MNN - Mother Nature Network

• I learned about the gluten content in different flours. I never knew what made bread flour better than all-purpose flour for bread, but now I do -- it’s the gluten content (FYI, there is 10 percent gluten protein in all-purpose flour). So I learned something new which is why I’m doing this challenge in the first place.
• So far in my bread baking experiences, I have been able to reuse materials instead of using new items like plastic zipper bags, plastic wrap and wax paper. I’ve used two layers of dishtowels to cover bowls while dough has been proofing instead of covering with plastic wrap. I’ve used the inside sleeves from cereal and cracker boxes in place of wax paper to let things rest on. Last night, I wrapped my trays of bagels in two layers of plastic grocery bags instead of large, food-grade plastic zipper bags like the book recommended.
  I don’t know if doing any of this has affected the quality of my breads, but I figure 100 years ago people didn’t use plastic wrap or zipper bags and they still made bread.
• I’m using terms like proofing, retarding and sponge with confidence now.
• Only four weeks until I get to make cinnamon buns/sticky buns!

I have a feeling there will be other types of breads I will attempt during this challenge that will not turn out fabulously, and I’ll take the time to try again and do it right. I won’t do this with bagels, though. There are many places around me where I can get good bagels and I think I’ll stick with letting the experts make them for now.