A smile of satisfaction plays at the corners of my mouth as I tie the strings of my apron, a hand-sewn from a thoughtful friend. I dust my hands with flour after lifting the bowl's cover, inhaling the yeasty fragrance of bread dough.
Ah, the joy of fresh discoveries that come with new experiences, like creating Artisan European breads such as ciabatta. The sweetness of knowledge and understanding that comes with it. These bring me great delight! I learned that sourdough enhances the minerals and nutrients in the whole grain, breaking it down in a way that makes it easier for our bodies to digest.
As I gently pat and roll out the dough I quickly learn that overworking it destroys the air bubbles, crippling it's potential to raise as it's meant to. This knowledge is honey to my soul, because I understand more about the Master of Artisan Breads and how beautifully he creates his bread; how uniquely and carefully designed each loaf is one-of-a-kind. What wisdom He has!
And when I lift that stoneware pan from the blazing oven, noting the way each ciabatta is little bit different I am held captive in sacred awe, for I realize that He knows exactly what He's doing as He kneads and shapes us.
