Rose

Levy Beranbaum

the
bread
bible
photographs by gentl & hyers / edge
illustrations by alan witschonke

foreword by michael batterberry

W. W. Norton & Company

New York London

Dedication

To my paratrooper father, Robert Maxwell Levy, who gave me

his wings, the courage to fly, and the freedom to dream.
For the generous bread bakers who shared their recipes with
me and bread bakers everywhere.
To the memory of Lionel Poilne, one of the greatest bread
bakers of all time.

Contents

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Dedication
Foreword
Introduction
1. The Ten Essential Steps of Making Bread
2. Quick Breads, Little Quick Breads (Muffins, Biscuits, and Scones), Little Yeast Breads, and Batter
Breads
3. Flatbreads
4. Soft Sandwich Loaves and Dinner Rolls
5. Hearth Breads
6. Sourdough
7. The Brioche Family of Breads
Bibliography
Glossary of Bread Baking Terms
Credits and Acknowledgments
Ingredients
Ingredient Sources
Equipment

Equipment Sources
Photographs
Index
Copyright
Also by Rose Levy Beranbaum

Foreword

by Michael Batterberry
Founding Editor of Food Arts and Food & Wine magazines

IF CIVILIZATION, AS IS GENERALLY ACCEPTED, WAS BORN OF THE FIRST settled riverbank farms, bread

made from harvested grains may well have been its first, and most profound, culinary expression.
Millennia ago, bread became synonymous with the absolutely essential. In ancient Egypt, the word for
bread meant life, the force of which still shows remarkable staying power, according to the scholarly
English food writer Jane Grigson, who, roaming widely in the groves of academe, observed that her
scattered archaeologist friends all gave place of honor at their tables to small Near Eastern flatbreads,
edible talismans keeping them in day-to-day physical touch with earliest recorded times. Over the
centuries, breads kinship with the sacred continued to grow: the sacramental bread and wine of the
Christian communion service; the Passover matzoh, unleavened flatbread to ceremoniously
commemorate the Jewish Exodus; the Puritans white bread of God, symbolizing the purity of their
Lord. Parenthetically, in feudal connotation, the titles Lord and Lady signified the provider and the
doler-out of bread, respectively.
Seen from these perspectives, the title of Rose Levy Beranbaums invaluable new book, The Bread
Bible, seems hardly a stretch. If civilization were to fall, this volume could be used as an appropriate
tool to help jump-start it.
When Rose decides to delve into a subject, as devoted readers will readily swear on stacks of her
earlier The Cake Bible, she immerses herself like an oceanographer descending in a bathysphere to
probe the darkest deeps. Personal experience confirms this. After mutually agreeing that Rose would
write for Food Arts magazine a comprehensive study, of interest to professional chefs, on the topic of
sugars, more numerous, she said, than we imagined, she resurfaced many months later with a text so
exhaustively researched, so scrupulously tested, that it went on to win two coveted food journalism
awards, one American, the other global, the following year.
As an elementary human need, bread runs a close third to air and water. Back in the 1970s in New
York, a French diplomat once described to me over dinner his experiences in a German POW camp
during World War II. The shortage of food was acute, and to keep up morale, he and his captive fellow
officers, Frenchmen to the genetically coded core, entertained each other with the minute details of

sumptuous prewar cuisine they had partaken of back home. As time wore on, engulfing hunger led them
to reminisce about simpler and simpler fare, homey family dishes, beloved childhood treats, until, at the
famished last, to stave off despair, the only thing they cared to deliberate narrowed to the subtle nuances
of bread and the arguable superiority of its variable scent, crust, crumb, flavor, even its sound.
Had she been alive then, Rose, with her limitless supply of bread tales, could have nightly played
Scheherazade to the imprisoned French. Bakers say that the breads song, she writes, is the sound of
the crust crackling as it cools, an unbottled genie remark that swiftly conjures up for me an encounter
with chef Alain Sailhac, Dean of the French Culinary Institute. Outside a bread baking kitchen
classroom, he snatched a warm baguette from a rolling rack, grinned with delight upon pressuring it
gently close to his ear, as if testing the merits of an elephantine cigar, and then thrust it at me, urging,
Listen, listen!
Bread, that miraculous metamorphosis of flour, water, and yeast, becomes a living thing shortly after
the introduction of the yeast, the metabolic action of which is fermentation. Rising bread dough is a
warm and companionable being, if you listen to Rose, who, after a couple of decades of pulling loaves
from the oven, can still pose the question, Could it be that Im only completely happy now when a
bread is happening [the italics are mine] somewhere nearby?
The goal of bread baking, she states succinctly, is to get good volume and a beautiful crust. A born
teacher with a dual scientific and artistic bent, she is determined to lead you to this victorious and
glorious end. To spare readers taking any avoidable chances, Rose has carved in hearthstone what she
declines as The Ten Essential Steps of Making Bread, a canon that entails, aside from mixing,
shaping, and baking, the procedures of prefermenting, dividing and preshaping, slashing, glazing,
cooling, slicing, and storing.
And thats just for openers. A quotation that I apparently utter with the repetitiveness of a mantra is
Escoffiers declaration that the art of cookery is the constant expression of the present. Trust Rose to
understand this fully, as she uninterruptedly demonstrates with constant pitch-perfect responses to the
craving for technical know-how of todays younger generations. Throughout The Bread Bible, she
follows up recipe procedures with expository passages beneath the heading Understanding. A
fragmentary example: allowing the batter to rest enables the flour to absorb the liquid evenly, as in the
case of her Yorkshire Popovers, which she confesses to have been perfecting for fifteen years. Further
amplification comes in the form of bulleted Pointers for Success, i.e., helpful hints typified by this
one for producing flawless Soft Golden Potato Bread: If not using the dry milk, you can replace the
water with 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon of milk, preferably nonfat, scalded (brought to just under the
boiling point) and cooled to lukewarm.
Elsewhere she drops random tips with the profligacy of Johnny Appleseed. If, for example, you
dont possess a piping bag for loose muffin dough, simply scrape it into a gallon-size heavy-duty Ziploc
bag, zip, and snip off the tip of a lower corner. An avid runner in private life, shell even happily put
you through the paces of home-curing olives for olive bread, should you care to go those extra ten
miles.
Yet another boon is that the author is never shy about recommending specific brand names, often
with sourcing information, that have passed her rigorous testing muster, be it an electric mixer,
household flour mill, baking pan, frozen Maine blueberry, or freshest-tasting extract.
The planet-circling sources of some of her recipes provide further evidence of her attunement with
Escoffiers dictum. Present-day bread bakers, even if bonded for life to soulfully comforting treasures
hoarded in their grandmothers recipe files, simultaneously exhibit an insatiably far-ranging appetite, as
well as a sophisticated connoisseurship, for the best the world has to offer. An inveterate traveler who

makes each trip a Mount McKinley tasting expedition (weve seen her in softly smiling, gently spoken,
all-devouring action), Rose has compiled in this landmark volume recipes of her own invention, along
with others gathered from a pantheon of some of the worlds most talented, dedicated, and skillful
bakers of everything from traditional hearth breads to newly created bread based desserts.
The years this oeuvre has taken, the author concludes, she now looks back on as a humbling as well
as an elevating experience, opening the way for a lifetime of continued discovery, a path that readers,
taking her hand, can follow, too, to the end of their bread-enlightened days.

