Pride, they say, comes before a fall.
This is the reality that I have been living for some time.
I am a stickler for processes, especially when it comes to baking and cooking. I am of the opinion that once you stick to the Recipe, your success is guaranteed. So, you can imagine my shock and I dare say embarrassment when I made not one, but two bread recipes that failed so woefully I laughed.
The first was a recipe for a semolina flatbread.
In my defence, the recipe I used was not correct, and as a stickler for processes, I followed them through the rabbit hole that led to chunks of semi burned Semolina Squares.
I still ate my dense semolina squares with some beans and made a pretty cool video
The second, however, is still a mystery to me.
Why?
This is a recipe I have made a million times and blogged about as well!
My dad, who is having the time of his life requesting various baked goods in this lockdown, wanted some bread rolls and I thought “why not?”
I measured everything to the T and followed the recipe as I normally would.
I smelt trouble when the dough refused to get smooth after about 30 minutes of kneading. As any normal person would, I got tired, because kneading in above 30-degree weather without an air conditioner, a fan or my nephew to dab my forehead is not an easy job.
So, I did what as sensible at that time. I gave up and left it to rise.
It wasn’t much of a shocker when things went downhill from there.
I knew something had gone wrong but I was hours and photos into this!
What do I do?
The best bet was to still document it and keep as a reminder that I am not perfect, and even the best bakers still make mistakes.
The next day, my Dad asked about the bread, amidst laughs and snickers, I told him to forget that he saw me baking bread, and he said something that encouraged me way more than he knows.
He said:
“
Nobody is above mistakes.
You’ll get it right.
Calm down and try again
”.
-Guy-man of the year.
At this moment, I have not tried the recipe again, but I will because I am not above mistakes.
I will make sure I get it right.
I will make sure they are the best dinner rolls I have ever made.
I will make sure I try again.
I will make sure I try until I succeed.
The fact that my two attempts at lockdown bread have been laughable does not mean I should stop trying and neither should you.
It may or may not be the bread that’s your glaring failure. Remember my Dad’s words and be motivated. April may or may not have brought the good luck and successes you wanted but May may and it will.
Apply to that school, register for that exam, try on those heels once more (this is a special jab at me), try those eyebrows again, go ahead and do it!
Try again and shine again (another failed attempt at sounding like a motivational speaker). Don’t try again if it involves leaving your house and putting yourself and those you love at risk.
Stay safe, wash your hands, sanitise and stop touching railings!
Love,
The Ultimate Cheapito.
