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Servings

Ingredients

• Pre-ferment (see below)
• 1/2 c. mystery liquid
• (113 g) 1 tsp instant yeast
• 1/2 c. mystery ingredient(s)
• 2 c. flour
• 1 tsp salt
• Olive oil for handling the dough
• Extra flour for use during shaping

Directions

1. Pre-ferment (the Night Before): This important step literally takes 1 minute: the night before baking, combine 1 cup of flour (130g), 1/2 cup of room temperature water (113g) & 1/4 teaspoon of instant yeast in a container with enough extra space for the mixture to double. Mix everything together and place a loose-fitting lid on top.

2. The Next Day: Exploring: Go to the fridge and / or pantry with your child(ren) and decide together what kind of liquid and/or mystery ingredient(s) you will use to make your imagination loaf. What are some of your child’s favourite foods that might make an interesting addition to a loaf of bread (e.g., raisins, chopped pear, avocado)? Within reason, stay open to your child’s suggestion –they may be on to something! This part of the process can be a learning opportunity – for both of you!

3. Mixing: In a large bowl, combine the pre-ferment with the liquid, yeast, flour, salt and the mystery ingredients you have come up with. Stir well.

4. Developing the dough: Taking plenty of breaks, continue stirring the dough with a wooden spoon, spatula and/or your hands (oiled) – in the bowl or out of the bowl – off and on for 10 minutes or more. You don’t need to work too hard with this – this slow process can take up to 30 minutes – developing the dough on and off.

5. Fermenting & Folding: Lightly cover the bowl, and let the dough rise for an hour or so. Every 20 minutes or so, give the dough a gentle “fold” with oiled hands. Repeat two or three times.

6. Shaping: Shape however you like! Simply work your dough into a shape that is pleasing to you. Have fun!

7. More Fermenting: Place the shaped dough on a baking sheet or in a bread tin (protected by parchment or silicone mat) and leave it to proof for an hour or so.

8. Scoring & Spraying: Slash the loaves on an angle a few times, and spritz with room temperature water.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Once the oven is fully pre-heated, bake the dough for 15 minutes, and then turn the oven temperature down to 350°F. Continue to bake for 20–25 more minutes.

10. Carefully move the loaf (or loaves) onto a cooling rack, waiting at least 30 minutes to slice. Enjoy!