Introduction

THIS IS MY BREAD BIOGRAPHY. IT IS A PERSONAL HISTORY OF BREAD FROM MY

first memory of its

appearance into my existencethe bagel my mother gave me as a teething ringto my most recent
achievementa bread risen entirely from my own sourdough starter. Some of the recipes along this
journey were created from my imagination. Others were inspired by breads tasted on my travels abroad.
Still others are treasures shared by other bakers that I have made my own, as all bakers are wont to do.
The experience of putting together this book and researching all the aspects of bread making has been
one of the steepest and most gratifying learning curves of my life. And it has been a humbling
experience as well, opening the way for a lifetime of continued discovery.
Occasionally people suggest that making bread, particularly kneading it, must be a great way to get
out aggression. The irony is that when I start making bread, I am immediately blissed out and any
possible aggression immediately evaporates. I dont need to pound the bread with my fists to arrive at
this blessed state. In fact, when I dont have a bread going, I feel that something is missing. Could it be
that Im only completely happy now when a bread is happening somewhere nearby?
There is a satisfaction derived from the act of baking bread that I get from no other kitchen activity.
Perhaps the most engaging aspect is that yeast is a dormant live organism one is bringing to life and
feeding so that it will grow and expand, providing texture and flavor in the bread. It always seems
utterly amazing that flour, water, yeast, and salt, judiciously proportioned, transform into the most
perfect loaf of bread.
Coincidentally, my serious interest in wine began about eight years ago, the same time I started
working seriously on this bread book. It was at the Huia vineyard in South New Zealand, when the
vintner was explaining to me why he had to cool down the fermenting wine to prevent undesirable
flavors, that it hit me how incredibly similar the process of making bread is to that of making wine.
Both rely on yeast fermentation, time, and temperature control to produce fantastic flavors in the end
product. The wild yeast for wine is present on the grapes skin; for bread it is present on the wheat. But
both usually rely on the addition of a commercial yeast starter or culture.
The sugar in the grape feeds the yeast that produces alcohol and carbon dioxide, the two end
products of fermentation, just as the sugar in the flour feeds the yeast to the same end. And just as a
specific variety of grape or blend of grapes produces a specific variety of wine, different varieties of
flour produce different types of bread. Surely it is more than coincidence that the ancient tradition of
Hebrew grace before the meal begins with the prayer of thanks for the wine and immediately follows
with the prayer of thanks for the breadthe only two parts of the meal thus honored. Though I dont
speak conversational Hebrew, these Hebrew prayers are ingrained in my soul. And I think of bread and
wine as the foundation of my culinary existence.
My first experience of eating home-baked bread was not until I was seventeen and a freshman at the
University of Vermont. A local resident paid my boyfriend with a loaf of her bread for mowing the

lawn. It vaguely captured my attentionhe was so pleased about it. He made fried egg sandwiches for
us for a hunting tripsomething I would normally have rejected on concept (both the fried egg and the
hunting)but I was in love, it was so cold, and I was so hungry and it was an epiphany. My first
school vacation back in New York I borrowed The Joy of Cooking from Rosalind Streeter, a neighbor
and friend of my mothers, and made my first bread. It is a tribute to the perfect instructions that so was
the bread.
But the seed of desire to bake bread actually had already been planted deeply within me by my
craftsman father, whose dream it was to make a real hearth beehive oven. I remember the first time he
mentioned it, and my reaction: Why? Now, all these years later, I share the dream. One of my favorite
childhood stories was my fathers about his canoeing trip up the Hudson River. (I was a city kid, but
with the benefit of a genuine backwoodsby choicefather.) A short while before the trip he had
begun a sourdough starter, from a book called Camping and Woodcraft by Horace Kephart. My fathers
plan was to make sourdough muffins in a reflector baker, which got its heat from a wood-burning fire.
During portage, when he had to carry the canoe across land, he tightened the caps on the jars to keep the
liquid starter from spilling if they tilted. Apparently he had created a very active starter, because during
one of the portages he heard an explosion, muffled by the bedding that was wrapped around the jars. It
didnt take long for him to realize that it was the starter. His bedding all needed to be washed, and this
incident spelled the end of his short-lived sourdough experiments. But he was captivated by the
possibilities of the fermentation, so he passed the scepter to me. It was fortunate that the starter
exploded, because he remembers that it was so alive it had streaks of color. When this happens it means
that undesirable bacteria have taken over and the starter needs to be discarded. Had he used it for
baking, he would at the very least have been taken ill. Perhaps I would never even have been born to
write this book!
I never had the experience of home-baked bread as a child, but the three first smells I remember
loving were honeysuckle, fresh-ground coffee, and, most of all, the smell of baking bread from the
Silvercup Factory when we crossed the Queensboro Bridge every weekend. For me it was the one good
thing about returning to the city from Far Rockaway, where I was born.
When my father visited his mother in the Bronx, he would always stop by his favorite bakery and
bring home a fragrant fresh loaf of Jewish rye and another of cornbread. But I also enjoyed shopping
with my maternal grandmother and watching the Pechters rye bread shuddering its way through the
then-new electric slicing machine. I even loved the little piece of printed paper that stuck to the loaf and
always made sure to save one of the tiny crusty end pieces, which my grandmother called the crychick,
for my little brother. I wasnt sure if it was a Russian or Jewish word, but I found the sound adorable
and perfectly descriptive.
Bread in one form or another is part of everyones childhood memories. Bread has been a part of our
civilization for a long time. Yeast-leavened wheat bread and the milling of wheat flour are thought to
have originated about five thousand years ago in Egypt. Bread is now basic to all cultures. The timehonored quote of Brillat Savarin, Show me what they eat and Ill tell you who they are, works
wonderfully when applied to bread. For example, is it light and delicate, soft and fluffy, dense and
hardy, complex and chewy? Is the bread cut into neat slices or torn into crusty pieces? Is it enjoyed for
its own value or simply used as a vehicle to hold a filling? Bread is considered so vital to life by the
Swiss that during World War II they created a bread they referred to as hundredyearold bread, a bread
that could last for years buried underground, in case a soldier became lost and needed it for survival.
The armed forces were given maps to enable them to find the hidden bread. Self-contained bakery
trucks were created to produce the bread. I learned of this from my friend Albert Uster, who purchased

one of these loaves from the Swiss government a few years ago for his business in Gaithersburg,
Maryland.
While its true that bread ties us to our past, it does much more than that. It also connects us to our
present reality. In this day and age, when many children think milk comes from the supermarket and
dont even know what a potato looks like, baking bread puts them in touch with the most fundamental
source of their need for nourishment. Beyond that, making bread yourself nourishes both body and soul.
Its surprising how many people prefer bread even to cake! (Although in my house, they still expect
cake as well and probably always will.) For years now, Ive served my breads as the appetizer or first
course of a dinner. And the bread has never been the vehicle for another substance; it serves as the main
event, enhanced only by a gilding of butter, or a little dunking of olive oil with a second quick dip in
roasted spices for accent.
Another of breads many charms is that it requires no decoration or extraneous elements. The form
and color it takes are its own beauty. Im not a big fan of what I think of as tortured bread. Its fun to
see elaborately sculpted breads in the window of a bakery or to use one as a bread basket, but for eating,
the texture is best when it has been less handled and manipulated.
Every bread baker I know would love to have everyone baking bread. It stems from the desire to
share the pleasure. Heres my advice: Start a tradition. Find a favorite bread recipe and try different
proportions of flours or vary the additions of seeds. Retype the recipe the way you prefer to mix the
dough, leaving out variations or other unnecessary notes once you know the recipe and technique. Share
the bread with friends or family, and soon people will associate you with this particularly delicious and
personal offeringand it will be your bread. I am simply serving as the starter (or pre-ferment) for your
bread-baking adventures. I encourage you with all my hearth to take it from there and make it your
own! It will change your life.
I was moved by a quote from Carmen Jackson Crofton I once read in a 1999 issue of the
Washington Post food section referring to her mothers holiday rolls: Im not sure my mother really
understands just what her cooking means to me. It represents everything warm and good and cozy.
One of the things that has made me the most joyful and grateful in the process of creating this book
is discovering that I had entered an incredibly warm, welcoming, and supportive bread community.
Never have I met people more willing to share, to teach, to join hands, and, yes, to cast bread on the
water. (Perhaps this is an overused expression, but surely it couldnt be more appropriate than in this
context!) There is hardly a bread baker I do not adore on first meeting. I am greatly indebted to the
many wonderful bakers who welcomed me into their world, eager to share their own points of view and
knowledge from years of experience in large-scale production, but equally eager to embrace new ideas.
One of the very first was Amy Quazza, chef bread instructor at the French Culinary Institute, who for
years invited me to take her class. Fortunately I did before finishing this book, because it opened my
eyes to the differences between home and commercial baking, and in one mere week turned me into an
expert bread shaper.
Prior to this book I thought of myself as a pastry person. But when I was doing a stage in the
bread-baking kitchen of Restaurant Daniel, one of the pastry cooks suggested that the difference
between a pastry chef and bread baker is that bread baking requires absolute devotion and passion. I
knew I had crossed the divide. I realized that upon considering all the joyous moments of my existence
on this earth, I am most content when making bread. But I was still undecided whether I should
continue with this book. I told Daniels chef boulanger Mark Fiorentino that I was considering giving it
up because, unlike cake and pastry, which I had managed to control to my satisfaction, my bread never
turned out exactly the same way two times in a row. This masterful but modest craftsman looked at me

