for bread? Sandwiches, toast, croutons, stuffing and the list goes on. But, how many people have embraced homemade, fresh, bread? Whose uses in the examples above completely change the experience of something as simple as toast. You can curtail the bread to your desire. But where do you start? How do you come about making this revolutionary culinary experience and putting on your dinner table? Well, you could be like me, with a retired navy cook as a brother who has perfected making bread and shared his wealth of knowledge with his younger sibling. Hi, I’m Kyler Anderson and I will be getting you acquainted with the labor of love that is baking your own bread.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

First off, acquire the ingredients. These can be found at just about any grocery store, and if not, just order them online and have them shipped.

Needed ingredients:

3 Tablespoons of Yeast

3 Tablespoons of Salt

4 Tablespoons of Shortening

½ Cup of Sugar

8 Cups of Flour

3 Cups of Warm Water (100-110 F)

This will make 2 loaves of bread. If only one is desired, halve the recipe.

Step 2: Mix Your Flour

In a medium to a large mixing bowl mix the 3 main ingredients. Flour, salt, and shortening. It’s easiest to do with hands instead of a mixer, just shove them into the mixture and fold it over itself until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Mix Your Yeast

Mix your water, sugar, and yeast together in a separate container. A large measuring cup is best because this solution will be poured into the mixture you prepared a step prior.

Step 4: Prepare Your Dough and Kneading Surface

Pour the yeast-water solution into the flour mixture and mix until smooth and slightly sticky. Basically, if it slightly sticks to your hands and the sides of the bowl, it’s ready.

Now clean a surface to knead your dough. If a granite or marble counter is available, just clean the surface and knead directly on it. If not, a cutting board will suffice. A wooden one is the best option but other materials will also suffice as long as its smooth and flat. Then apply a light amount of flour evenly over your kneading surface.

Step 5: Kneading

Kneading is simple, extend the dough into an elongated shape. Fold it in half, and repeat until a sphere can be made and pushed down on and it springs back to the original shape. This will take about 10 to 15 minutes.

Cover bowl in towel or plastic wrap and let rise until double in size.

Step 6: The Hardest Part...

After the bread is done baking, it’s very complicated. Enjoy it. It will be fresher than any store-bought bread. And the journey allowed every step to be viewed by you personally. No short cuts, no fillers, and most importantly no sick people handling the food you eat. Plus, the satisfaction you get at the end of the process can never be bought from a store.