Bread

On a mission to get back to the basics, I decided a good, homemade loaf of bread was in order. I was chagrined when my daughter pointed out that technically, the bread I buy isn't even considered real food because of the loooong list of ingredients and preservatives and that's when I realized that I had been cheating my family. Being a stay-home mom is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, I have lots of time to keep a clean house, make my kid's lunches, cook dinner every night, get my nails done while my kids are at school...etc. but the flip side of that is because I have lots of free time, I have very high expectations for myself. While I was working 40+ hours and juggling like a mad woman, nobody would question my getting take-out, being tired or letting the kids buy lunch at school. If the house was a mess, my husband was nothing but understanding. I did my best and that was that.
Now that I have time because I'm home all day, I feel this tremendous sense of pressure. There's no good reason that the house shouldn't be spotless at all times, that dinner can't be made every night and laundry isn't folded into neat little piles for each member of our family. Except for the fact that I am, after all, human. I get tired. I get PMS. I don't feel like cooking sometimes and guess what?? I don't like doing dishes! But this is my full-time job. This is what I chose. So to make the best of a very fortunate situation, I've decided that my family deserves better. No, not perfection, but little steps towards bettering our health and ensuring that the COO of this family stays sane.
Baking bread, I have realized, is not only a delicious venture, but a therapeutic one as well. The kneading, rising, baking...the process of it all gives me great joy. And the taste! Well, if you've never tasted fresh from the oven bread with butter and jam, you haven't lived. This small accomplishment motivates me to strive for more. No, I'm not earning a huge bonus at the end of the year or making important business decisions. I no longer earn a paycheck or contribute to a 401-K and we can't afford a home remodel, minivan or fancy vacation.
But what we lack in material things, we make up for vastly with the intangibles. I am there when my kids awaken in the morning and when they go to sleep. I take care of them before and after school. I get to be the first to hear about their day, their struggles and if there is an emergency at school, guess who's the emergency contact?? ME! If they're sick, I don't have to call off work to be with them and if they get an award at school, I get to be there, no matter what. For these things, there is no price tag. I would never go back to a full-time job, no matter how many sacrifices I have to make. So for all the struggle, there is bread. For every tear, there is a homemade cookie and a hug. When my husband has had a long night at work and just needs to vent, I'm all ears, coffee in hand. It's the little comforts of life that keep us feeling loved, warm, safe and secure. The aroma of bread baking in the oven smells like home. Try a loaf today and see where it takes you! Here's the recipe for my tried and true, versatile bread dough:

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup warm water
1 packet instant yeast
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons oil

First, mix warm water and yeast in a bowl and let sit for one minute so yeast can "wake up". Add all the remaining ingredients and then mix well. Transfer to a loaf pan and cover, allowing to rise on your counter at least one hour or until dough has doubled in volume. Once ready, place in a 400 degree oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until browned on top.
This recipe is great because you can easily mix in Italian herbs and brush with garlic and butter at the end or use it as pizza dough. You could also shape into bite sized pieces, bake then coat with melted butter, cinnamon and sugar. Once you've got it down, the possibilities are endless! Enjoy!
How do you make your house a home??