Bake bread like a master

BOOKSTORE FEATURE

Bake bread like a master
In Bread: A Baker's Book of Techniques and Recipes, award-winning master baker Jeffrey Hamelman presents the definitive, one-stop reference on the art and science of bread baking.

March 16, 2011, – In Bread: A Baker's Book of Techniques and Recipes, award-winning master baker Jeffrey Hamelman presents the definitive, one-stop reference on the art and science of bread baking.

Hamelman, a professional baker for nearly three decades, was a member of the United States national baking team that won first place in the 1996 Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie, the bread-baking World Cup. In Bread, he shares this experience, putting world-class artisanal loaves within reach of any serious baker.

Opening with a comprehensive overview of the foundations – essential ingredients; hand techniques for kneading, scoring, and shaping; the basic process from mixing through baking – he guides bakers through all elements of this richly rewarding craft.

Bread contains 118 detailed, step-by-step recipes for an array of breads: versatile sourdough ryes; breads made with pre-ferments; and simple, straight dough loaves. Recipes for brioche, focaccia, pizza dough, flat breads, and other traditional baking staples augment the book’s diverse collection of flavors, tastes, and textures represented. From the delicate flavor and aroma of classic French baguettes to the mellow smoothness of Roasted Garlic Levain, the book offers a bread for every season and every palate. 



Each recipe clearly outlines the key stages, with easy-to-use charts that list ingredients in both American and metric measures, quantities appropriate for home baking, and baker's percentages. Hundreds of drawings vividly illustrate techniques, and 35 colour photographs display finished breads. Sidebars accompany each recipe and section with valuable tips, from the subtle art of tasting and evaluating breads to the perfect fare to complement Vollkornbrot. A complete chapter on decorative breads – with instructions on techniques as well as a wide variety of exquisite patterns – will inspire magnificent display creations.

Laced throughout the book, Hamelman's personal narratives offer a compelling portrait of a lifelong love affair with bread and vividly communicate this passion. For bakers seeking to finesse this time-honored craft or simply to learn the tricks of the trade from a real master, Bread is a resource to be consulted time and time again.

To purchase Bread: A Baker’s Book of Techniques and Recipes, please visit the Annex Bookstore.