If you’ve recently visited a grocery store, you know baking goods are in short supply. No flour. No yeast. And you knead them for a recipe! Although basic baking supplies may be easier to find now we’re all settling into the ‘new normal’, this scarcity has given rise to many news outlets reporting on the phenomenon.
CBC has written on the shortage of the iconic yellow Robin Hood bags, CTV has covered life hacks for home bakers who cannot find yeast and Global News aired a piece on the increased popularity of baking during the pandemic.
If you are planning a trip to a grocery store soon, this map may advise you of the shortest wait times in grocery stores. The intent is to minimize crowding during these times of social distancing. Remember to follow the guidelines issued by public health authorities when venturing out.
Now that we have all our supplies, it’s time to whip up a recipe! The Windsor Public Library catalogue has many electronic resources that can inspire you. Baking Artisan Bread With Natural Starters by Mark Friend is a wonderful starter for beginner bread bakers, and it’s available on Hoopla. Another interesting title may be Bread Illustrated by America’s Test Kitchen that not only offers step-by-step instructions but each step is accompanied by colour photos.
If you are looking to bake something other than bread, WPL has got you covered there, too! Baking Chez Moi by Dorie Greenspan gently guides us through the sweet world of simple French desserts, while Sally’s Baking Addiction by Sally McKenney teaches us how to bake irresistible cupcakes and cookies. All of these wonderful resources, and more, are available in our catalogue, and accessible to you from the comfort of your home.
If you are already a baking aficionado, check out the wonderful digital magazines you can find in RBDigital. From Bon Appetit and Clean Eating, to Cook’s Country, Cook’s Illustrated, and Food Network Magazine, the latest issues are all available at the tip of your fingers with no waiting periods. All will give rise to some great ideas!
You will need a current Windsor Public Library card to access these resources, but if you don’t have one, you can sign up for one.
Send us a picture of your baked pièce de résistance – before you devour it!
