Finally, I used my oven for the first time and baked bread.
The first bread I baked in Bangkok was Ciabatta.
I was nervous about using my new oven.
Actually, I was nervous about everything because everything was new to me.
The oven, the kitchen, the kitchen tools…
Also ingredients.
There were many different brands of flour at stores, and it took me a while to decide which one to choose.
There were some familiar brands like King Arthur and Bob’s Red Mill along with some from western countries such as Canada and Australia.
But eventually I picked this because I wanted to try a Thai flour.
I picked this one because I had seen a few people recommending this brand.
This Turkish brand’s dry yeast was new to me as well.
I was relieved as the dough rose just fine.
While baking the bread in the oven, I quickly put together squash soup and salad for lunch to serve with the bread.
When I took the bread out of the oven, it looked great outside.
But I was so afraid that it might be underbaked inside.
No particular reason for the fear.
I was just nervous.
I had this urge to put it back in the oven to bake for extra minutes, but my husband stopped me.
And I was glad that he did.
The bread was perfect!!
I was so happy and relieved at the same time.
The Ciabatta was crusty outside, but moist and nicely chewy inside.
This will be great for sandwiches.
Well, next time.
Now I feel a little more confident using my new oven.
I can probably start baking other types of bread too.