from his towering height, smiled, and said, Neither does mine; I dont know what Im doing half the
time. With this kind encouragement I was up and running again. Yes, bread is big parts alchemy,
instinct, and artistry. And although Ive come to the level of repeatability where my breads at least
weigh the same amount every time, Ive also come to the realization that its actually quite delightful
that, despite the most precise and detailed directions, no two breads are ever exactly the same. Your
bread wont be exactly like mine, but it will be wonderful. In this world of ever-increasing
homogenization, bread remains one absolutely great way to express individuality.
When I started this book, I realize now that I actually knew little about bread-baking theory. I had
studied it, superficially, in college and had been baking bread for years, but without really understanding
the process. However, this served partly as an advantage, because I was free to create without
assumptions as to what would and would not work. I soon discovered that there were many
diametrically opposed theories about all aspects of bread making, and that I could establish my own as
well from personal experience and assessment.
The truth is I had never thought I could make bread at home as good as bakery bread. But to my
delight, I proved myself 100 percent wrong. I now feel that the best bread is one you make according to
your own taste, with your own hands, that comes out of your own oven.
In a way Im sorry the mystery is gone, but in another sense it will always be there, continuing to
evolve, and the wonder will certainly always remain. There are so many variables in bread baking.
Bread is like lifeyou can never control it completely. Come to think of it, bread IS life.
Rose Levy Beranbaum
New York City

1.

The Ten Essential Steps of Making Bread

1.

FERMENTING AND PRE-FERMENTING

2.

3.

MIXING AND KNEADING

RAISING (PROOFING) AND TURNING THE DOUGH

4.

DIVIDING AND PRESHAPING THE DOUGH

5.

6.

SHAPING THE DOUGH

SLASHING (SCORING) AND STENCILING

7.
8.
9.
10.

1.

GLAZING
BAKING
COOLING

SLICING AND STORING

FERMENTING AND PRE-FERMENTING

Fermentation
Fermentation is what happens when yeast comes in contact with the flour and water. Fermentation is

what makes wine out of fruit sugars and beer out of grains. In all cases, it occurs when yeast consumes
the sugars from starches producing, among other things, bubbles of carbon dioxide gas. In the case of
bread baking, it is carbon dioxide bubbles that do the leavening and give it its great texture.
Yeast is a living, single-cell plant. It eats sugars and produces carbon dioxide and ethyl alcohol as it
grows and multiplies. Only certain strains are used in bread baking. Flour is a carbohydrate. Like all
carbohydrates, the starch molecules are made up of hundreds of sugar molecules. When the yeast, water,
and flour are combined, enzymes in the flour break down the carbohydrates into sugar. The yeast, a
microscopic single-cell organism, eats this sugar, grows and multiplies, and gives off carbon dioxide
and alcohol. As it is produced, the carbon dioxide is held in by a network of gluten strands, or protein,
formed by kneading together the flour and water, and it leavens or causes the bread to rise. The alcohol
produced by the yeast gives the bread flavor. Both the carbon dioxide and the alcohol evaporate into the
air during baking.
Flavor also comes from the action of the bacteria present in the environment, which compete with
the yeast for the sugar in the flour. These beneficial bacteria produce flavorful acids such as acetic and
lactic acid.
Temperature control is a very important factor in fermentation. Bakers use varying temperatures to
get the results they want. Artisan bakers, for example, almost always prefer a cool slow rise, or
fermentation, of the dough.
Yeast is active at temperatures between 33 and 130F. At warmer temperatures, the yeast is more
active and grows and multiplies more quickly. The fermentation process itself produces heat. When
fermentation takes places at too high a temperature, however (over 90F), unpleasant off flavors are
produced in the bread.
When chilled, the yeast goes into dormancy, slowing its activity and producing more alcohol. This
decreased activity gives the bacteria a chance to feed on the sugar, develop more, and produce more
acetic acid. Temperatures of 40 to 55F are ideal for the formation of acetic acid; 55 to 90F results in
the formation of the blander lactic acid. Acetic acid imparts a far more sour quality to bread than lactic
acid. As an added benefit, acetic acid also strengthens the doughs structure, although too much of this
acidity would ultimately weaken it. Some bakers prefer the milder flavor provided by lactic acid.
Length of fermentation is another important factor that determines both the flavor and the color of
the bread. If the dough ferments for too long, the yeast and bacteria will consume all of the sugar in the
flour, and the bread will have a pale crust and bland flavor. Some residual sugar in the dough is
necessary both for flavor and to brown the crust.
Pre-fermentation
My friend Rob Ruotolo, who is also my computer guru and has therefore tasted a good many of the
breads in this book, made a revealing comment. He said that all of my breads have one thing in common
that he values greatly. Not only are they delicious while I eat them, the flavor lingers in my mouth for a
long while afterwards. There is a reason for this, and it is the pre-ferment, or dough starter. The most
flavorful breads, then, usually involve making a pre-ferment, or dough starter. This starts the fermenting
process before the final mixing of the dough. To make a pre-ferment, you simply take part of the flour,
water, and yeast for the dough and mix it before the rest of the dough. This pre-ferment sits at room
temperature, or in the refrigerator, to ferment and develop flavor until you use it to make the rest of the
dough. The longer fermentation it offers develops extra gluten strength for the dough, adds depth and
complexity of flavor, with a long finish, and increases the shelf life of the bread. It also makes it
possible to use less yeast, which allows the taste of the wheat to emerge. In fact, the longer the pre-

ferment, the less the yeast you need.

Too high a proportion of pre-ferment would make the bread too sour and weaken the gluten network
or structure. Most bread recipes, however, will be markedly improved by using a pre-ferment. Simply
put, by making a pre-ferment, you will bring out the full flavor potential of the flour. But some breads,
such as the Prosciutto Ring bread, have so much flavor from these powerful ingredients that a starter is
probably not worth the extra time and effort. For breads like this, the straight, or direct, method of
mixing dough is ideal: all the flour, water, and yeast are mixed together at the beginning.
Note that most pre-ferments, with the exception of sourdough or levain, use commercial yeast, as
opposed to wild yeast.
There are several different types of pre-ferments. They vary mainly by the amount of water they
contain. Dont be put off by strange-sounding names, like barm, biga, chef, desem, levain, madre
bianca, mother, pte fermente, poolish, sponge, starter, or sourdough starter. At first these terms put
me off, and I was resolved to avoid them in this book, thinking that the all-encompassing term starter
was all I really needed, but gradually these special words became familiar friends. This common
language serves not only to distinguish the type of starter but also to connect us to a history and family
of bread bakers around the world. So I will define each of the terms here, and as they appear in almost
every recipe, they will become familiar to you too.
PTE FERMENTE (OLD DOUGH) AND ALTES BROT (OLD BREAD)

