Bread is in the oven, gonna watch it rise!

Pictured here is a very happy girl. She isn't feeling very well (see those nose drippings?) and is very messy. She is very, very much loved. 

Hairstyle brought to you by vegetable soup.

What is she doing up on that stool? Will she work up there? Will she play up there? What is up there on top of that counter? 

DOUGH. But is started with a tbsp active dry yeast mixed into 3/4c room temperature almond milk. Then a tbsp of melted butter, a tbsp of sugar, 1/2tsp of salt and then about 1 1/2c bread flour.. And you've got a dough that needs some kneading. Emma's little hands were better for pinching the dough and squishing it between her fingers. I kneaded the main ball until it was ready to set in a bowl, be blown a kiss (it was going to sleep, after all) and rise. 

After an hour, our dough doubled in size. I offered it to Emma knowing she'd be happy to punch it down(above picture) then I kneaded it again. Emma took pinches of flour and sprinkled it on the kneading surface as she saw me do. Precise and perfect. After a few minutes we set it on the pan to rise for 45 minutes with the oven preheating.. 

Bread is in the oven, gonna watch it rise,

Right before my very eyes

35 minutes in the oven and here is the final result. Plus a home smelling like fresh bread.

I can't wait to eat a slice with some butter and a bowl of soup for today's lunch. Yummy!

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We will definitely be making bread on a weekly basis after this. It was such a special and rewarding thing to share with Emma. You can't beat fresh bread, still hot out of the oven and steaming. Best of all, this is bread we made together.