Give us today our daily.. well, you know

Today's post is nothing short of the documentation of history, and you are here to witness it. Today, today I made bread.

Not just any kind of bread. Oh, no, no easy banana nut bread that could weigh down a body bag in the Pacific. No, this is white yeast bread. And not just bread machine bread - cheaters! Only patience could bring these beauties forth.

But why is this a miracle, you ask? Well, because this is probably my tenth attempt. I've been trying to make bread for about three years and have never come out with a successful loaf. 80% never rise; the other 20% rise a little but come out dense and unappetizing (they are GREAT for baked french toast the next day, however).

Lessons Learned:

Control your temperature. I thought that the requirement for warm water meant "water as hot as you can manage without boiling" - which kills the yeast.

Be patient. Very, very patient. When you think it's done rising, wait. Don't poke it, don't look at it, don't even think of it with forethought of menace.

Bread smells awesome.