The words “Winter Storm Watch”—or any kind of snow or ice in the forecast—seem to trigger an urgent need for bread. I’m sure you’ve seen it. Within minutes of a wintry weather forecast, supermarket and convenience store shelves are emptied. Jokes are made about it and fun is poked at those who react this way to routine news for the season. It shows the insecurity that people feel as a threat approaches. If we are going to be housebound due to inclement weather, having enough food on hand is essential, and bread is almost universally considered a necessity.

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