April 4, 2008 - 10:54am
Panera Bread Cookbook
Has anyone made anything from this book? I checked it out of the library and made the sourdough. I'm very unimpressed. Those who've tasted it say it has a nice sour flavor followed by a strange after taste. I think it seems like the flour was stale- which I know it isn't since I'm still using it without the problem elsewhere. I followed the recipe exactly, so I don't think I want to try the others in the book.
Marni
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granniero I think I got this book from the library also and made the 3 cheese bread. It had asiago,parmesan and something else in it and I found it quite good. We have a Panera Bread place where I live and I've heard good things about it but haven't eaten there yet. Would like to see how their bread compared to mine. I love getting books at the library, Rosemary in NE Fla
I borrowed this book from the local library and didn't think that it did any harm. The recipes seemed to use a lot of yeast, about twice as much as anyone that posts here on a regular basis would use. I guess that the author wanted to make sure the bread would rise for someone unfamiliar with baking bread. The sourdough recipe seemed to be a lot more work than the formulas available here.
I'm by no means an expert. I'm still happily learning away and willing to make a mistake or two along the way. Panera is a business that has found a formula to grow their business while still making a pretty good product. I'll stop there for lunch rather than a McDonalds any day of the week.
So borrow the book from your local library or just scan through it over a cup of coffee at the book store before buying a copy.