Ah, World!

Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Twenty-four, twenty-four…Happy Christmas Eve.

The winter chill awakens a familiar yearning in me–the desire to bake bread. Today, with a free day and a well-stocked pantry (after a recent grocery trip), I can grant myself the long-awaited gift.

I envision a loaf of whole wheat, texture-fine, crumb-soft, and a delightfully crusty exterior. My vision is inspired by the loaves that, years ago, I crafted and shared with others. Today, I’ll rediscover the rhythm of baking: the measuring, mixing, kneading, and shaping of dough. Soon, the heavenly aroma of fresh bread will fill my home.

And I’m anticipating that first warm slice, all slathered with butter! The simple act of baking bread has a multifaceted appeal. It engages my senses, sparks creativity, and even connects me to something primal in the repetitive motions of kneading and pounding.

Bread-making is a ritual that evokes memories of social traditions and family gatherings. I recall baking beautiful, braided challah loaves, fragrantly reminders of shared meals and cherished moments.

Besides anticipating delicious outcomes, there are therapeutic benefits–the stress relief, the sense of accomplishment, and the quiet satisfaction of creating something lovely and nourishing with my own hands.

Today, I will re-embrace the timeless craft, be reconnected to the joy of baking, and experience the great pleasure of an outcome worthy of my labor.

Dear Friends: Have a wonderful day. Diana