February 14, 2010 - 12:30pm
Hi from the Tampa Bay area
OMG I LOVEEEE this site! BUT it is somewhat intimidating for someone who is just starting out trying to make a simple, great tasting and decent looking loaf of bread. What 2 books would anyone recommend for a beginner like me. I am interested in flavor, herbs, artisian breads for starters. I only want to use my hands and no machines, please. My first 2 loaves turned out like bricks and made great door stops till they molded. Help please and be gentle with me.
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Hi Cindy, welcome from Lancashire, England. No need to feel intimidated; I joined here a while ago as a total beginner, with lots of help and kind encouragement the folks here got me baking bread like a pro.
I hope you have a big freezer 'cos baking real bread is addictive!
Thank you Martyn. Do you have any basic suggestions? What do you make the most of?
Well, i'm still a learner but I make quite a bit of no knead bread
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13Ah9ES2yTU
and something similar with a sourdough starter
http://www.breadtopia.com/sourdough-no-knead-method/
A good start would be to read the TLF Handbook (see tab at top of page) as well as the videos.
There are also book reviews here - see the recommended book section.
Happy reading and baking!