Bread

The aroma of fresh baked bread has been filling my house this week as I experiment with a master recipe from the book Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day by Jeff Hertzerg, MD and Zoe Francois. The recipe can be found at the NY Times.

I have long wanted to bake my own bread but as I'm a bit lazy, never really embarked on the process. I know, a bread machine could have helped but with a bread machine, would I have the fabulous, crusty baguette that I so adore? I really have trouble with buying bread in the store. It doesn't taste like bread. Its consistency is just, for lack of a better word, weird. It never really turns moldy, just gooey making me wonder what I'm putting into my body.

This year, I'm trying to eat more natural foods and good fats. I think all these fake low-fat foods and substitutes have not helped us at all. They often leave us unsatisfied and eating even more. I want food that tastes good and satisfies. I know, food is only supposed to sustain life. It isn't supposed to satisfy on an emotional level but for me, it does. That doesn't have to be a negative so long as we're eating properly and not to feed the emotion. But face it, food is emotion. The aromas elicit memories and the taste can bring such joy. Why should I punish myself by not eating food that brings such joy and satisfaction? The key is to make sure that I'm not over eating or feeding an emotion. That I'm eating when I'm hungry and stopping before I'm stuffed. Slowing down and thoroughly enjoying the food that I place into my mouth. The same could be said for all of living. Slowing down, taking the time to taste, feel and enjoy life.

Will I lose weight? I hope so but what I really want is good health and to enjoy life to its fullest. And for that baguette to cool so that I can break some bread with loved ones.