Yeast

Ok, so I think I must have a thing for yeast. Sounds a bit creepy when you just say it like that, but let me explain: I get a real kick out of doing things that mankind has done for eons in a really simple way that works without requiring sterility and mass marketing. Like making beer. My beer tastes alright, and it's simple enough to make that a kindergarten kid can assist (in the making, not the consumption - sheesh you guys!). As I do it more, I learn how to make it taste pretty good - at least as good as some of the stuff that people buy because they've been told they'll earn the interest of pretty bikini girls if they do. Anyway, I digress... I like stuff that reminds me that this modern life - including much of the pressure to do everything at lightning speed - isn't how humans have been existing for the majority of our history. So far, the evidence for this fondness includes my hero-worship of Dick Proenneke, my enjoyment of hiking, chess and brewing, and now...

Sourdough Bread Making!!!

That's right folks. I've got a jar full of fermenting flour and water in my office sitting on top of my fermenting grain-based beverage, which is basically flour and water... hmm... It really does make me stop and appreciate this microorganism that has helped us survive as a species for so long.


I suppose in fairness, I should have titled this post Yeast and Grain. In any case, we started some sourdough today. Rhea and Ian followed a recipe like most people use, including packaged yeast and sugar. The smaller jar is my purist version - one that could be made even if you couldn't buy supplies at a grocery store: water and flour. Nothing else. Here's hoping it actually works! Rhea and Ian's should be ready to make some bread with in three days. Mine won't be ready to leaven a loaf for at least a week. We'll certainly keep you all posted on the development of these all-important loaves as they make their way to the oven.



On that note, Rhea and Oliver had a checkup on Monday. They're both healthy, but the older of the two is feeling anxious to have it all over with. The younger wouldn't comment - I asked him and he kicked me in the ear.

From Left: Bread on Beer in the office, Ian is really excited to do some baking, Sadie guarding my Yeast Projects (don't worry, she does an even more enthusiastic job guarding the project Rhea has growing).