Bread Anyone?

We have been challenged over the past 6 months to move away from food prepared outside of our home. Yes we occasionally eat out, but even then I am very cautious and particular. One of my recent endeavors has been fresh bread.  We have not bought any bread from the supermarket since October. So why make my own bread? It taste better, it comes from my own kitchen, it is preservative free, dye free, high fructose corn syrup free, dairy free, additional gluten free, and its cheaper!  

Homemade bread is a concept many of us have to reaquaint ourselves to. We are used to shelf stable bread that will last a good 2 weeks. Homemade bread kept in the panty, will last you about 2 days. The industry of bread making has accustomed us to shelf stable bread full of preservatives and added gluten. This is what keeps it soft and "fresh". When I make homemade bread it has 3 ingredients (flour, yeast, salt), and occasionally I'll add a drizzle of honey or fresh herbs vs. at least 22 countable ingredients in a common store bread. 

INGREDIENTS in Wonder Bread 100% Whole Wheat Whole wheat flour, water, wheat gluten, high fructose corn syrup, contains 2% of less of: soybean oil, salt, molasses, yeast, mono and diglycerides, exthoxylated mono and diglycerides, dough conditioners (sodium stearoyl lactylate, calcium iodate, calcium dioxide), datem, calcium sulfate, vinegar, yeast nutrient (ammonium sulfate), extracts of malted barley and corn, dicalcium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, calcium propionate (to retain freshness).

I love Artisan Bread in 5 minutes a Day.  It is the method that I have found to be the best and most time efficient.  I keep a batch in the fridge and make bread as needed. We actually eat much less bread now than we did before, and when we do eat bread I know that it is a healthier choice for our family. 

Here is the recipe for Making Artisan Bread...