playing with my bread

[cookie]

Mm, That sounds Delicious Mama. I love olives and I'm a fan of Tomatoes too. Anything roasted is really Good in bread. I use olive oil to dip bread in. I like French bread but it can be hard sometimeslike. All bread is Good especially when it's warm.

*You Guy's I will really have to check out those authors you mentioned. Thanks, Cookie

[KYHeirloomer]

Cookie, when you check those books, don't let the science of bread discussions intimidate you. Just take it easy, and it will all make sense---particularly when you actually start baking.

Something else that initially will be a turn-off is the concept of delayed or retarded fermentation. While that actually makes a better loaf, the idea of taking two or three days to bake a loaf of bread scares many people. Don't let it.

There are many good bread books out there that do not go into the detail that Leader and Reinhart do, and which are based on baking start-to-finish in one day. You're local library probably has some of them.

[Mama Mangia]

Since it is snowing today - it's a perfect day to make bread!

As I posted above - I'm making a filled bread today - rolling into a rectangle after the first rise, and placing in the center: salami, ham, a cheese blend, banana peppers, sliced tomatoes and slice olives. Cut edges into strips and fold in - rise for the second time and bake.

Homemade steak fries sound good to go along with my hot baked "hero"!

[cookie]

Hey... I never knew that bread could take 2,3 days to make a loaf, that seems like a long time. I have to get to the library still. I will definitely look those books up, see if the library has them. I will have to see what's available.

Thanks, you gave me some good leads on books to making bread. Cookie

Mama, your bread sounds delicious! Cookie

[Mama Mangia]

Cookie - too bad you don't live near me - I've got well over 1000 cookbooks that you would enjoy.

[cookie]

Mama, Wow that's a lot of cookbooks! I have a bundle of cookbooks, that I have collected over a few years, I'm now just beginning to enjoy some of them. I have started a folder of some of the recipes you and others on S.P. have given. Cookie

[Mama Mangia]

I donated over 400 to a local center - so the collection is now over 1000 - lost cookbooks find their way to me for some reason.

[The Ironic Chef]

Does anyone make any special types of bread or breads for Easter? I make a braided bread. When the kids were younger I use to set the Easter Eggs between the braids before I baked it. Now that they are older there is no need for that.

[Mama Mangia]

I still put the eggs in the braid - it's an Easter tradition here. Every Easter it's that one plus other homemade breads and/or biscuits. Even the traditional homemade bread basket to hold the rolls.