The gift of bread

I've been listening to Slow Rise being read on Radio 4 this week. What makes it so enjoyable is that the author, Robert Penn, draws together so many threads, making bread seem so much more than just something that holds a sandwich together. Which it is, of course. It's a staff of life, a source of 'companionship' – and nice to eat.

My longtime friend Steven made this gorgeous loaf for me and dropped it off at my door. It's made using Jim Lahey's no-knead recipe, which is dead easy to make, easy on the eye and tastes gorgeous. Lucky me. I can't wait for the time (soon!) when I can break bread with friends.