In the beginning, the dough bowl was both functional and utilitarian. The dough bowl dates back to the 1800's of the Colonial era. A beautiful hand-carved wooden bowl, usually passed from mother to daughter as a treasured piece to carry on the bread making tradition. Much like today, when we are given an important serving piece from our mothers, we covet that special serving bowl or platter to continue the tradition of serving that particular meal on the same bowl or platter.
The dough bowl was originally used for letting the bread dough rest and rise. The bread ingredients were used to mix and knead the dough in the bowl, then covered with a cloth and left to rise. The bowl was thought to be a great source, because the wood held the heat, generated by the fermentation of the yeast. Also, the dough bowl was known as a " trencher ", because of the rounded carved shape, resembling a trough. Some of the extra large bowls were used as feeding troughs for farm livestock, holding the grains of feed.
Today, the dough bowl has made a comeback, offering many creative ideas and uses. Such as, functionality and utilitarian today. Some creative ways are to use the bowls as a fruit bowl, displaying beautiful cuttings of florals and greenery for all the seasons, a catch-all for storing what-nots, and finally, using it as a serving bowl. A wonderful tossed salad makes a great rustic presentation, just keep the dressing off the salad, and serve it on the side. The best way to care and preserve your dough bowl is to clean with a cloth, using one part vinegar to five parts water. After you have cleaned, let the bowl air dry. Then use a mineral oil wiped on, about once a month.
If you have a dough bowl, I hope you are enjoying and using your bowl. This is what the bowl is intended for. I hope you enjoy the pictures I have shared, and given you creative ideas to inspire you to enjoy your dough bowl.
With thanks
Laurie Walker
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