Monday, January 04, 2010

bun in the oven


No not me silly, I made bread (after all I am Susie Homemaker, right?)! It's been rather dreary here in the Pacific NW, so I pulled out my Artisan Bread In Five Minutes A Day cookbook and made some bread today (actually I mixed the dough up last night - it took less than 5 minutes). I'm not kidding when I say this is easy peasy. You must try it even if you've never made bread before. The authors recently released a second book with all healthy recipes (aka made with whole grains).

The above bread is the boule from the "master" recipe in the original book. It's actually the only recipe I've made and I've had the book for over a year. I just love it so much and it's so darn tasty. And really, who doesn't like the smell of freshly baked bread all through the house?

Want to make your own? Grab the book (you might even check your local library) or use the basic recipe found here - the recipe starts on page 4.

I thought I'd show off my loaves in hopes of inspiring someone to try something new. Bread at the store can be so darn expensive and it's truly so simple and cheap to make.

Well it's back to sewing for me. I have two boys that need a few new pairs of pants, then maybe I'll get my turn for something new in my closet...fingers crossed!

16 comments:

inadvertent farmer said...

Oh my...you sew and bake...marry me please!

cidell said...

What a perfect little boule!

Christina said...

Oh Melissa, I know how much you love kids so for a second I thought your blog title meant something else - LOL!

It has been dark and dreary, hasn't it?

Kinderkouture said...

Thanks for the recipe Melissa. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year btw. I was so busy over Christmas, I cannot remember if I got back in touch with you. Will have to do some catchup blogging. :)

Leslie in Austin said...

First, don't freak me out like that. Yes, I know better and yes, I know you didn't mention anything in our marathon phone call, but still.

Second, *CUTE*!! What adorable little loaves.

Third, is that pic with your new camera? *wonderful*!

And lastly, thanks for sharing your recipe. Definitely going to try that out.

*smooch*

Gretchen the Household Deity said...

Yum! I love no knead bread. I use the classic version--3 cups flour, 1 1/2 c water, 1/4 tsp yeast, 1 tsp salt. Let rise on counter up to 24 hours (but no fewer than 12). Bake at 450 in a covered, preheated casserole (same reasoning as the pan of water--to retain the moisture for steam and a crisp crust) 20 mins, uncover for another 10. Amazing results!

Susan said...

LOL! I was assuming you were pregnant when I stumbled on the title from another blog. Great buns, though. They look delicious. lol

kr said...

You've inspired me. I'm trying this recipe tonight. I hope my bread turns out as nicely as yours.

kr said...

I made these and they taste wonderful! However, mine aren't nearly as pretty as yours. How did you slice the top? I did a tic tac style on the top. I ended up with just a "knob" on the top and the other slashes slid to the sides. Did you make smaller (close together) or deeper cuts?

Marji said...

That is some gorgeous bread! I think I need that book. I'd been contemplating it anyway - but I think you just tipped me over the edge.

Melissa said...

Karen, what I do is let them rise for the 40 minutes, then I dust with flour and slice the top. I'm not sure how deep I go - not that deep, just gently taking the knife across the top. Then pop in the oven with the waterbath and bake. Try again. :-)

Trena, that recipe sounds yummy - I'll be giving that one a try. Thanks for sharing! :-)

kr said...

Tried it again. Still not as pretty as yours but very good bread!

Nishant said...

I thought your blog title meant something else

Work from home India

Melissa said...

Keep trying Karen, you'll get the hang of it!!! :-)

Mel said...

Hee Hee, I didn't think so either, but I read that title on Teri's blog, and thought, whoa! better check it out. I suspected it was trickery. LOL
Cute bread, I'll have to check the libary for that one. Looks scrumptious! My dh would fall over if I made something.

Nancy Winningham said...

Those looks so yummy!