SIMPLE SOLUTIONS by Gene Reddler

In today's ultra-modern world, what with people watching television and listening to the radio on a daily basis, I thought we should give a moment's pause to ask (and answer) some of life's more simple questions:

TODAY'S QUESTION : WHY BREAD?

Before you say "Why not bread?", let's open the ol' history book and find out just where the heck bread comes from.

Bread was brought to this country by Native Americans over 300 years ago. The Native Americans got it from the kitchens and churches of Germany and Italy.

Okay, enough of the history lesson. Let's have some fun.

Americans and many people from foreign countries enjoy bread in different ways. Some use is as a way to hold together a sandwich (i.e. ham or roast beef). Many restaurants bring you some type of bread (i.e. white) while you're waiting for your meal. Some people even like toasted bread in the morning with butter or some type of fruit preserve on it. Different strokes for different folks.

Here's my favorite: There are different shaped breads that serve as 'holders' for such things as frankfurters or hamburgers - people especially enjoy these when they're out at the baseball diamond.

Bread can be made from wheat or rye, some bakers make it from oats, and there are other types of bread as well.

So, before you take a bite out of that sandwich, remember what I told you today.

Gene Reddler is a Senior Editor for Martha Stewart Living and an occasional contributor to Yeast.

Classic Battle!

Rye vs. Sourdough