I was in Portland last weekend and got a couple bread books from Powell's, a dream of a store. One was "The Secrets of Jesuit Breadmaking" by Brother Rick Curry, S.J., a book with a lot of history in it, which really excites me. It contains stories and quotes of Jesuit Brothers from centuries ago, along with the more recent. The recipes also follow the Liturgical Calendar, celebrating the Christian holidays.The other I forgot and it's not in front of me, but it's old and talks a lot more about muffins and pancakes than bread, but it was $5. I'm not complaining.
Today, though, I bought 3 more books. These are great. "Classic Breads" by Manuela Caldirola and friends has recipes that represent different countries and are mostly rustic artisan breads, but all beautiful. Lots of goodness for $13.
"Baking Artisan Bread" by Ciril Hitz is great for instruction. Partly because it has a "bonus" DVD. There are things you just can't learn from a book. The DVD is great for a visual instruction. My dream would be to learn from someone directly, but for now, this will do. Bonus included, $25 is worth it.
Last, "The Bread Baker's Apprentice" by Peter Reinhart is terrific. It doesn't get to the recipes until page 104. All the pages before that are packed with information. Where most books give one or two pages to technique and ingredients, this book has a chapter devoted to it, making sure to fully inform you of what to use and why, without being snobby. A little steep for my budget, but $35 is not bad for its size and length of information.
From these books I look for the knowledge and wisdom of the great breadmakers that have come before me. I shall document all interactions with them as they come.
BREAD DAYS
Every Monday will be devoted to either a new recipe or the perfection of a technique. I hope that by writing about my experiences, what I have learned will solidify and it will keep me accountable. So, here it goes. On February 28, I start my official journey with bread.
With bread,
~Chad
No comments:
Post a Comment