NOTE TO THE BBD: Since I submitted the Semolina Bread Recipes several weeks
ago I am deleting that recipe in this post.
>Subject: BBD 100-073 bread baking with kids
>Date: Monday, November 20, 2000 11:17 PM
Hello, Jane Koca
I'm responding to your request in the BBD about baking bread with young ones.
How strange I should see this question given the wonderful experience I had
last week with my three grandchildren, the granddaughter age 11, and two
grandsons, ages 10 and 7.
The grandchildren were visiting here in Northern Virginia while their
mother recouped from a serious operation she underwent in September. Kris
and the grands now live in AZ so the 2 months away from home not so easy
for them. I had not had the pleasure of seeing them in 4 years AND was
unsure if I would be able to cope with them for more than a few hours at a
time. For about 3 weeks I helped home-school at least one and sometimes all
three.....Talk about a challenge!
The 7 year old was spending the day with me last week and I thought that
after a full morning of studies he might like to do something with me in
the kitchen. I suggested he and I make bread and he was all for it.
You should know in advance I'm not a very patient person, particularly in
my kitchen. Needless to say, I was somewhat dubious about this little
exercise. To my surprise we had a grand time. The other two showed up while
we were still in the mixing stage but I allowed the little one to more less
run the show.
I chose a very simple yeast recipe which I am sending to you in this post.
First we got out all of the measuring spoons and cups.....also the scale to
weigh the flour. Zach was asked to read the recipe with a little help from
"Mama Joni". He then measured each of the ingredients and poured them into
separate bowls. In a simple manner I explained why each of the ingredients
was important to the finished product and surprisingly Zach asked some very
interesting questions about such things as the reaction of yeast to water.
Since I use a KitchenAid Mixer to mix and knead the dough, Zach was allowed
to do most of the dumping and mixing. By this time sister and brother
arrived so we all got into the mix, so-to-speak and had a jolly ole time.
Fortunately, the recipe that follows is quicker than most. Although it does
require one rise and one proof, neither takes a very long time.
One thing I've learned the last two months: It's not so very important that
what I cook be perfect; what's important is the shared experience one
derives from imparting your knowledge with those too young to question
everything you say. Don't get me wrong, all three had questions about this
bread baking as well as other cooking we did together, but they were very
receptive to what I had to offer.
Hope your experience with your young ladies is as rewarding as mine with my
precious grands. I was truly blessed.
My only advice from a 61 year-old: chill out and have fun! Believe me when
I say your contribution to these young ladies will fill your heart with
much joy.
Please note: I submitted this recipe to the BBD several months ago, so you
might have it in your collection....but here's the rerun. (Semolina Bread)
[[http://www.bread-bakers.com/archives/digests/v100n062.txt ... Reggie]]
joni repasch