The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

HI!!

Kaipea's picture
Kaipea

HI!!

Is everyone here a master baker when they first joined? I'm a complete newbie trying her hands on making bread! 

I gave up a few months as most of my bread came out bad. I want to start all over again, and enhance my skills but I can't do it alone, I need help! 

for my project I made french bread, a simple baguette last night, using the straight dough method, nothing too difficult.

 

 

CAphyl's picture
CAphyl

Kaipea:  The first few breads usually don't turn out so well, as you are still learning.  My first ones were so flat because my starter wasn't right!  Baguettes are pretty difficult to start with, and you did quite well.  Maybe you should try an easier recipe that doesn't call for challenging shaping. Did you create your own starter or are you using yeast?  Keep going.  I can tell from these breads that you are getting there.  The people on this site are fantastic and will offer plenty of tips. Best, Phyllis

Kaipea's picture
Kaipea

I used a recipe I found from a well known youtuber, I learn from watching, and I had to watch a few videos. Some are pretty daunting to make.  I didn't use any starter, I just mixed them all in and tadaa~ I've made a few starters in the past like sponges and poolish, I used yeast. I have no idea how to make my own starter. :)) 

P: recommend an easy bread? hehe..

clazar123's picture
clazar123

We are all newbies-some of us just have more experience than others!

Your baguettes look lovely! Slice one open,next time, and share what the inside looks like,too!

There are so many ways to make even a "simple" baguette that there is no wrong or right way. Whatever recipe and method (As important as the ingredients) seemed to be successful. The best way to learn more about baking bread is to do it over and over and over and over. Keep a notebook handy,start by working with 1 recipe,take notes and change 1 thing at each bake. Sounds tedious but it can be delicious fun!

Look me up in the search and go back to my first posts (if they are still there). I made a lot of bricks! I had to UNlearn what my mother tried to teach me about bread baking. I came to find she was hopelessly clueless! I have unlearned and now I make a pretty nice French, whole wheat,brioche and have some experience with rye-all so different to make. This is a phenomenal site of home bread bakers who are amazingly supportive. Some have opened their own bakeries, we have had some professional bakers and chefs. All are so helpful!

Bake some delicious fun!

Kaipea's picture
Kaipea

my favorite sweet bread is cinnamon rolls~ I love the smell and that sweetness is just heaven~ XD 

I got a favorite recipe, written down, and I already did a few adjustments. :3 just found out that buttermilk makes wonders~ 

pmccool's picture
pmccool

While master bakers are welcome on TFL, and very helpful, too, most of us start at the beginning and develop our skills from there.  Let me point you to some things here that may help you in your progression.

First, there's a Handbook link at the top of the page.  It will give you some tremendously useful information in easy to understand form.  Highly recommended.

Second, there is also a Lessons link at the top of the page.  You can work your way through those and build your knowledge and skill as you go.

Third, since you are a visual learner, you'll also like the information you will find by clicking on the Videos link at the top of the page.

Lastly, if you want to find something or have a question, try the Search box in the upper right-hand corner of the page.  Just type in the word or phrase you are interested in and click on the Search button.  You'll have plenty of reading material from previous posts that deal with your topic.  Odds are pretty good that you'll find just what you are looking for.

Of course, questions are expected so don't feel bashful about asking.

Paul

Third,

Kaipea's picture
Kaipea

I've scanned the handbook. :) A quick refresher on how to do Baker's Math is very helpful! Thanks a lot! I'll sure be asking questions~