I attended a yeast bread class last night at King Arthur Flour education center in Norwich, VT.  It was great! 

I’ve baked yeast breads before, but couldn’t quite get the technique down.  The class was full of helpful tips and demonstrations and then we got to play.  We made three loaves, two from the same basic bread dough (which I made from scratch).  The “eyeglasses” shaped loaf is Pane Siciliano. 

They pre-made this dough to save time and we each shaped our own loaf.  I am very proud of how my breads turned out and my car smelled fabulous on the way home.  Ben highly approves of my efforts (note the pic). 

I plan to get some more basic recipes for whole grain and wheat doughs.  And hopefully will sign up for an Artisan bread making class, which seems to be their most popular so I may have to wait until fall/winter to take that one.  I was reminded of how easy it is to make bread.  Just a little initial work, then basically the bread sits around until baking.  No additives or preservatives. 

On another Beamy Homemaker Note, I ordered a home brewing kit from Williams-Sonoma.  It is for making a gallon of summer wheat beer.  Looked fun and I figured what the heck?!  Will keep you posted on how it turns out.