A Look Into Artisan Bread

I think I just died and went to heaven. 

Homemade artisan bread delivered to my door step once a month? I think yes. This past year my love for food has developed into a dedicated passion. Not only do I enjoy eating (mostly over-stuffing my face) I enjoy cooking as well. There is something about mixing together a list of fresh ingredients and creating a beautiful masterpiece with your two hands. Its the simple mincing of garlic or the warm, fresh smell of muffins in the oven that set my mind at ease. It's comparable to the sensation of a ten-mile run. And, trust me, even as a runner, I think I would rather be cooking and eating than running. 

I didn't grow up eating well. And, I certainly never cared to take an interest in my parent's cooking. I was disgusted by the idea of vegetables. When someone suggested I try something new my answer would always be the same, "No." My diet consisted mainly of chicken fingers and french fries, pizza and anything chocolate. It's amazing I am a real girl. 

Suddenly, my palette changed. I began to crave fruits and vegetables. It was like the moment in the movie Clueless when Cher finally realizes her love for Josh, "I love Josh." Whereas, just a few weeks ago, I found out my love for corn, "I LOVE corn!" I exclaimed to my parents. Along with my new love for fresh and healthy food, my mind began working is ways I didn't know existed. In my head I would think of ingredients mixing flavors together to form recipes. I had always had a great fondness for baking. Now the same appreciation was developing for cooking. I became obsessed with whole foods (the actual foods not the store) and now I try to eat as many as possible. I've switched from peanut butter to almond butter and from cow's milk to soy milk.I am infatuated with jams and honeys and my fiber intake is through the roof. My parent's may think I am a bit of a health nut but the foods I eat and the way I eat makes me happy. And, now, I want to share my happiness with you. 

Now, back to the bread. I have always had a fascination with beautifully hand crafted breads. From multi-grain to sour dough and now my favorite, cranberry walnut whole wheat. There is something about the crisp crunch of the outer layer and the warm doughiness of the inside. When I worked for Marie Jackson at The Flaky Tart I learned so many things about baking and life in general. Two summers ago she invited me to a bread making class with Ciril Hitz in Providence, Rhode Island. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life.  We made all types of bread. And, the best part was we were doing it with our own hands. Eventually, I want to take what I have learned and create something of my own. But, for now, I am just experimenting with other peopl's recipes. 

This blog was originally made with the intent of sharing my little thoughts, or "les petites pensées." Now, my little thoughts are always of food. So, I think it is a good idea to focus my blog on food. I am going to share my own recipes and cooking with you as well as the delicious meals from favorite restaurants in New York City (where I live). Enjoy!