The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Fun Bread Shapes

kilter's picture
kilter

Fun Bread Shapes

Hi, I've been lurking on this site for the past couple months, and have found it really helpful!  My friends have dubbed me "the bread person" in our group, and asked me to make a variety of bread for a banquet we're having, something like bread sticks or rolls.  I have a couple different kinds of bread I can make, but I was wondering if anyone knew some fun shapes I could try it.  I figured I could shape each type of bread into a different shape so people knew what each kind was.  Any ideas?  Thanks!

ClimbHi's picture
ClimbHi

Do a Google image search for "bread sculpture" -- lots of cool stuff comes up.

ClimbHi
Pittsburgh, PA

Marni's picture
Marni

Are you looking for unusual shapes?  If not, you could make  a twist, a knot, an S shape, twisted breadsticks, small braids, and snails.  You can also use two colors, white and dark rye or something to make colored twists. 

Marni

kilter's picture
kilter

Oh, that's exactly what I was thinking of!  Thanks for giving me the terms, now I can go search for pictures.  Are there any specific tricks I need to know for shaping them?

Marni's picture
Marni

Here's one for shaping rolls in a kaiser roll-like knot:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oISBKnbjH_o

For cresent, cloverleaf and parker house:

http://www.videojug.com/webvideo/how-to-shape-dinner-rolls

I tried to find pictures of the others, but couldn't come up with anything yet.

I hope this helps.

Marni

althetrainer's picture
althetrainer

Someone had done a frog bread and it could very much be your center stage.

 

http://www.thefreshloaf.com/recipes/frogbread

dmsnyder's picture
dmsnyder

Hi, kilter.

Welcome to TFL!

If you want to make some mildly fun rolls, I recommend these:

http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/9625/norm039s-double-knotted-rolls

If you want more outrageous fun, here are some other ideas:

David

ejm's picture
ejm

Wow!! I particularly like the hedgehog, mouse and swan. Those are fabulous, David!

I was going to send a link to the Occhi di Santa Lucia (sideways S) photos and my six strand braid video but I've changed my mind....

-Elizabeth

 

ques2008's picture
ques2008

if you want some videos of shaping bread in various ways, I recommend www.kusinanimanang.blogspot.com.  she posted some youtube videos that are really helpful.

 

 

Jw's picture
Jw

Kilter, I was in Sweden last week and they had bread in a U-form. I forgot what is was called, but I thought it was a good idea. The display of the bread was quite nice as well.

An old entry from my blog is here: http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/11018/hedgehog-bread 

The different forms were more great for kids. Some of them did not want to eat what they baked....

Cheers,
Jw.

dmsnyder's picture
dmsnyder

Hi, JW.

I couldn't remember where I saw those great bread critters! I'm glad you reminded me.

David