Perfect Bread

Ingredients

• unbolted meal of any grain (or a mixture of two or more kinds)
• pure water (cold or hot)

Directions

The book says “a quick oven”. The 400°F (200°C) in the steps is the modern equivalent, not the book's own figure.

1. Mix the unbolted meal with pure water to form a thick batter.

2. Stir the mixture with a spoon to incorporate air.

3. Add more meal until the mixture becomes a stiff dough.

4. Knead the dough for a few minutes until tender.

5. Cut the dough into pieces or cakes about ½ to ¾ inch thick and 2 inches in diameter.

6. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes, then moderate the heat.

7. If using hot water, ensure it is boiling and mix quickly to form a slightly softer dough.

8. Bake the pieces as described above, adjusting size as desired.

9. To soften the crust, wrap the baked bread in wet cloths for a short time.