The easiest way to deepen the flavor of your bread is simply to save a small piece of dough from one
batch to add at the end of mixing the next one (during the last couple of minutes, since the structure is
already developed). The old dough can stay at room temperature for up to 6 hours or be refrigerated
for up to 48 hours. If you dont make bread that often, wrap the dough airtight and freeze it for up to 3
months.
The old-time practice, originating in Germany, of adding altes brot, or old bread, is another way of
increasing depth of flavor with minimal work. It entails adding a small quantity of stale bread that has
been soaked in water, squeezed dry, and allowed to ferment overnight at room temperature (see the
variation in the recipe for Authentic Pumpernickel Bread).
Old dough or old bread is usually added at 25 percent the weight of the total flour in the bread, but
the percentage can be much higher.
THE SPONGE METHOD

Another easy way to deepen the flavor of your bread is to make a sponge from some of the flour, water,
and yeast in the recipe. Some books describe a sponge as having a stiff consistency. I prefer a more
liquid one because it makes it possible to whisk bubbles into the sponge. These bubbles set up many
little air pockets. During fermentation, the yeast produces carbon dioxide (gas), which enters the air
pockets and enlarges them. Thus, whisking the sponge helps to produce a bread that has a more even
and airy crumb. I learned this valuable technique from Gale Shers book From a Bakers Kitchen when I
first began baking bread many years ago.
I usually make a sponge with equal volumes of flour and water (for example, 3 cups/16.5
ounces/468 grams flour to 3 cups/25 ounces/709 grams water). This is about one and a half times the
weight of the flour in water (151 percent hydrationthe percentage of dough by weight that is water).
And it was a little less than half the yeast called for in the recipe.
Though not as complex as a biga or levain (see below), a sponge still results in far more flavor than

combining all the ingredients at once. Because my sponge uses all of the water in the recipe, and is
therefore more liquid, it enables the yeast to grow faster and can be used after only 1 hour, or, ideally, 4
hours at room temperature. Alternatively, it can refrigerated for up to 24 hours, resulting in greater
acidity and more depth of flavor. I like to make a flour blanket with the remaining flour and yeast to
sprinkle on top of the sponge. It provides a protective cover, insulating the sponge and preventing it
from drying out. I love to watch as cracks gradually develop in the flour blanket, indicating that the
yeast is growing and swelling. When the sponge bubbles up through the flour blanket, I often push a
little of the flour over it, but this is not strictly necessary, as I also cover the bowl as an added safeguard.
PROCESS: Sponge dough starter breaking through the flour blanket, indicating that the yeast is growing

and swelling

A sponge can be made with anywhere from 30 to 50 percent of the total flour used in the bread. The
less flour, the more liquid the consistency and the faster the growth of the yeast; however, there must be
adequate flour for the yeast to ferment.
HOW TO IMPART DEPTH OF FLAVOR TO YOUR FAVORITE BREAD RECIPES

To convert almost any bread recipe to the sponge method, simply divide the total amount of flour
by 2.5 and combine it with all of the water and about half (or a little less, if a more convenient
measure) of the yeast. Mix the remaining flour with the remaining dry ingredients except for the
salt, which will usually be added after the first stage of mixing the dough, and sprinkle it lightly
over the sponge to form a blanket. Allow it to stand for 1 to 4 hours at room temperatureor,
preferably, for 1 hour at room temperature and up to 24 hours refrigerated. After about 3 hours
in the refrigerator, the yeast will become dormant and most, but not all, activity will stop,
enabling the ever-present bacteria to grow and develop wonderfully flavorful esters (formed
from the organic acids and alcohol produced in the cold environment). The yeast will remain
alive under these conditions for as long as 24 hours.
POOLISH

A poolish (thought to have been named for Polish bakers in France) is made the same day or the day
before the bread and is always fermented at room temperature, to ensure the formation of milder
flavors. It is usually made with equal parts flour and water by weight. It uses between one-third and

one-half of the total water in the recipe, which is 22 to 33 percent of the total amount of flour. The
amount of yeast that is added to a poolish decreases proportionately with the length of fermentation. If
too much yeast is added before a long overnight pre-ferment, the yeast will exhaust all the sugar in the
flour.
The recommended amount of yeast based on the weight of flour in the poolish: At a
temperature of 72 to 80F for a 3-hour fermentation, 0.5 percent instant yeast is recommended; for 6
hours, 0.23 percent instant yeast; for 8 hours, 0.17 percent instant yeast; and for 12 hours, 0.03 to 0.05
percent instant yeast. In order to ensure a lower acidity, the ideal time to add the poolish to the dough is
when it has matured. At this point it will have domed slightly and will be just beginning to deflate. A
long poolish produces more interesting aromas and requires less yeast. It also gives a longer window of
maturity (up to 2 1/2 hours).
BIGA

A biga, an Italian pre-ferment, is close to the consistency of bread dough (from 50 to 78.7 percent water
[hydration]). It is usually mixed at least 6 to 24 hours ahead and used within 3 days. Because of its stiff
consistency, it is the strongest (in terms of gluten) of the pre-ferments and is particularly useful in
breads with a high water content, such as ciabatta, to strengthen the network of gluten. If a biga
overmatures and deflates, the bread will have smaller holes. If the biga is refrigerated for much past 3
days, it will become too acidic, weakening the gluten and adding a very sour flavor. It can, however, be
frozen for up to 3 months; it will lose some yeast activity but will still contribute complexity to the
flavor of the bread. What I most love about a biga is the flexibility of time it gives you. It takes only a
few minutes to mix, and then, any time within the next 3 days, all you add is the rest of the flour, a little
yeast, and the salt, and youre well on your way to fantastic bread! My biga is fairly soft, so it integrates
easily into the rest of the dough. If your biga is stiffer, cut it into a few pieces before adding it.
To make a biga: Use at least one-third the volume of water used in the recipe (e.g., the recipe calls
for 1 cup water, use 1/3 cup for the biga) and double its volume in flour (in this case, 2/3 cup). This will
be about 30 percent of the total amount of flour, but its fine to use up to 55 percent of the total
amount of flour, which will add more strength to the dough (also of course adjusting the volume of
water to fall within the 50 to 78.7 percent of the flour ratio). For 1/2 to 2/3 cup flour, use 1/16 teaspoon
of the yeast in the recipe in the biga. If you are using a total of 1 cup to 1 1/3 cups flour in the biga,
double the yeast used in the biga (1/8 teaspoon).
If time does not allow for a minimum of 8 hours fermentation for the biga, double the yeast given in
the recipe for the biga (be sure to subtract the appropriate amount from the dough) and allow it to stand
for at least 2 hours, or until at least doubled in volume. Stir it down, and use it or store in the refrigerator
or freezer.
SOURDOUGH STARTERS

Sourdough, levain, and barm are synonymous terms that refer to dough starters created from wild yeast
(Saccharomyces exiguus). The main factor that distinguishes sourdough starters from others is that they
can be kept alive for long periods of timeeven centuries. Recipes often call for organic grapes to
make a wild yeast starter because of the wild yeast present on their skins, but, in fact, flour, preferably
organic, and water are really all you need. (If you want to purchase sourdough cultures, see Sources. To
learn more about sourdough, and for a recipe for making your own starter, see Chapter 6.)
A healthy sourdough starter can be the sole leavening in a bread dough, but many bakers boost their
starter with a little commercial cake yeast (up to 0.2 percent of the weight of the flour, or, if using

