The yeast microbes had been asleep for more than 5,000 years, buried deep in the pores of Egyptian ceramics, by the time Seamus Blackley came along and used them to bake a loaf of bread.

Many bread machines can mix, proof and bake all in one ... On the other hand, the ingredients to make a single loaf of bread -- flour, yeast, salt, oil -- typically average under 25 cents.

The ingredients required to make artisan bread are bread flour, instant yeast, salt and warm water. To make artisan bread, combine all your ingredients and mix until everything is well combined.