fresh homemade bread, whether a soft white sandwich loaf, a crusty sourdough, or a rich brioche, is truly a culinary gift. But many cooks—even experienced ones—find the unique requirements of bread baking intimidating. Complicated, scientific-sounding terms like "fermentation" and "proofing" can lead many to conclude that this is a subject best left to professionals. But if you think baking bread at home is beyond you, you may want to reconsider. Once you've mastered a few basic skills, it's actually an easy—and extraordinarily gratifying—experience. In this primer we walk you through the entire process, from kneading, through fermentation, to baking. We explain common words you may have heard, such as "sponge" and "rise," and cover the ingredients and equipment you'll need to get started. With the simple steps we outline, you can produce an almost endless assortment of breads, including the 8 classic types featured here. Read on, and you just might find it hard to go back to store-bought.