instant yeast, 0.6 percent of the weight of the flour) for added rising security, without affecting other
qualities such as flavor, color of the crust, and shelf life. Professional bakers refer to a sourdough starter
as a chef or seed culture in the first stages of its development. When it is fully developed and mature, at
which point it is strong enough to raise a bread dough, it is referred to as a sourdough culture. The chef
is usually started with whole wheat or rye flour, but once it is established, full of live and vigorous yeast
cells, it is maintained or refreshed with all white flour. (In Germany, sourdough starter is made entirely
with rye flour.) While a sourdough starter is the most complex of the pre-ferments, it is not necessarily
the most sour. If it is used and refreshed with flour and water daily, at room temperature, it develops
more of the milder lactic acid than the more sour acetic acid. The degree of sourness is also strongly
influenced by both the strain of the wild yeast and the type of bacteria present in it.
A sourdough starter is usually made up of equal weights of flour and water, but it can range from 50
percent water for a stiff starter to 125 percent water for a liquid starter. In short, to make a sourdough
starter requires only flour and water, then several refreshment feedings of the same, and patience, to
grow the wild yeast on the flour and to attract bacteria from the environment.
If you have a liquid sourdough starter, you can turn it into a stiff sourdough starter simply by stirring
in bread flour until it is firm enough to knead for a few minutes on a counter to a biscuit-dough
consistency. The stiffer starter ferments more slowly and does not require as cold a temperature to slow
down fermentation. This means it can be refreshed less often. And, because a warmer temperature
results in a more mellow flavor, a stiff starter is ultimately less sour than a liquid one.
Although a sourdough starter will stay alive for at least a week without having to be refreshed with
flour and water, it will become progressively more acidic, and thus produce a very sour bread. This
makes it impractical for the home baker who does not bake bread every day.
San Francisco Sourdough is a wild yeast starter that contains a unique strain of bacteria
(Lactobacillus sanfrancisco). This bacteria is responsible for the breads sour flavor and thick crust.
The Lalvain du Jour starters from France (see Sources) require only 12 hours to develop, compared
to a traditional homemade wild yeast levain, which takes weeks and requires frequent refreshing with
flour and water. Breads made from the Lalvain starters use the same basic technique as a sourdough
bread, with the addition of commercial yeast. The Lalvain represents 0.3 percent of the flour (or water)
used in the sourdough starter. Instant yeast that is added just before mixing the dough represents 0.4
percent of the total amount of flour in the recipe. Lalvain starters are combined with equal weights of
water and flour. For the Lalvain starter, 39 percent of the total flour and 42.3 percent of the total
water in the recipe are used (see the recipe for Low-Risk Sourdough). The recommended amount of
Lalvain in a sourdough starter is 0.4 percent of the flour used for a 12- to 20-hour room-temperature
fermentation. This might seem high but actually is not, as the product is only partially yeastthe rest is
bacteria.
You can also use a Lalvain starter to add a subtle very mildly sour and absolutely delicious flavor to
a sponge in the following way: For every cup of flour used in the sponge, use 1/8 teaspoon Lalvain Pain
de Campagne starter in place of the yeast. Then for the flour mixture (the rest of the dough), use 1/4
teaspoon instant yeast per cup of flour in the mixture. Allow the sponge to sit at room temperature for 8
to 12 hours, then mix the dough as usual. The first rise should be 2 hours at 75 F. If you want to speed
it up slightly, though, its fine to increase the 1/4 teaspoon of instant yeast to 3/8 teaspoon per cup of
flour.
TO CONVERT A RECIPE USING A BIGA (A STARTER MADE WITH COMMERCIAL YEAST) TO A
SOURDOUGH STARTER USING LALVAIN DU JOUR STARTER

Increase the water in the starter to equal the weight of the flour in the starter, and subtract that
amount from the water used for rest of the dough. When replacing the yeast, keep in mind that
4.2 ounces/120 grams (3/4 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons) unbleached all-purpose flour requires
1/8 teaspoon (0.4 grams) Lalvain. For example, for a biga starter using 1/4 cup/59 grams water
and 1/2 cup plus 1 1/2 teaspoons/75 grams flour, increase the water to 1/4 cup plus 1
tablespoon/75 grams. Replace the 1/16 teaspoon/0.2 grams of instant yeast with 1.6 times the
amount Lalvain: a slightly rounded 1/16 teaspoon/0.3 grams. Then use 1 tablespoon less water
in the dough.

When to Add a Starter to the Dough

Some bakers add stiff starters such as biga or pte fermente (old dough), to the dough after it has been
mixed. They reason that the biga or old dough has already had 3 to 5 minutes of mixing, and it might be
overmixed if added at the beginning. I havent found this to be true with the small amounts of dough I
make using home equipment, however, so I add the starter right at the beginning of the dough-mixing
process.
Temperature of the Pre-ferment (Starter)
When you refrigerate a pre-ferment, it takes several hours for it to get below 50F. It will never become
as cold as the refrigerator, because the continued fermentation, even at a very slow rate, produces a
small amount of heat.
When you mix dough by hand, it is best to have the pre-ferment at room temperature, as it will
incorporate more easily, and not much heat is built up in the hand-kneading process. When you use a
mechanical mixing device such as a stand mixer, however, the temperature of the dough increases by
between just under 1F to as much as 3F for every minute of mixing. Thus, the pre-ferment can be
used at a lower temperature to compensate for the friction built up by the mixer (when overheated,
gluten breaks down and off flavors develop).
Since the temperature of the pre-ferment directly affects the temperature of the finished dough, if it
is cold, it will take longer for the first rise, and if it is too cold, it may not absorb the liquid (hydrate)
fully (see Mixing and Kneading). If I have refrigerated the pre-ferment, I usually take it out about 30
minutes ahead of mixing the dough if using a stand mixer, and about 45 minutes ahead if using a bread
machine. If using a food processor, I use it cold from the refrigerator, because so much heat builds up
during processing.
If you havent refrigerated the pre-ferment, however, it works well to refrigerate it for 15 to 30
minutes before mixing the dough.
UNDERSTANDING HOW TO CREATE YOUR OWN BREAD RECIPES OR TO ADJUST BREAD RECIPES
TO SUIT YOUR TASTE

I strongly recommend you weigh the ingredients on a scale when you make the bread recipes in
this book. If you do, both the weight and size of the baked loaf will come out precisely as given
(or with very minor variations). If you choose to use cup measures, the amounts will be less
precise and you may need to adjust the amount of flour or water by feel as indicated in each
recipe. With either method, once you know the percentages of the ingredients needed to make
bread (see below), you will be able to develop your own recipes if you so desire. Weighing,

however, is a lot easier and more precise than measuring with cups.
Commercial bakers use what is called the bakers percentage for ease in calculating the
weight of ingredients in their bread recipes (also known as formulas). The flour represents 100
percent and every other ingredient is calculated as a percentage of the flours weight. This
system is easy to use, but it does not take into account the amount of starch, water, or fat in other
ingredients added to the basic flour/water/yeast/salt formula, such as milk, butter, cheese,
bananas, or potatoes. The bakers percentage also divides the percentages between the preferment (dough starter) and the rest of the dough, making it difficult to evaluate at a glance the
overall water content (known as hydration), starch content, and fat content.
To address this problem, I have included what I call The Dough Percentage in each
recipe. These percentages of ingredients enable you to see at a glance the total water content,
salt, yeast, and fat content. These percentages not only give you a better understanding of the
entire makeup of the bread, they also enable you to make adjustments to suit your own taste. For
example, if you find a particular recipe either a little too salty or not quite salty enough, drop or
raise the percentage of salt slightlyand once you have found the level you prefer, you can use
the same ratio for other similar breads. (Its like having your own custom-made template.) Keep
in mind, however, that other ingredients in the recipe may call for variations in the basic
percentages. The Olive Bread, for example, with its salty olives, has only 1.3 percent added salt
compared to the usual range of 1.5 to 2.5 percent.
If a bread you make seems a bit dry, you can simply adjust the water. Of course some breads,
such as bagels, are intended to be drier, and some, such as ciabatta or focaccia, are by nature
very wet in order to achieve the characteristic large holes.

