The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Greetings from Chicago!

charlie-y's picture
charlie-y

Greetings from Chicago!

Hello, I'm a near-21 year old Atlanta native currently studying in Chicago. I've been lurking at this site since I started bread making in earnest, about five months ago. I'm still new but baking once or twice a week (And Reinhart's BBA) is making me a lot better.

I guess as a bread themed introduction, my first bread I ever made was simit, a tasty Turkish ring dipped in sesame usually described as a cross between a bagel and a pretzel, my most common loaf is ciabatta, and my best was Reinhart's Pain de Campagne, but with a 50-50 rye/bread flour mix rather than his ~10-90 split. I'm firmly in the hand-kneading camp.

Thanks!

AW's picture
AW

Hi, Charlie-Y,

I'm in Chicago too. One of the women in town started a Meetup group called The Chicago Amateur Bread Bakers. If you want to join us, our first event is this Wednesday. Join us if you want. I'll be there and would love to know more about your simit. My whole wheat sandwich bread is on this site and is a nice staple. I love Hamelman's semolina best out of everything I've made so far.

Anyway, I'm glad you're part of this group and welcome to snowy, wonderful CHICAGO!

-Arlene

charlie-y's picture
charlie-y

Wow, I picked a good time to sign up. I'll definately try to make it to the meetup (and the bakery looks quite excellent).

bagel_and_rye's picture
bagel_and_rye

Welcome to Chicago, charlie-y!

And welcome to the Chicago Amateur Bread Bakers meetup. We look forward to meeting you.

I second the simit--sounds delicious, would love to taste it.

charlie-y's picture
charlie-y

And it looks like I know what I'm bringing to the bread tasting. Better go practice.

bagel_and_rye's picture
bagel_and_rye

Thank you for spreading the word about the Chicago Amateur Bread Bakers, Arlene!