People don’t really make bread because they don’t want to knead and punch, knead and punch. It takes a lot of energy and time. By that time, your family is starving and you might as well go out and eat char kuey teow.

Another issue on bread-making is that many people do not know whether they are doing it right. Books can give you recipes and methods but for breads you really need practice, lots of it. Some people are intimidated because of the yeast. Which yeast to use, how long, how to determine it's still alive.

Let me dispel some unfounded fears. Most bread do not require long kneading. 10 to 15 minutes will satisfy the dough enough. In saying that, there are also many recipes where the dough is either too sticky to knead or too tough. You need arms of a fishwife. However, kneading is very therapeutic. It lets out all your stress for the day. The result can be eye opening.

You can of course buy a bread maker. But it produces a crust that is mediocre, predictable and it turns out like cake most of the time. Take it from me, nothing is quite as satisfying as making your own bread. You want get your hands in the dough, shape it with your love and then you want to see it bake in the oven. Watching bread rise will give you a lot of satisfaction.

So here it is, the Simplest Bread in the World recipe. No kneading. No proofing to let the yeast work it’s way and rise (with some breads you need to do it overnight). No stress. Plus it’s healthier than processed bread. And your family will be munching it in no time.

"Bread needs patience and love, you don’t rush it"

This bread is ready in a jiffy. No need for extra machinery, you just need a big bowl and a wooden ladle. If not just use your God given hands.

Ingredients:
2 cups plain flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
Quarter cup milk powder
2 teaspoon yeast
3 tablespoons molasses
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons orange juice
1 and quarter cup warm water
Quarter cup oats

Method:
Put yeast in the warm water and let it bubble for 10 minutes (we do this to find out if the yeast is still alive). If it doesn't bubble throw it away and use a different packet of yeast.
After 10 minutes, mix everything in except for the oats.
After half and hour put the dough in a baking tin, then sprinkle the oats on top.
Pop it in a 180 celsius oven for 45 minutes. After you take it out, tent it for 20 minutes with a foil. You can also keep this dough overnight and pop it in the oven first thing in the morning for fresh bread with your morning coffee.

Results:
You’ll find that this makes a hearty and dense bread. I’m afraid if you want fluffy bread, you’ll have to use a recipe that requires kneading. Nevertheless it’s still delicious. Best way is to eat it is to toast it, spread cream cheese and drizzle it with honey.

I say:
- Don’t be too ambitious. Try easy recipes first. And don’t give up.
- If you want to try something harder, make bread on a lazy Sunday. Bread needs patience and love, you don’t rush it.
- Baking bread adds a great homely smell to your house. Once you get into it, you’ll find yourself baking every weekend!

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