"When we had water he would cook rice, but generally he made bread" *

  * from Arabian Sands (1959) by Wilfred Thesiger

High time I started making bread of my own.
The apotheosis of middle class completism?
Or an earthy reconnection with what's real?

Never mind all that shite. This first warm, salted, crusty white loaf turned out a treat.

1. Flour, salt, yeast, warm water

2. Combine

3. Knead, stretch and knead again

4. Cover and leave in a warm place

5. An hour and a half later


6. Tap down, reshape, cover and leave for half an hour more

7. On a preheated baking tray, score dough, scatter flour

8. Bake for 35-40 mins in a hot oven

9. Get in

Further information: Food & Cooking by Harold McGee (2004), chapter 10
Video: river cottage basic loaf