MERRY CHRISTMAS
Gene and Afghan Bread!

Our Facebook friend is Gene Botting who has a residence on Fallen Timber not far from Diana. Gene is currently working in Sherberghan, Afghanistan. He is a Customs Specialist who teaches at the Afghan Advanced Border Management Academy in Sherberghan. Gene keeps track of us and knows I love to bake various types of bread. A few days ago Gene indicated that there is no better bread in the world than Afghan Bread. This sparked my interest. He was so kind to produce a Powerpoint of the bread making process. I was delighted and will share it with you with his permission. He stated, "This is our bakery across the street and behind the classroom where I teach."

MAKING BREAD IN SHEBREGHAN

THE KNEADERS

DOUGH

Note the Passing Trays in the window.

THE WOODEN STAMP IS APPLIED TO THE CENTER TO PREVENT OVER-RISING IN THE OVEN

WITH THE KNEADING ROOM VISIBLE BEHIND THE WINDOW

THE WOOD FIRED MASONRY AND STONE OVEN

LOADING THE LEATHER SLAP GLOVE WITH FRESH DOUGH

THE SLAP GLOVE LOADED AND READY TO APPLY THE DOUGH TO THE OVEN

SLAPPING THE DOUGH TO THE SIDES OF THE OVEN

THE DOUGH APPLIED TO THE OVEN AND BAKING

SPRINKLING WATER INTO OVEN TO PREVENT BURNING OF THE CRUST

DONE IN 5 MINUTES! RETRIEVING THE LOAVES WITH LONG HOOKS

THE FINISHED PRODUCT IS CHEWY AND HOLLOW AROUND THE RIM AND ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS

A BASKET OF THE FINISHED PRODUCT READY FOR DELIVERY TO OUR DINING FACILITY

I certainly thank Gene for the fine documentary. I love that he has the opportunity to experience different cultures. He is in a dangerous part of the world and Judy and I wish him the best and safe Christmas season.

It may be some time that I am able to construct the wood-fired stone and masonry oven in the backyard.