The Fresh Loaf

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Jan Hedh's 'Artisan Breads'

Virtus's picture
Virtus

Jan Hedh's 'Artisan Breads'

I was so excited last night! I received my pre-ordered copy of Jan Hedh's new book, Artisan Breads.

BUT there are no weight measurements, except for 3 recipes in the 'dark bread' section. I just don't understand because in his intro he advises to use only weights to bake bread!

bshuval's picture
bshuval

That is very odd. 

I have Jan Hedh's "Artisan Bread", which was published in 2007 and was not available on Amazon.com (I bought mine through Amazon.co.uk, which shipped it globally). I believe that it was only a small print run. The book I have *does* include weight measurements for all breads. I believe that the "new" book "Artisan Breads" is nothing but a republication of the previous book. I haven't seen the new book, but the pictures on the cover of the new book are actually all from the old book, and the two books share the same number of pages. Perhaps an American publisher decided to publish this book, and thought that they can do away with weight measurements?!

What confuses me further is that Jan Hedh's other book on breads, "Swedish Breads and Pastries", published by the same publisher as "Artisan Breads", includes weight measurements for all recipes. 

Virtus's picture
Virtus

Thank you very much. I just emailed Skyhorse Publishing to see if there are any corrections available yet.

But you know, I think the 'cups' are decilitres or 100 gram amounts. When I compared the 'Sourdough Wholemeal Lemon Bread' that Daisy made, she listed the actual ingredients in a comment she made. She listed 100 grams rye flour, this book has 1 'cup' and 150 grams durum wheat flour, this book has 1 1/2 cups of it. Very odd!

I hope I am right or get corrections. The book is full of ideas, but really useless unless I can get this actual cup amount figured out.

bshuval's picture
bshuval

According to the book I have, the ingredients for the Lemon Bread (p. 126) are: 

Starter: 

  • 100 g fine rye flour, preferably stone ground
  • 150 g durum wheat
  • 10 g yeast (Hedh doesn't specify it here, but the yeast amounts are for FRESH yeast)
  • 250 g water
Kneading:
  • 2 yellow, ripe lemons, preferably organic
  • 650 g strong wheat flour, preferably stone ground
  • 15 g yeast
  • 250 g water
  • 50 g green virgin olive oil of the best quality
  • 20 g sea salt

 

bshuval's picture
bshuval

The copy that I have had a conversion table at the end of the book. 

It gives conversions for: 

  • metric weight (g, kg) <--> Imperial weight (oz)
  • metric volume (ml, l) <--> Imperial (tsp, fl oz, pint)
My book was printed in Italy in 2007, translated by Katarina Sjowall Trodden. The publisher is Britisn, "Riverhouse West, Ltd"
Virtus's picture
Virtus

Thank you very much for typing out the whole recipe for me, I appreciate being able to compare your recipe with what this book lists as ingredients. I've decided to keep the book. I haven't received a reply from Skyhorse Publishing yet, but it's only been a day. I'll let you know it they reply. Thanks again for the help.

Salilah's picture
Salilah

I've got this on order but it doesn't come out until November I believe

thanks for the warning!  As you say, if there are no weights shown, it doesn't really make sense unless they publish a list for all recipes!

S

Virtus's picture
Virtus

I am glad you noticed my complaint because I was so disappointed. But like I noted above, the book is full of wonderful bread ideas, I do believe the cups are equal to deciliters or 100 gram measures and the water would be 250 gms. Skyhorse Publishing never has replied.

Salilah's picture
Salilah

I've just had my copy and yes just in "cups" - I've also tried emailing, and I will also see if I can get hold of Mr Hedh indirectly

I'll post on the artisan bread forum, as i know some people there have the older book, and see if we can get a few ingredients lists to check the "cup = 100g" idea!

I'm surprised the author let this get published - especially as you say given the number of comments he makes about having to use scales!  There are also a number of typos - not very professional :-(

Still - at least we've got the book!!!

S

Virtus's picture
Virtus

Yes, like page 76! Where are the sunflower seeds? Or page 115, how much rye flour?

I would like to know who's fault this is? This can only have a negative effect on Mr Hedh! But it seems to me that he is a very talented baker and his photographer seems to capture the best pictures, makes me want to try and bake the same bread!

Salilah's picture
Salilah

I got an email back from Skyhorse Publishing, with an apology for the omission, and a pdf file with the weight measurements!

Actually the pdf is the book without the photos - so all the recipe contents...

I've emailed back asking for permission to send this on to you, as obviously I can't post it on the forum!

(Virtus - I've sent you a message)

Will let you know what they say

cheers

Sali

Salilah's picture
Salilah

If anyone wants the contact details for Skyhorse Publishing, please send me a message - I can then let you have the individual's email address so you can request the pdf file with weights for all ingredients...

Virtus's picture
Virtus

I just sent a request through their contact form. Will that work or do I need your contact's email? I have used that method in my last three emails and never received a response.

Thank you Salilah for pursuing this.

Salilah's picture
Salilah

Let me know if you don't get a response at Salilah11 at gmail dot com

I PM'd you the contact's email - but not sure it worked!

cheers

S

Virtus's picture
Virtus

I just got home from worked and checked my emails. A man from Skyhorse Publishing had sent me an email wanting some details  about my purchase. I gave him every number, almost!, from my 'Order Packing List'. Hope it helps.

Thank you so very much, Salilah.

I GOT IT!!!

Thanks again, Salilah.

It's wonderful!!!