Introduction:

When Elise passed away at 92, she left behind a quiet apartment filled with books, postcards, and the faint scent of cinnamon. She had lived alone for 50 years, never letting anyone peek too deeply into her kitchen — her most sacred space.
As I sorted through her things, I found a small wooden box labeled “For Someone Who Still Believes in Warm Bread and Kind Hearts.” Inside lay a handwritten recipe card, slightly faded, titled “Elise’s Golden Hearth Bread.”

I decided to honor her memory by recreating it — and what came out of that oven changed how I thought about food, solitude, and love.

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)

1½ teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons sugar

1 packet (2¼ tsp) instant yeast

1¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)

2 tablespoons olive oil (Elise’s note: “Only the good kind — the one you’d drizzle on love.”)

Optional: 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme

Instructions:

Awaken the Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, stir together flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms.

Knead with Intention: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 8–10 minutes. Elise’s note said, “Knead until your arms are tired — that’s when the dough starts to believe in you.”

Let It Rise: Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape and Rest: Punch down the dough gently. Shape into a round loaf, place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and let it rise another 30 minutes.

Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Cool and Reflect: Allow it to cool on a wire rack — and maybe think of someone you miss.

Serving and Storage Tips: