Summer of Simplicity: Homemade Bread, Butter, and a Reminder of God’s Daily Grace

There’s something sacred about the simple things—lazy, slow mornings, a fresh cup of coffee, the smell of freshly baked bread, and a warm summer breeze drifting through an open window. While Summer can contain its own busyness with family vacations, camps and programs in full swing, it is also a season that invites us to slow down and savor the simple things. And through this we have a wonderful reminder that God's grace often shows up in the most ordinary moments.

One of the simplest, familiar, and comforting forms of food is bread and butter. They are a staple in every kitchen and have been for generations. It’s why we often use the term “bread-and-butter” to refer to something that is basic, important, and essential to everyday life or a particular situation. Below, I want to share with you my go-to recipes for homemade artisan bread and butter. They are an impressive addition to any meal and are nearly foolproof!

Homemade Artisan Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of all purpose flour (sifted if desired)
• 1-1.5 teaspoons of salt
• 1 package of fast acting/instant yeast
• 1.5 cups of warm water

Instructions:

In a large bowl, mix together the flour, yeast, and salt. Heat the water until it reaches around 120 degrees (or whatever the instructions say on your yeast packet). I microwave mine for about 1-1:15 minutes and test with a food thermometer (you want the water warm enough to activate the yeast but not kill it!)

Combine until mixed thoroughly into a ball and cover with plastic wrap and a tea towel. Let it sit for about 3 hours. The beauty of this bread is that you can leave it for up to 12! It’s very forgiving. It should double in size and have bubbles on top.

Once risen, sprinkle some flour on a cutting board or plate and use a spatula to scrape the bread onto it. Roll the bread into a rough ball shape (pro-tip: you can use the spatula for this part if you don’t want to get your hands dirty).

Pre-heat your oven to 425 degrees. Place your baking pan and lid inside to heat with the oven. I use a Dutch Oven for baking. Once heated, place some parchment paper in the bottom of your dish and add the dough. Score the top with a sharp knife to let off any steam. This is where you can get creative with your cut marks!

Bake with the lid on for 30 minutes. Uncover and take the lid off and bake for another 12 minutes. Place on a cooling rack for an hour and then serve! This will last about 3 days room temp or 3 months in the freezer.

Homemade Butter

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of heavy whipping cream
• Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoons per 1/2 cup butter)

Instructions:

Using your stand mixer and whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream on medium speed for about 6-10 minutes. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer, food processor, or even just shake the cream in a mason jar!

Scrape the edges and cover the bowl with a tea towel to prevent splashing. Continue beating for another 6-10 minutes. You will see and hear the liquid separating from the solids. You now have butter and buttermilk! Save the buttermilk for biscuits!

Gather the butter solids, shape it into a ball and give it a few squeezes to remove as much liquid as possible. Repeat this process under cold water (you can add ice to bowl to keep it extra cold), rinsing and kneading until the liquid is clear.

You can leave it unsalted or add salt if desired. 4 cups of cream should yield around 1lb of butter. You can separate into 1/2 portions, equal to 1 stick. Wrap in wax paper to store in the fridge (up to 3 weeks) or freezer (up to 9 months). You can store at room temperature in a butter bell for 1 week.

If you have kids, include them in the bread and butter making process. The feel of dough in tiny hands, the patience it takes to let it rise, watching the butter churn, and the joy of sharing comfort food around a family table can be a memorable learning opportunity. Teaching our children how to make homemade bread and butter isn’t just a kitchen skill—it’s a heart-shaping habit. It opens up conversations about thankfulness, waiting on God, and recognizing His daily provision.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:11 (KJV), “Give us this day our daily bread.”

This verse reminds us that we are invited to depend on God for what we need each day—and often, it’s in the small, homemade things that His faithfulness feels closest.

Summer simplicity isn’t just about food- it’s about faith, family, and the quiet joy of provision straight from His hand. It’s learning to take a step back from schedules to enjoy something as simple as a slice of homemade bread. In a world obsessed with instant gratification where everything we want is available at our fingertips, it’s vital to take a step back and be reminded that God gives us what we need when we need it. Sometimes we may have to wait a little longer for His blessings, but it is so worth the wait. Whether it’s a loaf from your own oven or butter made with love, these humble gifts point to the One who provides our daily bread—physically and spiritually.