For the first time ever I have managed to produce an edible loaf of bread despite having to let it rise for almost 24 hours.
As I mentioned yesterday I had not baked my own bread for months because major crises had driven out normal life for over three years.
I made the bread yesterday and left it in the corner of the kitchen where there is generally plenty of warmth.
An hour later the dough showed no signs of rising to the occasion.
Further two hours and no noticeable rise.
This carried on throughout the afternoon and evening.
By the time we went to bed, 11pm, it was showing vague signs of smoothing out on top and sat higher in the proving basket, this was over 12 hours since it had gone in the basket.
By 9am the following morning, almost 24 hours after I had finished kneading the dough, I put it in the loaf tin and popped it in the oven and 40 minutes later I had a loaf.
Not the most beautiful I had made but still looking reasonable.
Once it had cooled I cut a couple of slices for my lunch.
It was denser than normal but still edible.
I have had trouble before after a break from baking but this was the first that had been left to prove for so long.
It will get better but in the meantime I am reasonably happy after the first loaf of the year.
Robin's Nest 