A RANGE OF INGREDIENT PERCENTAGES FOR HEARTH BREADS BY WEIGHT

Flour: 100%
Water: 54.6 to 83.9%
Instant yeast: 0.25 to 1.03%
Salt: 1.5 to 2.6%
Using different types of flour will also make significant changes in both the flavor and the texture of
the bread. When adding whole wheat flour, I use 7.2 percent of the white flour, which adds a pleasantly
wheaty flavor without either bitterness or making the crumb more compact. Even the addition of 1
percent whole wheat can make a huge flavor difference, as in the baguette. (My preferred ratio of rye
flour is 16.9 percent for rye bread and 30.1 percent for pumpernickel.)
If you change the balance of different types of flours, the water amount will also need to be changed
slightly; i.e., if you use more whole wheat or rye flour, you will need to add a little more wateror,
better still, start with a little less flour. If you are using a large amount of freshly ground whole wheat
flour rather than an older white wheat, start with a little less water in the recipe.


AN EXAMPLE OF A BASIC HEARTH BREAD
BY WEIGHT

Water is 66.6% of the weight of the flour

OR
Flour is 150% (1 1/2 times) the weight of the water
Instant yeast is 0.5% of the weight of the flour
Salt is 2.1% of the weight of the flour and 425% (4 1/4 times the weight of the yeast)
BY VOLUME

(flour is measured by dipping a cup used for measuring solids into the flour bin and sweeping off the
excess with a metal spatula or knife)
Water is 43% of the volume of the flour
OR
Flour is 233% of volume of the water
Instant yeast is 0.5% of the volume of the flour
Salt is double the volume of the instant yeast (1% of the volume of the flour)

AN EXAMPLE USING 1 CUP OF BREAD FLOUR (WEIGHING 5.5 OUNCES/156 GRAMS) AND 66.6% AVERAGE AMOUNT
OF WATER (HYDRATION)

1 cup bread flour (5.5 ounces/156 grams)

7 tablespoons (3.6 ounces/104 grams) water
1/4 teaspoon (0.78 gram) instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon (3.3 grams) salt
FOR THE SAME AMOUNT OF WATER (HYDRATION) USING UNBLEACHED ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR

(Since all-purpose flour weighs less than bread flour for the same volume, the water must be decreased)
1 cup all-purpose flour (5 ounces/142 grams)

6.5 tablespoons (3.3 ounces/95 grams) water

(The salt and yeast will still fall within the acceptable range of 1.5 to 2.6% for the salt and 0.25 to
1.03% for the yeast, or can be decreased very slightly.)

Added Ingredients
The maximum amount of seeds and grains that can be supported by a given amount of dough and still
result in a good crumb (rather than becoming coarse and crumbly) is 60 percent (based again on the
weight of the flour). My usual preference is 33.3 percent, as in the Tyrolean Ten-Grain Torpedo. The
weight of dried fruits and nuts added, however, can be as much as 100 percent (based on the weight of
the flour); the Cranberry Walnut Bread uses 95 percent. Here again, you can tailor these percentages to
your personal preference if you understand the makeup of these ingredients and their effect on the
dough.
Essentially there are two basic types of ingredients that are added to bread. One type is integrated
into the structure of the dough during mixing and, once mixed, can no longer be identified readily
such as butter, oil, eggs, and potatoes. The other type stays separate from the doughs structure, though
it is supported by the network of gluten, and maintains its distinguishing featuressuch as seeds, whole
grains, or nuts.
When adding an ingredient of the first type, it is necessary to understand what it is composed of
(fiber or starch, water, and/or fat) and its effect on the dough in order to keep the ingredients in balance.
The chart from the USDA handbook Composition of Foods, lists these components for common
ingredients added to bread, and an explanation of each ingredients function in the dough is given
below.
When adding ingredients of the second type, there are several considerations involved. Too much of
this type of ingredient will weigh down the dough and make it too dense. If using close to the maximum
amount permissable, you will need to increase the yeast by about 1 1/2 times. The sharp edges of some
nuts and grains will cut some of the gluten strands that support the rise of the dough, so it will be
necessary to use a higher-protein flour, such as bread flour, and/or add vital wheat gluten.
The characteristics of the added ingredient are another important consideration. Nuts, for example,
benefit both in flavor and in texture if toasted lightly before they are added to a dough. (Toasting also
serves to keep walnuts from turning blue in the dough!) Grains, on the other hand, require softening by
soaking for several hours before adding them to the dough.
(Note: The above information is based on both my personal experience and extensive research from
invaluable periodicals, textbooks, and cookbooks, as referenced in the Bibliography.)
2.

MIXING AND KNEADING

Whether you mix the dough by hand or machine, making dough always begins with mixing together the
flour, water, yeast, dough starter (pre-ferment), if using one, and salt. Since the salt can kill the yeast if
it comes in direct contact with it, it is best to add it after you mix the yeast into the flour.
Once you have moistened the flour, the next step is to knead the dough to begin to develop the
gluten a little. Then allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes to give it a chance to absorb the water more
evenly. This rest is referred to as the autolyse and is used widely by artisan bakers. The concept came

from the renowned French bread-baking professor Raymond Calvel, author of The Taste of Bread, How
to Maintain It and How to Recapture It (Le Gout du Pain, Comment le Prserver, Comment le
Retrouver) (see Bibliography). The autolyse is a simple but very effective method of making dough less
sticky and more extensible (easier to stretch). A less sticky dough is easier to handle and requires less
added flour to keep it from sticking to your fingers and the counter while you knead it. (If you wet your
fingers with water, the dough will not stick to them.) After the rest (autolyse), the dough is kneaded to
realign the strands of gluten and strengthen them to form the network structure of the dough. Doughs
made with the autolyse method are higher in moisture, with more open crumb in the baked bread.
Hand Versus Machine Kneading
I used to be a total devotee of hand kneading; I once wrote, Not for me a bread machine that would rob
me of the pleasure of touching the dough. What changed my mind? Brinna Sands of King Arthur
Flour, another person who felt the same way about hand kneading until she discovered how ideal bread
machines or electric mixers are for kneading very sticky doughs, the only kind of dough that will give
you the desirable open-holed texture characteristic of certain artisan-type breads. I still get to touch the
dough to my hearts content at many stages of production. But during the initial mixing process I prefer
to use a machine, not only because it totally sidesteps the temptation to add excess flour, but also
because making bread as often as I have in the past several years was beginning to result in the
inevitable repetitive stress injuries, particularly to my wrists.
I now have a large variety of mixing devices of varying sizes and types, including a Breadman
Ultimate bread machine, 6-quart and 5-quart KitchenAid stand mixers, a 5 1/2-quart Kenwood stand
mixer, a KitchenAid food processor, a Cuisinart food processor, a 6 1/2-quart Bosch Universal spiraltype mixer (the bowl doesnt move but the motion of the blades is similar to a spiral mixer), an 8-quart
Electrolux Magic Mill (The Assistant) spiral mixer, and a 20-quart Hobart mixer. I love them all and I
use them all, depending on the amount and type of dough Im mixing. (Some are very similar to others
with only minor variations, but I wanted to try out as many mixing devices as possible before making
any recommendations.)
Essentially it comes down to this: when Im making doughs that are 1 1/2 pounds or under, I use the
bread machinebut only for mixing and kneading (I dont use its rising or baking cycles). For doughs
from 1 pound up to about 3 pounds (with about 6 cups of flour), I use a 5-quart stand mixer. For doughs
up to 6 pounds (12 cups) of flour, I use a 6-quart stand mixer. I also use the food processor to mix and
knead some doughs, as long as they are not very soft. For some doughs over 3 pounds and up to 12
pounds, I use the spiral-type mixers (they also work well for the 1-pound doughs). And for a larger
quantity of dough, I use the big Hobart.
Here are the virtues and drawbacks Ive found of mixing and kneading by hand and in these
machines.
By Hand
PROS

> Teaches how to feel the way gluten develops in the dough
> Avoids overmixing the dough
> Avoids overheating the dough

CONS

> Easy to add too much flour

> Difficult to achieve adequate development of high-gluten-flour doughs
> Possible stress injury to wrists and arms from kneading

Basic Technique for the Hand Method (Kneading by Hand)

Reserve about one-eighth of the total amount of flour, to be added only as needed.
Whisk the instant yeast and flour together before whisking in the salt. The salt should then be added
to the flour and yeast to ensure that it is mixed in evenly.
If the sponge or biga has been refrigerated, take it out about 1 hour before mixing.
Mix the dough with a wooden spoon or your hand until the flour is moistened. Knead the dough,
still in the bowl, until it holds together, then empty it out onto a counter dusted with some of the
reserved flour. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, adding as little of the reserved flour as possible. It will
be very sticky.

