Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Baking Bread

I've been baking bread almost daily around here lately and it is so yummy! It's all because of this book, which I received for my birthday (my mother smartly shopped from my Amazon wish list--thanks mom!). This is the basic recipe, the "boule" as they call it. It's the first loaf I made--isn't it pretty? Delicious too. Here's the basic concept of the book: you make a high moisture bread dough, rise it for two hours on the countertop, then into the fridge it goes--enough for three or four loaves. Then on any given day, you slice off a hunk of dough, let it rest, then bake it in the oven. Voila! Fresh bread without any trouble. Here's what I want to say to you about the recipes in this book--because it is a "high moisture" dough it is very easy to mix up by hand--no need to get out the mixer or food processor. In fact, to do so would be an inconvenience. I just mix my dough by hand in the same bowl that I store it in--super easy, low fuss.
This is the "Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread Inspired by Christopher Kimball." Delicious!
And this one is the oatmeal loaf. Oaty goodness.
We've all so been enjoying daily fresh bread and it's making me feel all earth-goddessy again.
PS--I have none of the special equipment the author calls for. No baking stone, no pizza peel. I just make due with parchment and a cookie sheet and it is still delicious.

16 comments:

Erna said...

looks absolutely lovely and I'm sure it'll taste the same! soo good of you to bake so regularly. I'm making bread in the breadmachine only 3 times a week orso...Hope when the holiday begins it'll become more.

Rachel said...

Mmm, I love freshly made bread - that looks so delicious!
Rachelx

periwinkle said...

looks delicious too - I've just borrowed a bread maker off a friend and am going to give that a go
lisa x

Meg said...

Ohh! That looks so pretty and easy! I'll have to check for this book.

Sarah said...

Yes, isn't that book wonderful?! Your bread looks fantastic.

Sarah and Jack said...

I am so glad to hear it is working without the stone.

We had one of those, and it just got so yucky from cooking pizza on it that I got rid of it.

I couldnt bring myself to buy another to make that bread, but now I will just try without it!

Irina said...

I've been raving about this book for weeks... Finally bought myself a copy on Sunday. Can't wait to try it out myself!

Dallas said...

That looks so delicious. I've been reading about this book and thought it looked neat, but too advanced for me, but you make it sound like its easy for even beginners. I might just need to check it out. Also, I like your plates. Mine are very similar, but with more green colors.

Julie said...

Oh, it looks so delicious... your home must smell wonderful with all that bread baking!

Erin said...

Mary Beth-
I never miss your daily blog entries because you inspire me so much. Now, I must add "make bread" to my list of things to do often! Hope you're all well. -Erin

Twelfthknit said...

I bought the book a few weeks ago - like you I'm using the parchment and baking sheet. If you like enriched bread, try the Swiss Meusli, made with a Challah dough base. Deeeeelicious!
India

ames said...

I love Amazon wish lists, greatest thing ever for long-distance perfect gift-giving.

That bread looks divine, how long will it last in the fridge? There's nothing more scrumptious than fresh baked bread, and the smell!

Rachael said...

Another gorgeous day in your life... The bread looks great.

Elfin Goddess said...

Mary beth, you Earth Goddess, you!!! Everytime I read one of your great posts on homemade bread and home grown zucchini and so many other exciting things, Im totally encouraged to do something myself. I've been trying out all those new recipes that have found their way into my huge collection. I've been gardening. I've been crafting. And Im trying to find meself a sewing teacher! Merci, merci, merci!!!!

taisa said...

mmmm, this looks so good! I have been getting into bread maing too, but nothing that looks nearly so lovely as this- and I love the idea of mixing up a big batch and then baking it later...

felicia said...

We've become a homemade bread household too!
Tuesday is my baking day! I gonna have a look for that book!