On a sunny morning, sitting on the patio with a fresh coffee, enjoying the smell of freshly baked bread wafting into the garden is the closest thing to paradise I know.

Baking bread is easy. Lots of people now have these wonderful new machines that bake while you sleep, but I prefer to mix my own dough.

Even though I used to be a baker, I never tire of home-made bread. The family really enjoy it and there are no additives.

When I was in the bakery trade there was just white bread and brown. But now shops need to stock all types of bread, as customers like to try the different sorts they have enjoyed abroad.

Here is an easy bread recipe that anyone can make:

Breakfast rolls (makes 16)
2lb strong white bread flour
2oz fresh yeast (ask at the bakery counter at your local supermarket)
2tsps salt
2tsps sugar
1tbsp vinegar
¾ pint lukewarm milk and water (50:50)

Place all ingredients in a warm bowl and mix to form dough. Add more water if necessary. Knead well until dough is free from stickiness.

Divide into 16 pieces, roll into balls and place on a lightly greased baking sheet

Prove in a warm, draught-free place covered in polythene (not clingfilm) until they have doubled in size.

Bake at 200C for 15 minutes until golden brown.

Eat while still warm.

Do you have any requests, you can email your suggestions to phillip.minett@newmarketjournal.co.uk