Homemade, With Love

I can still picture my Oma taking the fresh bread she made out of the oven with her oven mitts. The warm, cozy smell that followed was like a comforting embrace, transforming our home into a haven of joy, happiness and warmth. Have you ever smelled something that instantly transported you back in time, evoking memories of cherished moments? For me, that scent was the magical aroma of freshly baked bread, a reminder of the warmth and joy that filled our home.

While I was growing up I was intrigued by this rhythm of the bread baking while my Oma and father prepared it—the way the dough would come alive, change, grow and take shape and ultimately crisp up into this golden brown deliciousness. I gravitated towards it. I would always keep a close eye on this dough as it was prepared as if I was caught in its orbit or maybe just magnetically pulled to it. It was more than just the bread; it was deeper than that. There was something intangible about this bread that was having a positive effect on everything around it. 

My older brother Hans ignited my passion for cooking, and introduced me to the art and science behind cooking. He also showed me the importance of understanding different cultures and how much depth there is to life especially within different cultures. I started eating foods from different cultures, and spending time in different countries. I found myself appreciating things I would have never appreciated before if it weren’t for all the summers spent in Germany, and Spain. With time, I discovered that food weaves together pleasure, joy, connection, and nourishment. This nourished not only our bodies but also our spirits, leading me to embrace a simple yet powerful philosophy: "You gotta eat good to live good."

While living in my apartment at school, An urge to make fresh bread emerged within me one day. Almost like a dormant volcano that one day knows that it is time. I decided I was going to make some bread. After a few hours of waiting and dough folding I finally managed to slide a couple irregularly shaped pieces of dough into the oven. To my surprise after about 40 minutes, the irregularly shaped rolls of dough had transformed into golden brown baguettes that looked to my eyes like the finest bread to have ever emerged from an oven. After my excitement subsided I did in fact realize that the bread was not even close to perfect. However, it tasted amazing, it smelt amazing and most importantly rekindled memories of my Oma and her kitchen with her oven mitts just smiling. This rediscovery sparked my desire to share that warm, comforting experience with others. Each batch I baked improved and my connection deepened to those cherished moments, revealing that bread is more than a staple; it is something that unites us, nourishes us, and keeps us going.

Today, Henny's Homemade Bread stands as a tribute to those in my life who have helped me grow, experience and learn how to truly live life to the fullest. Each loaf embodies the warmth and nostalgia of my upbringing, crafted from a rustic blend of healthy, delicious, and simple ingredients. The simple act of breaking freshly baked bread with our people nourishes our bodies and fuels our spirits, allowing us to embrace life in all its fullness. After all, you gotta eat good to live good.