EQUIPMENT: Dough mixing bowl and wooden spoon

Invert the bowl over the dough and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. Then continue kneading for
another 5 to 10 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic.
TECHNIQUE: KNEADING BY HAND

1 > Folding the top of the dough down toward you

2 > Firmly pushing the dough down and away from you with the heels of your hands

The Bread Machine

PROS

> Doesnt walk on the counter, as some mixers can

> Nonstick container and dough blade make it easy to remove all the dough and to clean as well
> A perfect contained environment in which to proof the dough (I sometimes even put the loaf pan in
it, with a small container of water under it, for the final shaped rise)
> Mixes small amounts of dough well
> Incorporates a minimum amount of air during mixing (the flour doesnt get bleached from
oxygenation)
> Mixing is with minimal friction, raising the temperature of the dough less than 1F per minute of
mixing (it is best to start the mixing at about 67F, because after resting and kneading, the dough will be
about 74F).
CONS

> It can handle only a small amount of dough

> Most models do not have a programmable dough feature and so automatically heat the dough
during mixing, causing it to rise faster during the first proofing

EQUIPMENT: Breadman Ultimate bread machine

Basic Technique for the Bread Machine Method

If using a chilled sponge or biga, remove it to room temperature 45 minutes before mixing.
Add the liquid ingredients first, then add the dry ingredients. Scrape the corners if flour or dough
collects in them. Program the machine for a manual cycle. Do a 3-minute mix and immediately hit the
pause button so that the dough can rest for 20 minutes for the autolyse. Since pause on most machines
is only 10 minutes, set a timer for 9 minutes so you can press the pause button a second time before it
starts kneading the dough.
Add the salt when the kneading cycle begins. Knead for about 10 minutes.
If your bread machine heats the dough so the finished dough is above 80F, cool it by scraping it
onto a lightly floured counter and flattening it as much as possible. Cover it with plastic wrap that has
been lightly greased with cooking spray or oil and allow it to rest for 15 minutes. Then knead it lightly
and set it in the dough-rising container bowl to proof as usual.
Instructions for bread machines always say not to soak the bowl and blade; Im sure this is because
soaking and then scrubbing risks damage to the nonstick coating. But with this type of coating, all you
have to do is allow it to air-dry and the bits of dried dough will slide right out.
(Note: If making more than 1 pound of dough, I usually hold a piece of plastic wrap over the work
bowl during the first 2 minutes of mixing to keep the flour from jumping out.)
The Stand Mixer
PROS

> The average 5-quart mixer can handle as much as 6 cups of flour (3 pounds of medium-stiff dough)
without straining the motor, but it also works well with smaller amounts (particularly with the paddle
attachment). If a dough is very stiff, such as a bagel dough, I only mix up to 1 1/2 pounds of dough at a
time. The KitchenAid Professional 6-quart mixer can handle as much as 12 cups of flour (6 pounds of
medium-stiff dough).

> The KitchenAid 5-quart and the Hobart Commercial mixer both have an ice water jacket
attachment ideal for keeping the dough at the optimal temperature.
> It works well with very sticky doughs, such as focaccia.
> The KitchenAid and Kenwood have adjustments for lowering and raising the bowl to ensure that
the dough hook or paddle reaches very close to the bottom.
CONS

> Most stand mixers will walk on the counter with stiff doughs; mix these at a lower speed and
never walk away from the mixer when its on.
> The temperature of the dough will rise from 2 to 3F per minute of mixing, depending on the
stiffness of the dough. It is best to start mixing most doughs at 55 to 60F, because after the 20-minute
rest (autolyse) and kneading, the dough will reach 75 to 78F.

EQUIPMENT: KitchenAidmixer with water jacket attachment

Basic Technique for the Stand Mixer

Unless the dough is a very liquid one (such as the focaccia dough), I usually prefer to use the dough
hook rather than the paddle attachment. However, with very small amounts of dough in a large mixer,
the paddle attachment often works better, because it reaches closer to the bottom of the bowl.
If using a sponge or biga that has been refrigerated, remove it to room temperature 30 minutes
before mixing. If not using a sponge (where the water has already been whisked in by hand), I add the
water with the mixer on low speed.
Start on the lowest speed possible until the flour is moistened. Then drape the top of the bowl with a
towel or plastic wrap and allow it to sit for 20 minutes.
Knead most dough on #4 if using a KitchenAid, #3 if using a Kenwood; for very stiff doughs, use
#2 on a KitchenAid, #1 on a Kenwood. Once you raise the speed, keep the mixer at that speed, or the

dough can unmix and become sticky. This can be reversed once or twice, but after that the dough will
not return to its original state.
Most doughs require 7 to 10 minutes of kneading.
The Food Processor
PROS

> Speed, speed, speed (dough mixes in under 1 1/2 minutes)!

CONS

> Dough overheats unless the liquid is cold when added (but ice-cold liquid will kill the yeast)
> Too soft a dough will lift up the blade and/or be hard to remove from the work bowl

EQUIPMENT: Cuisinart food processor

Basic Technique for the Food Processor Method

Refer to the instruction booklet for your model to determine the maximum amount of flour to use and
which blades are appropriate for which amount of flour. If you have the Cuisinart PowerPrep Plus
model, use the dough button, which slows down the blades if the dough starts to strain the motor, when
mixing the dough.
Note that although tearing destroys gluten formation, cutting, as with the food processors metal
blade, does no harm because the gluten strands will reconnect after processing.
Start by adding the dry ingredients, and the chilled sponge or biga if using, to the work bowl. Then,
with the motor on, gradually add the chilled liquid ingredients. Process the mixture for about 1 1/2
minutes to knead it. Remove the dough from the work bowl and knead it for about 10 seconds to
equalize the temperature, as the dough nearest the blade tends to be warmer.

The Spiral Mixer (such as the Bosch Universal and Electrolux Magic Mill)
PROS

> Easily handles large amounts of dough; also works with smaller amounts
> Heats the dough less than a stand mixer
> Oxygenates the dough less than a stand mixer
> The Magic Mill does not walk on the counter
CONS

> Doesnt work as well as a stand mixer for small amounts of very sticky dough, such as brioche
Basic Technique (and Special Tips) for Spiral Mixers
With doughs over 3 pounds (about 6 cups of flour) hold out about one-third of the flour. Start mixing on
the lowest possible speed, gradually adding the reserved flour until the dough is moistened. Allow the
dough to rest for 20 minutes before kneading.
THE BOSCH UNIVERSAL

If doing an overnight-refrigerated sponge, remove it to room temperature 30 minutes before mixing. If

using a chilled biga, remove it to room temperature 15 minutes before mixing.
When mixing less than 1 1/2 pounds of dough (about 3 cups of flour), use the smaller blade. Drape a
towel or plastic wrap over the bowl during the 20-minute rest.
Knead on medium-low speed, (#2) for 7 to 10 minutes.

EQUIPMENT: The Bosch Universal

THE ELECTROLUX MAGIC MILL

The heavy stainless steel bowl holds the temperature, so, if using an overnight-refrigerated sponge, take
it out of the refrigerator 1 hour ahead of mixing. If using a chilled biga, take it out 30 minutes ahead.
When mixing less than 4 pounds of dough (about 8 cups/2 1/2 pounds flour), use the dough hook. If

mixing less than 3 pounds of dough (about 6 cups/almost 2 pounds flour), adjust the hook so that it
stays 3/4 inch away from the sides of the bowl. Use the scraper with the dough hook only when the
dough is very sticky.
For larger amounts, use the roller and scraper. For 8 pounds of dough (16 cups/5 pounds flour), set
the roller 1 1/2 inches away from the sides of the bowl. For over 8 pounds of dough (5 pounds flour), set
the roller 2 inches away from the sides of the bowl.
Drape a towel or plastic wrap over the top of the bowl during the 20-minute rest.
Knead on medium-low (the second mark on the wheel) for 7 to 10 minutes.

