Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe that the year 2010 has already come and gone.  But, ready or not, 2011 is now upon us! I don't know about you, but I always appreciate the start of a new year.  Do you find yourself reinvigorated with fresh resolve to become the person that you've always wanted to be?  Let me be one of the first to encourage you: 

Flickr Photo courtesy of Tim Solley

Most people probably aren't resolving to do more bread baking in the new year.  But really, why not?  Even if you are trying to take off some extra weight, you're probably not going to stop eating bread altogether.  (And, point of fact, the unpronounceable additives in your store-bought loaf probably don't make it any healthier for you.)  Here are my top 10 reasons to put on your baking mitts in the new year: 

1) Baking is an inexpensive, fun, creative hobby
2) Baking bread is healthier than baking cake & cookies
3) Kneading dough provides stress relief
4) You can make hearty, healthy, whole grain bread
5) You can also make vegan & gluten free bread
6) And occasionally...cinnamon rolls
7) Fresh toast with butter and jam
8) Your peers will be impressed (especially if you share)
9) Homemade bread makes a great gift
10) Bread smells AMAZING while it's baking

So why not give it a try?  It's not as hard as you might think!

Happy New Year!