All-purpose flour is only one option among many, and specialty flours are more likely to be available at your local market. Let’s explore the varieties of flour that you might come across so you can choose the best replacement for you. All-purpose flour is a blend of “soft” (low-protein) and […]
Bakers’ Percentage
Buckle up, foodies. We’re doing math! Artisan bread requires just a few key ingredients, but it is the ratio of those ingredients and the way they are handled that produce a wide array of finished loaves. Proper execution comes from a detailed understanding of each step in the process—what needs […]
Best Water for Bread Making
Bread dough is made from very few ingredients, and each one counts. This includes the most basic, likely least-considered ingredient: water. The rule of thumb here is that if you enjoy drinking it, you can use it for baking bread. However, there are three important ways water quality can affect […]
Braiding Challah
Challah, an enriched and truly delicious bread, is prized for its tender crumb, but identifiable by its glossy crust and characteristic braid. It is unmistakable among the other crisp crusts and rustic shapes. As part of ancient Jewish traditions, challah dough can be simply braided from three strands, like we […]
Brioche
Makes 1 loaf or brioche à tête Buttery, rich, and delicious, brioche is one of those breads that may not be a health food, but sure does taste good. As long as you are going to the trouble, make an extra loaf and freeze it. You can use it for […]
Buttermilk Biscuits
Makes 12 biscuits
Cinnamon Rolls
Makes 12 servings
English Muffins
English muffins are one of the easiest breads, made extra simple by their stove-top cook. No oven needed! Though like any bread, they are best the day they are made, a quick trip to the toaster freshens these muffins up for up to a week. Makes 10 servings
Focaccia
Makes 1 loaf Focaccia is a classic Italian bread that is versatile and makes a great side to a meal or a base for a great sandwich. Jazz it up any way you want by adding cheese, herbs or both!
How To Plump Dried Fruits
Plumping dried fruits by soaking them in a liquid will make them tender and juicy, eliminating any possibility of the undesirable leathery texture they can sometimes have in finished baked goods. Plumping dried fruits also serves to keep the amount of liquid in the formula balanced, as dried fruits can […]
How to Prepare Laminated Doughs
Gentle warning: you are about to read a lot of information explaining the basic technique of laminated dough. Though it seems long and overwhelming, the process is technically simple, so take it step by step. When you are ready to try a recipe, read it all the way through before […]
Pâte à Choux
Makes about 2 cups
