Bread Making Book Gifts for Christmas 2023
Photo by anna-m. w.: https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-wooden-rack-with-baked-bread-displayed-1047458/
As the holiday season approaches, the warmth of the kitchen becomes a haven for many, with the scent of freshly baked bread acting as the quintessential comfort.
Bread making is not just a culinary process but an art form, a meditative practice that has been cherished through the ages. This Christmas, why not spread the joy of baking with a gift that keeps on giving? We've kneaded through the dough of options and risen to the occasion to present you with a list of bread making books.
These selections are perfect for both the budding baker and the seasoned dough puncher in your life. From the science of sourdough to the secrets of soft brioche, each book is a loaf of knowledge waiting to be sliced into. Let's jump into the mix!
Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza
Author: Ken Forkish
Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza
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"Flour Water Salt Yeast" by Ken Forkish is a comprehensive guide that dives into the artistry and science of bread making. This New York Times bestseller is not just a recipe book; it's a complete baking education. Forkish, an acclaimed baker from Portland, shares his passion and expertise, offering recipes for rustic boules and Neapolitan-style pizzas tailored for the home baker.
The book is a culmination of Forkish's extensive knowledge, featuring a variety of schedules suited for different lifestyles and levels of baking experience. From beginners to serious bakers, the book provides detailed instructions for creating artisan breads and pizzas, including a step-by-step guide to making a levain starter with just flour and water. It's a testament to Forkish's dedication to the craft, with a thorough yet accessible explanation of the tools and techniques that set artisan bread apart.
"Flour Water Salt Yeast" is an exceptional gift for anyone interested in the art of baking. It's perfect for those who appreciate the intricacies of creating bread from scratch and for anyone looking to elevate their home baking to a professional level.
The book's clear instructions and tips for customizing doughs make it a valuable resource for bakers of all skill levels. The recipient of this gift will be able to enjoy the satisfaction of biting into a slice of bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, made with their own hands. It's a gift that offers not just recipes, but the joy of baking and the pleasure of sharing delicious creations with loved ones.
Flour Water Salt Yeast: The Fundamentals of Artisan Bread and Pizza
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The Perfect Loaf: The Craft and Science of Sourdough Breads, Sweets, and More
Author: Maurizio Leo
"The Perfect Loaf" is a deep dive into the world of sourdough baking, authored by Maurizio Leo, a respected blogger and the resident bread baker at
Food52
.
This book is a treasure trove for anyone looking to master sourdough bread, offering a wide range of foolproof recipes that extend beyond bread to include pizza and even doughnuts. Leo's approach is both scientific and artistic, ensuring that even novices can build confidence and skill.
The book is structured to guide readers through the fundamentals of sourdough, providing detailed techniques and recipes for everything from simple loaves to complex sweets. It's a comprehensive resource that also addresses common baking challenges and questions, making it an invaluable guide for bakers at every level.
For the bread enthusiast in your life, "The Perfect Loaf" is an ideal Christmas gift. It's not just a collection of recipes; it's a manual for understanding the craft and science behind one of the oldest forms of baking.
The book's clear, detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips make it accessible for beginners, while its exploration of advanced techniques and the science of sourdough will appeal to more experienced bakers. Gifting this book is like offering a baking class that can be revisited time and again, perfect for anyone who finds joy in the art of bread making.
The Perfect Loaf: The Craft and Science of Sourdough Breads, Sweets, and More
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Mastering Bread: The Art and Practice of Handmade Sourdough, Yeast Bread, and Pastry
Author: Marc Vetri, Claire Kopp McWilliams, and David Joachim
"Mastering Bread" is a comprehensive guide that invites readers into the artisan bread-making process.
Authored by Marc Vetri, a renowned chef in the artisan bread movement, and his former head baker, Claire Kopp McWilliams, this book is a treasure trove of over 70 recipes for sourdough and yeast loaves, as well as delightful accompaniments. The book simplifies the bread-making process into three digestible chapters: Mix, Shape, and Bake, making it accessible for home bakers. It also includes a chapter on how to enjoy bread in various dishes and a bonus chapter on the secrets behind Vetri’s coveted Panettone.
The authors share their extensive knowledge on the art and science of bread-making, including the use of fresh milled and whole-grain flours, and local and regional wheat varieties. The book is not just a recipe collection but an educational journey, with bios and interviews with grain farmers, millers, and bread bakers from across the nation.
"Mastering Bread" is an exceptional gift for anyone with a love for baking or an interest in the culinary arts. It's a gift that keeps on giving, offering the recipient a way to learn and perfect the craft of bread-making.
The book is a master class from an award-winning chef, making world-class artisan bread accessible to both novices and professional bakers. It's a thoughtful present that can inspire a new hobby or enhance an existing passion, and it's perfect for anyone who appreciates the value of homemade, high-quality bread. The recipient will not only gain a wealth of knowledge but also the pleasure of sharing freshly baked bread with friends and family, making it a truly meaningful gift.
Mastering Bread: The Art and Practice of Handmade Sourdough, Yeast Bread, and Pastry
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Poilâne: The Secrets of the World-Famous Bread Bakery
Author: Apollonia Poilâne
This book is a deep dive into the world of the renowned Poilâne bakery in Paris (One our 10 best bakeries in the world ). It offers readers a blend of history, philosophy, and practical knowledge. Apollonia Poilâne, who took over the bakery at the young age of 18 after the tragic loss of her parents, shares not only the bakery's iconic recipes but also the ethos that has made Poilâne a household name.
The book provides detailed instructions for making their signature large sourdough loaves at home, as well as other beloved breads and pastries. It also includes recipes that use bread as an ingredient, showcasing the versatility of this staple food. With nearly 300 pages of content, readers are invited to explore the rhythms of a baker's day and embrace the Poilâne approach to breadmaking.
This book is an excellent gift for anyone who appreciates the art of baking or is a fan of the Poilâne bakery. It's more than just a cookbook; it's a piece of culinary history that imparts the wisdom of a family with deep roots in the baking world.
The recipient will not only learn how to create Poilâne's famous bread but will also gain insight into the philosophy of one of the most influential bakeries in the world. The book's beautiful illustrations and high-quality photographs make it a treasure for both the kitchen and the coffee table. It's a thoughtful present for bakers of all levels, food enthusiasts, and anyone who cherishes the simple pleasures of a well-made loaf of bread.
