A question of Style

A friend of mind once startled me by saying that she enjoyed my "survey questions".  I had no idea what she meant.  Later, I realized that there usually is some idea that I'm pondering, and I end up asking everyone I know to give me their thoughts about it.  So, here's one of the questions occupying my mind these days when I'm thinking philosophically.

In a blind taste test, I would be able to recognize bread that I had baked myself.  Somehow, every loaf I make is similar.  I say that it has my "style".  This is in spite of the fact that I don't follow a recipe, I use different types of flour, and the conditions in my house are not constant.  A good friend makes bread in much the same way I do (I learned my method by watching her) but her bread tastes quite different from mine and has her distinctive style.  Why is this?

One person I talked to said that the same thing applies to everything we do.  He feels that a carpenter can tell who built somehting, for example.  Is that the same thing?  Is it completely physical: the spacing of nails or the vigour of kneading?  Is it more esoteric: the "vibe" or energy you put into something?  I'm undecided about this, tending to think that there is something more than the obvious explanations, but still looking for examples and ideas about "style".