In the past 6 years, we have shifted houses 5 times. You could say that I am used to the entire process of packing, unpacking, selling and letting go of things. But, it sure doesn’t take away the hassle and especially when there are other trips that fall back to back. At the end of last month, we visited Pune to my brother and sister in-law’s new nest for house warming ceremony; Diwali celebration and family get together. I met one of my cousins after 10 years. Late night gossip, so much laughter! It was a blast. Soon after that, we went to Noida for another house warming ceremony as my in-laws bought a new house. There was another family reunion, lot of indulgence and so much fun!
And now, we are off to California for a new beginning. Yes, we are moving back to the same place and I am looking forward to it.
Such moves always invoke mixed feelings. I will miss these family gatherings, catching with my friends and authentic Indian food. But at the same time, I am excited to meet my friends back in US and I can’t wait to eat some good burgers.
The only thing that is freaking us right now is the lengthy travel time. When we moved back to India two years back, Avyan was 4 months old. That journey was smooth as cream. He slept through the entire flight; there was no fuss and very less tears. This time, I am sure it’s not going to be that easy. So please do send us as much luck as possible.
We fly to California in two days and before I leave, I wanted to share my last post of the year. A simple, rustic white bread that I baked in my tiny oven, before I sold it off. I just needed that fresh comforting aroma in between the workload.
Rustic White Bread
Ingredients
- 1½ cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon active yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon oil
- ¾ warm water plus more to knead the dough
Instructions
- Mix warm water with sugar and yeast. Stir, cover and let it rest for about 5 minutes to activate the yeast.
- Once yeast is activated, add flour in the mixing bowl along with salt and oil. Give it a mix and make a well in the center. Pour the activated yeast into the well. Using a rubber spatula, give it a mix to form a rough dough. Now, if you are using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and knead at speed 3 for 12 minutes. If you kneading by hand, scrape the dough in a lightly floured countertop or wooden board and knead until it’s smooth and elastic. It should take about 12 minutes.
- Once the dough is ready, make a rough round ball and place it on either the same mixing bowl or a separate one that's lightly brushed with oil. Cover it with clear wrap/kitchen towel and keep it in a warm place. Give it a couple of hours to rise and double in size.
- Once the bread dough rises and doubles in size scrape it carefully to a board. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and pre-heat oven to 180C. Place the bread dough on the baking sheet and form a round shape. Cover it and let it sit for 30 more minutes to get it fluffy.
- Finally score it lightly on top and bake for 25 to 30 mins or until the bread is golden brown on top.
Nutrition
Spandana
I hope you had a safe move. I always admire the way you take out time with so much going on 🙂
This bread looks so delicious. Perfect crust!
Kankana Saxena
Thank you Spandana. We had a safe move and have been settling down slowly 🙂
Kate @MyLittleLarder
I do hope the move went well and you aren't too exhausted from the flight! I have two little ones so I can only imagine what a long haul flight would be like! Eeek! This bread looks delicious and looking forward to your next yummy Californian inspired recipes.
Kankana Saxena
Thanks Kate! The journey was quite smooth and surprisingly the kido handled it like a sport 🙂
Kimberly/TheLittlePl
You're moving back! Oh my goodness. My head's spinning a little here. So many adventures! I'm sure the flight will be ok. The inflight entertainment helps as do books and games and toys. You'll be great
Good luck with it all.
Kankana Saxena
I am just hoping I don't talking about moving any more .. or at least for a couple years 😀
Devz | The Savorist
Safe travels and best wishes for the new beginnings. 🙂
Kankana Saxena
Thanks a lot 🙂
soma sengupta
Kankana, I so hope you come back to the Bay Area! Would love to meet you! Welcome back 🙂
Kankana Saxena
Thanks and yes would love to meet you. Something tells me we will talk about Shillong a lot 😀 Lets get in touch through emails and plan to catch up soon.
Annika
Good luck on you travel and new life! Looking forward to hear from you again and get inspired by your cooking!
Carina Sebastine
Just in case you see this before you leave India, which flours can I use Maida or Atta ???I live in Kerala and husband wants decent bread and I can not bake ? so help needed.
Wish you a safe flight and a happy future. Carina
Mallika Bhat
Yes, I can relate to the entire process of packing and unpacking! Pain!!! Wish you a wonderful trip to California, Kankana. I'm sure Avyan will be just fine and will enjoy the journey. Hope you settle down soon and get back to blogging. 🙂
That bread looks amazing. Love its perfect crust!
Sunandha
The bread looks so awesome Kankana. So authentic. Wish you safe and happy journey. And we never met!!
Rosa
What a beautiful bread! Great texture and perfect crust.
Cheers,
Rosa