People are far too easily impressed by freshly baked-at-home bread. And it's all sourdough's fault. Endless talk of 'keeping your starter alive' has put most people off giving it a go, leaving a select few to bask in the unearned glory of something that can be so simple. Don't let the smug bastards win; learn one quick bread recipe that will free you from additive-addled supermarket bread.
That's not to do down the craft - there's a place for fantastically complicated, delicious breadmaking. But your morning toast can be just as satisfying with a humble home-cooked loaf, and you can save spending at artisanal bakeries for special occasions.
If you don't know where to begin, try Keir James-Tough's classic white loaf recipe that won't disrupt even the busiest of work-from-home days or weekend mornings.
Now we must be honest; although you don't need any special equipment, a stand mixer turns a half-hour job into that of a few minutes. We've compiled a list of the best, one of which retails for just £69.
Keir James-Tough
Low-carb dieting has done bread a disservice. Humans have eaten bread for over 14,000 years, and its importance goes far beyond nutrition. So much so that the word 'companion' is Latin for someone you break bread with. Most of the 'clean eating' ire is directed at the types you find in the shops. Your own bread can be made with just five or six ingredients: flour, yeast, fat, water, salt (and often a negligible amount of sugar). Give it a try, and you won't look back.
Part of Paperweight's 'Greater Things' series; #1001 ways to live your life greater. Get it delivered to your inbox every week with Sunday Paperweight when you subscribe for free.
