Sweetest Hobby

In our constant search for moments of pure and simple joy, we often forget to look at the most basic things – like the pleasure of making our own bread at home. Today, I invite you to rediscover this pleasure by preparing a homemade baguette that embodies the essence of simplicity.

Making bread is a form of active meditation. By selecting quality ingredients, carefully mixing them, and then kneading the dough with your own hands, you connect with a ritual that is as ancient as time itself. Each step is an invitation to be present, to feel the texture of the dough, and to marvel at the transformation process.

Ingredients:

• 355 ml (1 1/2 cups) of water (room temperature)
• 7g (2 teaspoons) of instant dry yeast for bread
• 512g (4 cups) of regular all-purpose flour, or use bread flour
• 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix all the ingredients starting with the water, yeast, flour, salt, and sugar, if using. Incorporate everything very well manually as shown in the video or, if you prefer, use a mixer with a dough hook attachment suitable for heavy doughs, for about 10 minutes. Combine everything until it forms a ball, cover, and let it rest for approximately 2 hours.
2. Divide the dough into 3 pieces, shape as desired, and let it rest for another hour on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and greased (with oil, spray, or butter) in a dark, enclosed space (you can cover it with another baking sheet on top or leave it in the turned-off oven).
3. Remove the bread from the oven and preheat the oven to 500°F (260°C).
4. Dust a bit of flour on top of the bread and, with the help of a sharp knife, make some slashes (about 4).
5. Brush or spray with cold water to make the crust crispier. Also place another baking sheet or any oven-safe pan with ice in the oven to create steam and help achieve that wonderful crust.
6. Bake the bread for approximately 18-20 minutes (remove the ice after the bread has been baking for 10 minutes) and bake until the desired color is reached; I always prefer it a bit darker for a crispier crust.
7. Wait about 15 minutes before cutting the bread and enjoy!

Tip: You can prepare the dough 1 day in advance in the afternoon and leave it in the fridge after shaping the bread and an hour after it has risen. Leave the dusting and slashing for the next day. There’s no need to wait for it to come to room temperature; bake it cold for an even tastier result.

Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of all is making bread to share. A homemade baguette, still warm from the oven, shared with those we love, transforms a simple meal into a moment of connection and joy. It is an act of love, a symbol of care, and a celebration of life in its purest form.

From my kitchen to yours,

Ana Raquel.