Dead Bread

I love to bake.

I have been told I am an excellent cook (does it count if the people telling me are all related?)

and yet...

I still have yet to make the perfect loaf of bread.

I don't understand my problem with bread. I can make a white bread no problem.

Yet we don't eat white bread, so that is just useless.

My whole wheat bread never rises right.

Tonight I made three loaves. All seemed to be going perfectly. I was excited.

It rose all three times like it was supposed to. It smelled fantastic, and all signs pointed to success.

I popped the loaves in the oven...

and 30 minutes later they were a beautiful brown color, with concave tops.

What is the deal? Just once I would like to figure out the secret to getting the pretty domed tops of bread. I am thankful that it wasn't a brick this time. The last time I attempted whole wheat bread we ended up using it as a door stop. It was mortifying. I am supposed to know how to cook! I have read recipe book tips on how to get the perfect bread, and I am telling you, it just isn't working.

I am just hoping I can try again before 6 months pass, like they did last time.

But tomorrow we are making cookies.

I know how to make those. They don't have to rise. And Keith wants to try out his new Halloween cookie cutters. He is a little obsessed with bats and pumpkins and ghosts, so this will be quite the treat for him, and a cooking triumph for me. I think I just wont tell anyone about the bread and let them keep thinking I am master of the culinary arts.

P.S. Anyone want a brick? I am thinking of making my bread for a charity. House and feed the hungry. All in one.



For spiritual enlightenment go here

Comments

Lara said…
This is why I have a bread machine. :)
February 26, 2010 at 6:19 AM
Chantel said…
I never have good luck with whole wheat bread. If I mix half white and half wheat flour - no problems but my whole wheat has ended up as a brick as well.
February 26, 2010 at 6:36 AM
Familia Morales said…
You crack me up Amy! I cheat and use a bread maker. Have fun making cookies!
February 26, 2010 at 7:15 AM
mub said…
Haha, I'm laughing at the image of building walls with bricks of bread ;)

Have you tried adding vital gluten to your bread? It's supposed to help with the "bricky" effect you sometimes get with whole wheat bread.
February 26, 2010 at 7:32 AM
Noodle said…
I have an awasome recipie for wheat bread... I even made it work.... We ground the wheat our selfs... It make three loafs and is really filling I will have to find it and share it with you.... But bread is very temramental and has a mind of its own some times... I count it a sucess if its tastes good regardless of what it looks like...=)
February 26, 2010 at 8:25 AM
Mare said…
http://triedandtruefavoriterecipes.blogspot.com/search?q=foolproof
There's a link to my wheat bread recipe. It's the one that always works out....you may be falling due to an inconsistent rising temperature, or you may need to be making 4 loaves instead of three.
I tried so many recipes before I found this one and it works every time. I definitely recommend a bosch with a lid for it - it helps it stay warmer.
Good luck!
February 26, 2010 at 8:30 AM
Capt'n Amazing's wife said…
Ha ha a brick! Actually the heavier the bread, the healthier it is. But if you can't chew it then I guess there is a problem. Good luck next time!
February 26, 2010 at 8:47 AM
Emmy said…
I am right there with you.. anything that uses yeast and needs to rise just doesn't seem to work for me.

Otherwise I can totally cook.. and I can back a mean cake. I honestly just use the box mixes but anytime I take one somewhere people will say, I really like this and I don't usually like cake. Yep, I have skills like that ;)
February 26, 2010 at 9:20 AM
Simply Stacie said…
Following you from the Friday Follow!

http://stacievaughansblog.blogspot.com/
February 26, 2010 at 11:46 AM
Helena said…
Wonderful to meet you! I heart SL LDS Temple! Isn't FF great? I'm a new follower and would love it if you would follow back! Check me out at 'AGalNeeds...' Thanks and have a great day!
February 26, 2010 at 11:49 AM
Sue said…
At least you've got me beat. My bread is usually brick-like.

"/
February 26, 2010 at 12:00 PM
~Shelley~ said…
Hi there! Visiting from "Friday Follow"..I'm your newest follower! Love for you to come visit me!

Have a great weekend!
~Shelley @ Shelley's Swag
February 26, 2010 at 12:18 PM
Alyssa said…
Recipe for the best bread? Panera. Or Wegman's. Cookies are better, anyway.
February 26, 2010 at 9:28 PM
Kimberly said…
Here from the Friday Follow. You have a great looking site. Hope to get to know you better soon. Stop on by and follow me so we can comment to each other often.
February 27, 2010 at 11:15 AM
Jingle said…
I am smell the fresh, warm, and soft bread u bake.
how yummy and sweet this post is!
Happy Saturday!
U R The Best Baker!
February 27, 2010 at 12:28 PM
Lisa Anne said…
I want to make my own bread. What's the recipe to make the white bread? I don't think I could do the wheat. lol
February 28, 2010 at 2:23 PM
Erin said…
Have you tried different recipes? I have a recipe I use and like, although it is not quite as airy as my friend who makes the exact same recipe. It is so frustrating to know we follow the same recipe, but mine is a bit more dense than hers! Anyway, good luck.
March 1, 2010 at 3:56 PM
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