Bread Baking Books
I want to start baking my own breads at home and want a good book to guide me. I did some research but then got a little confused on what to pick. Some seem to be good for Artisan home baking , but might be written towards more experienced bakers. I am interested in baking healthy wholesome breads but at a level that will match both my inexperience as well as my tiny city apartment kitchen. Anyone out there has a good recommendation?
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12 Comments:
Peter Reinhart, The Bread Baker's Apprentice a must have.
JerzeeTomato at 7:37AM on 03/02/09
I agree. Peter Reinhart is such a good teacher and his recipes are sterling. Also, Artisan Bread in Five Minutes A Day is also excellent.
pielady at 10:18AM on 03/02/09
I also like Bernard Clayton...haven't had a dud from there yet.
mizzlee at 10:29AM on 03/02/09
I too am a Reinhart fan. Bread Baker's Apprentice is a must have.
dsquare at 11:15AM on 03/02/09
The Bread Baker's Apprentice is a good one...certainly great for artisan and more modern bread-baking ideas that are in easy-to-digest forms.
But one you HAVE to start with Beard on Bread.
http://www.amazon.com/Beard-Bread-James/dp/0345295501
it's like...4 bucks...absolutely the way to start.
lawofmurphy at 12:03PM on 03/02/09
The Bread Bible, by Rose Levy Bernbaum. It really gives you insight to the proportions and chemistry involved, but not over the top difficult to read.
ExpatChef at 2:02PM on 03/02/09
I' m using Reinhart's "The Bread Bakers Apprentice" right now, and have had great results so far. I've done his Itatian bread, English muffins, andbagels so far. Everything has turned out great so far. Be aware, that some of his terminology regarding sourdough cultures and starters can be a little confusing. He has published a newer book on Whole Grains and has changed some of his wording and techniques regarding that topic. Another great source of information is a web site called "breadtopia", just google it and you will find recipes and videos including no knead breads and instructions for starting a sourdough culture, and it works!
dmcavanagh at 3:37PM on 03/02/09
My husband relies almost solely on The Bread Bible also. He went from a kitchen newbie to the envy of all my coworkers in a few short weeks. Once you get over the initial shock of a day-long process, it is easy...and DELISH!
lefteyeislazy at 4:14PM on 03/02/09
i always refer to "beard on bread" by james beard
gastronomeg at 4:44PM on 03/02/09
Yes, try the Bread Bible. Some the recipes look intimidatingly long, but once you read through them once or twice its clear that the individual steps aren't hard, and most of the time required is just for proofing - no effort on the baker's part. Her basic white sandwich bread can't be beat for a kid-friendly alternative to chemically supermarket loaves.
pourgirl at 1:07AM on 03/03/09
I am a huge fan of the King Arthur Flour Baking Book. Its not just bread, but it is full of practical advise on all kinds of baking, including bread. I especially love their Vermont Whole Wheat Oatmeal Honey Bread. Its fabulous for sandwiches.
fenebabe at 4:05PM on 03/03/09
Nancy Baggett's Kneadlessly Simple is a good one!
jbeach at 10:30AM on 03/05/09