Bread recipes are at the heart of any baker’s recipe box. After all, what can be better than the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the home? Bread is one of the most ancient forms of sustenance and thousands of cultures have been baking some kind of leavened or flat bread for centuries.

History shows that most bread recipes were unleavened, or flat, until the Egyptians perfected mixing a concoction of flour and water and allowing it to ferment, which created the first yeast or leavening agent.

With the advent of modern bread makers, whipping up a fresh bread recipe at home has never been easier. However, some home bakers still prefer the standard method of creating and kneading the dough by hand, and then allowing it to rise before baking.

Of course, there are also quick bread recipes such as banana bread that are popular as breakfast foods or tea breads. You’ll find some of the best quick bread recipes here, too.

You should let bread dough rise in a warm place, between 25-30°C (75-85°F). Keep the dough away from drafts, too. Be sure to cover the dough with a damp towel or paper towel to keep it moist.

Baked items such as bread will stay fresh much longer in the refrigerator than in a breadbox, but will dry out over time, no matter how tightly sealed the wrapping. Freezing bread works, but you will have to allow for defrosting time before use. Don’t store your bread in a plastic bag since it can make the crust spongy and make it mould quicker. Try wrapping it in a paper bag instead.