Fear Not, You Can Bake Bread!

Lisa Wright Burbach
7 hours ago
5 min read

bread baking — Bread baking in my beloved Lodge, cast iron bread pan!

Breadmaking Basics:

Why Baking Bread Is Simpler (and More Rewarding) Than You Think.

There’s something deeply satisfying about making a loaf of bread! The smell is so amazing!, The crackling crust, the knowledge that I made that — it never gets old.

I remember thinking that it was too involved to do it and I'd never have the time to make bread! But really, the time is all around rising and you can do other things then! So I did.

I discovered the book Knead It, Punch It, Bake It! by Evan and Judith Jones in my twenties. It was written for kids, which was exactly what I needed. It broke the process down into simple steps and showed me that bread doesn't have to be complicated. That little book demystified everything for me — and got me hooked on baking bread from scratch. Plus, I didn't have a Kitchenaid mixer back then and the kneeding was a great stress relief!

These days, I use the Easy Heritage Yeast Bread recipe from Sunrise Flour Mill , and I love it. It uses just four ingredients: flour, salt, water, and yeast. That’s it! No preservatives, no extras — just the basics. I mix it in my KitchenAid stand mixer, which means it does most of the work for me. And when I’m on a good rhythm, I bake a loaf each week instead of buying store-bought bread.

Why Bake Your Own Bread?

There are so many benefits to baking bread at home:

You control the ingredients. No additives or fillers — just real food.
You choose the flour. I love using heritage wheat from Sunrise Flour Mill. Their flours are made from grains that haven't been genetically altered like many modern flours. It’s closer to how wheat was meant to be, and I can truly feel the difference.
It’s healthier. Fewer ingredients and better flour mean a more nourishing loaf.
It’s more affordable. Especially if you bake regularly.
It tastes amazing. Seriously — nothing compares to fresh-baked bread.
It’s satisfying. There’s a quiet joy in doing something with your hands and making something from scratch.
It’s fresher. Homemade bread doesn’t sit on a shelf for days before reaching your kitchen.

Plus, baking bread makes your whole house smell incredible.

Shaping a Loaf — A Little Tip

The recipe I use from Sunrise Flour Mill is simple, but they don’t go into much detail when it comes to shaping the loaf. Here’s what I do: Once the dough has risen, I stretch it gently into a rectangle about the length of my loaf pan. Then, I roll it up fairly snugly (not too tight, not too loose), tucking in the ends underneath before placing it seam-side down in a greased pan. It makes a nicely shaped loaf that bakes evenly and slices beautifully.

Once You Master the Basics…

Once you feel confident making a basic loaf, the world of bread baking really opens up! From focaccia to cinnamon rollsto hamburger buns, you’ll start to see how versatile and fun it can be.

There are also great video tutorials online if you’re a visual learner. Sometimes seeing someone work with dough helps it all click.

And if you’re nervous to try it alone? Make it a party! Invite a friend or two over for a bread-baking day. Learn together, laugh, share tips, and leave with your own loaf.

Where to Get Started

Here are some helpful resources to begin your bread journey:

Sunrise Flour Mill – Great flours and simple recipes
King Arthur Baking – Tons of tutorials and guides
YouTube channels like Foodgeek, Bake with Jack, or Alex from French Guy Cooking
Books like Flour Water Salt Yeast by Ken Forkish or The Bread Baker’s Apprentice by Peter Reinhart (once you're ready to level up!)

Embracing Homemaking

Personally, I love homemaking. I love baking my own bread, hanging clothes out to dry, and cooking from scratch. And you know what? I feel liberated to say that — especially after hearing Martha Stewart proudly declare her love for homemaking. There’s dignity and joy in creating a home and in learning skills that connect us to the rhythm of life and seasons. But making your own bread isn’t just for the self-proclaimed homemaker — it’s for everyone.

Give it a try. Your kitchen and your heart, as well as your family and friends will thank you.

PS: There is a downside! You will definitely want to eat lots more bread! So yum!

Enjoy!

Hello from our Burbachulous Craft Loft!

Welcome to the cozy corner of the blog where creativity takes center stage. From paper crafts to paint, handmade gifts to seasonal DIYs, this is where we let our imagination play. Whether you're a seasoned maker or just getting started, there's something here to spark your crafty side. My husband, Van and I create greeting cards together and he says you never know what I'll get into next. So true!

DIY: How to Dehydrate Cilantro (Oven & Air Fryer Methods)

Cilantro is one of those herbs that’s either gone in a flash or wilting in the fridge before you get to it. Dehydrating is a great way to preserve that bright flavor for soups, salsas, and garnishes all year long. Here's how to do it easily at home — no fancy dehydrator needed!

🌿 Prep First

Wash the cilantro thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
Pat dry with a clean towel or spin dry in a salad spinner — getting it as dry as possible is key!
Remove the thick stems and keep mostly leaves and tender stems.
Spread it out in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray (for oven or air fryer basket).

🍃 Method 1: Dehydrate Cilantro in the Oven

Preheat your oven to the lowest setting — ideally 170–180°F (77–82°C) or use a “Warm” setting if available.
Place cilantro leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Leave the oven door slightly cracked open to allow moisture to escape (you can use a wooden spoon to prop it open).
Dry for 1.5 to 2 hours, checking every 30 minutes. It's done when the leaves are crisp and crumble easily between your fingers.
Let cool, then crumble into smaller pieces or leave whole.
Store in an airtight jar or container in a cool, dark place.

🍃 Method 2: Dehydrate Cilantro in the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to lowest temp (usually 120°F–140°F) or use the dehydrate setting if available.
Place cilantro in the basket or on a tray in a single layer. (You can use parchment with small holes if needed.)
Dehydrate for 30–45 minutes, checking after 20 minutes. Time varies based on thickness of leaves and air fryer model.
When fully dry and crisp, remove, let cool, and store as above.

✅ Tips:

Store dried cilantro in a glass jar with a label so it stays fresh and fragrant.
Freezes well too.
Crumble it only when you're ready to use it to retain the most flavor.
Dried cilantro won’t be as punchy as fresh, but it still adds great color and subtle herbiness to dishes like chili, rice, and eggs.