3 Gmas Still ITJB-ing Week 1
We 3 gmas are still working our way through the First Edition of ITJB - determined to learn all we can from this great resource. This week we baked Eggless Water Challa on page 35. Below are the pictures, as with the previous two semesters we had fun comparing our pictures via texting. Helen (gmabaking2), did the traditional shape and braiding so I will start with her photos.
I, Diane (gmagmabaking2) made mine more of a cinnamon twist - loved the dough and the crumb is so soft, light and yet chewy.
Barb (gmabaking) made hers in a loaf pan too and look how lovely they turned out!
Also the day before our baking day, Barb made some OUTSTANDING tartine loaves... check these out.
That is the week that was! Good bread, good times... next week we are making Jewish Biscotti on page 240 of the first edition, please join in if you would like to bake with us. Would love to see your pictures, and hear of your "challenges" and victories.
Best Baking,
Barb, Helen and Diane
When are we starting the challenge again?
Haven't heard about the "official" challenge, but decided that in order to finish the 13 items we had not yet baked by the end of the year, we needed to get busy. So, we have set up a schedule that works for us and we would be glad to share it. Or Bakers can just check in each week and as we post we will tell everyone what is coming up next week. We are alternating sweets and savories. Looking forward to making all these great masterpieces. \
More Bakers make for more fun!
Diane
me thinking about atonement with those challahs. I make mine in loaf tin by taking 1/4th of the dough and doing a 3 strand braid for the top occasionally. Barbara is getting the Tartine Method down. Did yous two see your sisters huge blisters?? Just great baking all around as usual.
Look forward to the upcoming sections of ITJB baking and presentations.
except she is amazing.... and we two younger sisters take after her! ;-)... thanks.
I really owe the directions and encouragement to dabrownman along with a thank you that I don't think I ever provided. Way back when we sisters did the Artisan Bread in Five I tried the Dutch Oven but gave up for two main reasons...one, I kept getting almost burnt bottom crusts and two, I was really afraid of playing around with that hot DO. This time around I tried his method for cold DO in cold oven and that encouraged me to try the combination by putting the first loaf in cold and at the same time heating up the second DO, then adding the second dough to the hot pan and start timing then for the steam time. Still working on getting enough steam for the mini oven but that will come eventually. I have learned so much over the last two years from the friendly, helpful and oh so talented bakers on TFL. Thank you to you all.
Barbra
We were more than happy to do so, Now your Tartine DO baking is better than mine!! From the looks of it - a lot better. Your two loaf experiment turned out great too. Just the thing to figure out what is really going on. It is the doing that gets it done.
Nice baking.
Post your schedule for the challenge so we can all be on the same page week to week.
Such beautiful loaves !
anna
Anna, we enjoy baking together... long distance... one of us is in Ft. Worth, TX... one in Granbury, TX and one is in Colville, WA... so it is an adventure to share ideas and then see where we each, individually, take it.... thanks again for the notice.
Diane
This challah was probably the easiest so far. I did one with 3 braids and the second with 4 using the instructions for "high four-strand braid" on p47 of ITJB. It needs practise, but I was so pleased with the results, and it tastes really good. Nici
Nici, what beautiful braids you made... that bread looks amazing. It is fun to be baking again. I am such a "compartmentilist" (if that is a word)... I tend to like loaf pans.... but I am being inspired by those lovely loaves to stretch my comfort zone and go for the more free form loaves... you did a great job. Just lovely.
Diane
Nici you have the nicest, most evenly braided loaves that I can imagine. Didn't braid this time since I wanted bread destined for toast but looking at yours....next time I will try again. Did you braid from the middle out to get such even strands? I've looked at those pictures but haven't tried it. Looking forward already to next week's baking challenge, I can feel myself slipping quietly out of my comfort zone-
That is kind of you - yes for the three braid I started in the middle. Now that you have encouraged me, next time who knows perhaps the five braid ! I have looked up the Jewish biscotti recipe for next week. I have never made them before, but it does seem a lot of egg. I think I will wait until you three have done it first. Cheers Nici