I can still remember those days of elementary school when I’d run home in the afternoon at full speed, just hoping to catch a preliminary whiff of freshly baked bread. By the time I stepped over the threshold, it would be the only thing on my mind. On the off chance that my mother would let us kids sample a slice of bread with butter before dinner, my sister and I would beg with exasperation.

These days, I’ve passed on the timeless tradition to my own children. Our family became exceedingly health-conscious in recent years, and fresh baked bread is one of those simple pleasures with all-natural ingredients that really can’t be beat. Somewhat surprisingly, our new stoneware loaf pan resembles the one my mother used to use right down to the last detail.