I love to bake— the process of measuring, stirring, and kneading can put me into a Zen-like trance.  This tranquility is only disturbed by a nagging sense of wonder - that little voice in my head that says “why on earth do I need to add this, and what does it do?”  This question is usually raised at the grocery store when I’m bombarded by a zillion different brands and types of flour, or three different types of yeast.  After all, how different can rapid-rise and active-rise yeast be?  While it may not be life’s most important question—it’s one of many that are answered in The Bread Bible by Rose Levy Beranbaum. 

The Bread Bible is the home baker’s best-friend – with every recipe there is a little lesson, written in simple language, that helps you to understand why each particular step and ingredient is important, and what it’s doing.  You’ll feel like a pro once you’ve tried just one recipe!  So far, I’ve made the olive bread, beer bread, and potato loaf.  Mmmmmm … so tasty!

You can find The Bread Bible at any bookstore, or you can order it online at amazon.com. 

*Bonus recommendation – If you like The Bread Bible, you’ll love The Cake Bible and The Pie and Pastry Bible, all by Beranbaum.  Get ready to bake up a storm!!

www.roselevyberanbaum.com
www.amazon.com

Back to April 2007 Recommendations