[Nexus Prime Bakery] Basic Baking - Brenna

[Brenna Maris]

Summer of Era I of the Celestine Mandate (current Pattern), Era XIII Post Fractum. Second cycle, Early Brightening.
Paradigm: Isle of the Crown Returns


"I am glad you are here, Brenna. It is getting difficult maintaining the care of my customers and preparing the breads and pastries to be sold." Melena returned to the small table set in the back cooking area with a plate of sweet rolls, fruit and a fresh pot of steaming water for their tea. The introductions and reason for Brenna's being here already having past. "I am not the young woman I was and my body is telling me I should have help in my shop."

Melena's eyes studied Brenna as she listened and enjoyed her roll and tea. She had already gone through many other helpers. But, they were more interested in the free room and board. Not to mention eating the profits. She went on as best she could on her own, but eventually swallowed her pride and put in her request for a helper once again.
"Your Mother was a wonderul woman, Brenna. We'd have friendly contests to see who could bake the sweetest of sweet cinnamon rolls. Of course your Mother always won." Melena laughed as her bright eyes seemed to go back in time. Then, she gently slapped the palms of her hands on the table top and smiled at the young woman.
"My heart says you are the one, Brenna. And I can see you have the same desire and love for the trade in you that your Mother had. And I am sure I do not have to tell you how difficult the work will be. That you will be starting fresh with your skills until I see you are ready for more responsibilities. I will also have you taking care of the cleaning, filling of the display case up front and taking care of the customers. And my little Sparta." Her eyes went to the little feline who was busy taking in her morning meal of buttermilk and tuna.

The last bit of news brought a smile to Brenna as she always had a love of animals. She nodded her understanding and admitted it had been a long time since her fingers sank into a lump of freshly made dough. Kneading and folding it until it was a recognizable loaf of bread. Her Mother managed the added creations of pastries and specialty items. She had a feeling she would be taught the methods and secrets of such treats, but Melena would be handling that end of things solely.

"Now, you can sleep over there on that second cot. I use the other one. No real sense in going to my home when I remain so late and am here so early in the brightening. They aren't much, but better than nothing. And after a bit once you are on your feet and comfortable with your morning duties, I will be able to go home a little more often. Now I have a separate fully stocked pantry for our needs. Just let me know if something is getting low so I can purchase more. Are there any questions you might have, Brenna?"


"No, Melena. Though I'll need to gather my things from where I'm staying now. It won't take long."
Melena gave a nod and the two woman enjoyed the last of their morning meal.

[Brenna Maris]

Candlemark or Two Later

"I closed the shop for today...do not worry, it has been in the planning since I decided to try again with another apprentice." Melena waved a hand at the notice of concern in Brenna's face.
"Now, to begin your training I want you to roll up your sleeves, don that apron over there hanging on the peg, then scrub your hands and arms until nearly raw. Is that clear?"

Brenna did as she was told. She had returned with all of her personal effects in the burlap sack, bidding her hosts a farewell and many thanks for their kindness.
Now the path to her new life was starting to straighten out a little more.

At the basin, Brenna picked up the cake of lye soap and after wetting her arms up to her elbows, began scrubbing until the foam was an inch thick on her skin. And the lye began to burn ever so slightly.
"My Mother always said 'Cleanliness is next to Godliness' when it came to cooking." She said rinsing her arms and hands off then patting them dry with a nearby towel.

"Aye, it is true. I very rarely eat taverns anymore and cook my own meals. Besides, there is something satisfying about a meal you have made yourself. Now, we are going to make a fresh batch of dough. I want to see what you already know and where you need to improve." Melena walked over to the dry goods pantry and opened it. "The basic items for a good dough are flour, water, yeast, salt and sugar. There are other variations and personal preferences depending on the recipe called for. We will get into that at a later time. The mixing bowl is on the table along with the long handled spoon and measuring implements you will be using. Go ahead and get the ingredients."

Brenna nodded and brought all the items from the large cupboard in her arms. Once at the table she set them down in an order that would make for efficiency. This brought a smile of approval to Melena.

"Now before you begin, read the recipe I have there for you. Eventually you will remember the amounts easily. Read it carefully. Then beside you are the measuring cups."

One by one, Brenna measured out the ingredients and poured them into the large mixing bowl. She then stirred them together before adding the warm but not hot water. The water was added to a well made in the flour mixture.

"Good, now begin to work the dough until it becomes a sticky mass. That will be the starter dough. I will let you know when to stop." Melena instructed.

Brenna's hands disappeared into the flour and water mixture. She began kneading the dough with her fingers, then her knuckles as the dough became a little more workable. This process was repeated again and again.
She had forgotten how muscles were used in baking. Memories of her arms and hands aching after only a few batches came back to her.

Melena watched her student while she prepared and began working the dough. Brenna's hands were strong and it showed.

Ten minutes had gone by. "You can stop, Brenna. You did well. This is what is called a basic bread dough. Now, you can dampen that cloth lying on the table and cover the bowl. Make sure it is not dripping wet only damp. Good. Put the bowl into the cool larder and we will wait about five hours for it to rise. Clean up and I'll show you around the shop and what your additional duties will be."