It is believed that wheat was growing in the highlands
of Abyssinia about 5000 years ago. It was probably
found in Egypt also, as grains of wheat were found in
an Egyptian pyramid tomb dating back to 3000 B.C.
Bread was used as currency in Egypt, and at one time
the salary of the chief priest was paid in "fine loaves" as
as well as "coarse loaves". The fine loaves must
have been made of pure white flour and the coarse of
a rough bran sifted by the labour of slaves.
Early records of Egyptian life show the baking of bread
to be quite important. The supervisor of the royal bakeries
enjoyed a position of power and privilege. White bread
was considered a luxury. In ancient times, bread was used
as an offering to the gods. Pliny the Elder told of an urn
in a Roman temple that was always filled with fresh bread
taken by the temple visitors as a gift to the gods.
The Greeks and Romans made baking more of an art and
changed from the flat loaves of the Egyptians. There were
strict laws in Rome, any baker who sold bread that was
under-weight, was fined and put into prison.
Since prehistoric times, bread made from grains has been
man's staple article of diet. All civilisations have breads
and cereals and principal foods. Wheat and maize appear
as man's favourites. Barley, rye, rice, oats,
millet and spelt are ground for flour as well.

There are many superstitions about bread:

If you dream about bread, you will make money.

To drop a slice of bread buttered side up means you will
have a visitor.

When you are moving, the very last thing to be removed
from your house is a loaf of bread and it must be the first
thing brought into the new home so there will always be
food on the table.

The Mohammedans never cut bread, but break it.

A crust of bread in a newborns crib will keep evil spirits away.

A crust of bread in your pocket when travelling in a dangerous
country will serve as good luck.

Russians greet their guests with bread and salt.

"It's not my bread and butter" means something is not
important to you.

"He butters his bread on both sides" means you are
an extravagant sort.

The Spanish say, "With bread, troubles are less."

When making bread it is best to use the finest quality
ingredients. Do not rush bread-making. Take special care
when using yeast. Most of all, enjoy the experience. The
rewards of the perfect loaf are well worth the time and effort.

Oatcakes

Baps

Islay Loaf

Aberdeen Butteries

Edinburgh Scones

Raspberry Buns

Pitcaithly Bannocks

Saffron Bread

Girdle Scones

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Soups

Vegetables

Entrees

Sweets

Miscellaneous

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