The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Jeffery Steingarten on sourdough -- so funny

Marni's picture
Marni

Jeffery Steingarten on sourdough -- so funny

My mother just brought me a copy of American Food Writing - An Anthology with Classic Recipes Edited by Molly O'Neill.  Anyone who has painstakingly cared for a new starter and anxiously wondered if everything will work out will relate.  I know that Mr. Steingarten is a well regarded food writer, but I have never read him before and found this to be hilarious.

He starts his research with 30 differnt recipes for creating a starter and later he has Giusto's overnight him whole wheat flour.  While he waits for the flour delivery, he walks around the house checking the room temperature and adjusting his thermostat so the new starter will be comfortable.

If you can get your hands on the book, it is a short essay starting on page 576.

bnom's picture
bnom

I think the article you're referring to is the first chapter "Primal Bread" in Steingarten's "The Man who Ate Everything,"  

As Jeffrey states in that chapter, bread "comforts the body, charms the sense, gratifies the soul and excites the mind.  A little butter also helps."

Happy baking!

Marni's picture
Marni

Sorry, I forgot to mention that.  I've never read The Man Who Ate Everything, but I think I will now.

reddragon's picture
reddragon

Some think he's ornery and opinionated, but I think he's simply serious about food, and seriously passionate. I haven't read this article and will hunt it down.

Murvet

Marni's picture
Marni

I hope you do.  I thought he was very funny, though maybe not intentionally so.  You can see the comment above for  the original source of the piece.

Marni