EQUIPMENT: Electrolux Magic Mill Assistant Mixer

THE 20-QUART HOBART
PROS

> Handles large amounts of dough

> Uses a 10-quart or 20-quart bowl without needing an adapter
> Ice water jacket attachment is ideal for keeping the dough at the optimal temperature
CONS

> Oxygenates the dough

> Walks on the bench or floor
Basic Technique for the 20-Quart Hobart
Use the stir setting to keep the flour from jumping out of the bowl. Then switch to speed 1 to mix;
add the liquid while mixing. Use speed 2 to knead the dough for 7 to 10 minutes.
The Basic Mixing Methodin Full Detail
My mixing method, evolved over the years, is an amalgamation of Gail Shers technique of beating air

into the sponge, Paula Wolferts technique gleaned from a French pastry chef of blanketing the sponge
with flour, and Brinna Sands of King Arthur and Shirley Corrihers urging to make a very wet dough.
Shirley also came up with the revolutionary suggestion of adding ice water to bread dough before
mixing it. Since I had found it convenient to chill the sponge overnight, it occurred to me that if I left it
close to refrigerator temperature, that would be similar to adding ice water to a room-temperature
dough. The results were excellent.
With the advent of the improved instant yeast that does not require proofing in warm water before
adding it to the dough, I then decided to add about half of the yeast to the sponge and half to the flour
mixture (flour blanket). This was before I learned that the instant yeast should not be added to a cold
dough or to one below 70F because at lower temperatures, some of the yeast will die. (In theory,
instant yeast can be added directly to flour, but the dough must be at 70 to 95F, or else warm water
should be used to dissolve [rehydrate] it.) But the method had always worked so well for me Ive
continued to use it. On mixing, as the dough heats up, and during subsequent rising, most of the yeast
from the flour blanket will be activated. Some of it may die, but a certain proportion of dead yeast can
be desirable for both flavor and relaxation of the dough. Since my doughs were rising in the amount of
time I considered to be optimal for flavor development, and since the final results of texture and flavor
were what I wanted them to be, I have retained this method.
The first quantity of yeast sits first in the sponge for at least 1 hour at room temperature, at which
point the fermentation will elevate the temperature of the sponge to about 87F. After the first hour in
the refrigerator, it will be about 71F. After 2 1/2 hours (total of 4 1/2 hours) it will still be at 67F,
which means that the sponge method will result in full activation of the yeast.
AUTOLYSE

This technique of mixing the flour and water before adding salt was developed by the renowned French
bread-baking professor Raymond Calvel and it has been embraced widely by the artisan bread-baking
community. Briefly mixing only the flour and water, both at room temperature, and letting the mixture
sit for 20 minutes (or longer) allows the flour to absorb the water evenly and requires less mixing time
to arrive at the ideal structural strength of the gluten, therefore resulting in less oxygenation
(incorporation of air) of the dough. When a dough is oxygenated, the baked crumb will be less golden,
and more white, and the flavor is diminished. With a traditional autolyse, the salt and yeast are added
after the rest period. The salt is added later because it draws water away from the flour and slows
absorption of water (hydration). If the autolyse, or rest, is more than 30 minutes, the yeast is added later
so that it doesnt start to ferment before mixing. If sugar is added to a dough, it is also always added
after the autolyse for the same reason the salt is. If a small amount of fat is added to a dough, it can be
put in right after the autolyse, but a larger amount, as in a brioche, will be added after the dough has
been fully kneaded to maximize gluten development.
I have modified the autolyse method slightly for the home baker, adding the yeast in the beginning
to ensure even mixing and to avoid its direct contact with the salt, which would kill the yeast. (With the
hand method, I whisk the salt with the flour in the beginning to ensure even incorporation and minimize
yeast contact.) Also, when mixing by machine, since part of the flour is already moistened (hydrated) in
the pre-ferment (starter), I am less concerned with moistening the remaining flour quickly. Though cold
temperatures do slow down the speed of water absorption, I opt to chill the dough to avoid excess
buildup of heat during mixing. In commercial bakeries, a friction factor is used to determine the
temperature of the water needed to arrive at the correct dough temperature. If you have a KitchenAid or

Hobart mixer with an ice water jacket attachment, you can have all the ingredients at room temperature
before mixing. Conversely, if your sponge is at room temperature, you can refrigerate it in the bowl for
about 30 minutes before mixing.
Raising the temperature of the dough above 90F results in undesirable flavors; below 70F, and the
flour will not absorb water (hydrate) evenly, and that will affect the consistency of the crumb. However,
this is a big temperature window and the home baker really neednt be too concerned as long as he or
she stays within this range. Controlling the precise finished temperature is critical in commercial baking
because it affects the entire production schedule. A dough with too low a finished temperature will take
longer to rise, and a dough with too high a finished temperature will take less time to rise, both of which
affect loading the loaves into the oven, cooling time, and delivery.
The optimal finished temperature is considered to be 72 to 78F for doughs made with wheat flour.
If rye flour is 20 percent or more of the total weight of the flour, the finished temperature of the dough
should be 82F. This higher temperature strengthens the network of gluten in the wheat flour, ensuring
that it is strong enough to support the rye flour.
HOW TO DETERMINE WHEN DOUGH IS ADEQUATELY KNEADED

Dough is kneaded after the initial mixing both to realign the strands of gluten that have begun to
develop and to strengthen them, to form the network structure of the dough. Kneading, whether by hand
or machine, is a way of mixing the dough by stretching it, which is what makes the gluten network
stronger. Dough that has been kneaded properly is shiny and elastic. If you pull off a little piece of it,
you will feel its considerable extensibilityi.e., it is stretchy. A firm dough such as pumpernickel will
spring back quickly when pressed with a fingertip. Softer doughs, such as the Ricotta Loaf, will be
springy but will not fill the impression as quickly.

TECHNIQUE: Pulling the dough to test extensibility (stretchiness)

The windowpane test used by some bakers entails pulling off a small piece of dough and
stretching it: it should not tear, and if held up to the light, it should be translucent. I do not use the
windowpane test to determine dough strength because some doughs, such as those containing a lot of
seeds, will always tear when stretched. Others, such as Pugliese, become extensible at a later stage
during rising, which stretches and strengthens the dough, and during pulling, turning or folding it over
on itself.
ORDER OF ADDING INGREDIENTS WHEN MAKING DOUGH

In commercial baking, it is generally considered more desirable to start with a drier dough and add
water as you work to complete the kneading process. This is because flour doesnt absorb water
(hydrate) quickly or evenly if added after the initial dough is mixed. But professional bakers are
experienced at knowing how much water to add. For home bakers, I feel it is far easier to start with a
moister dough and add flour only if necessary. If, by chance, the dough needs more water after mixing,
it is best to use a spritzer. Make sure the water in the spritzer is fresh (it should not have been standing
for more than 2 days).
3.

RAISING (PROOFING) AND TURNING THE DOUGH

After a dough is mixed, it is always allowed to rise and double at least once after shaping and usually
two or sometimes even three times before the final shaped rise, in order to develop more structure and
flavor. Each time the dough rises and expands, it in effect exercises the strands of gluten, making them
stronger.
There are two basic methods for raising. The one I use most often is simply to allow the dough to
rise until doubled, or until a fingertip pressed into the top of the dough makes an impression that does
not fill back up. Each time a risen dough is pushed down and deflated, it will still retain some air,
because the gluten becomes stronger and more elastic during the rise. Each subsequent time the dough
is capable of rising more than what would originally have been double. This means that with each
subsequent rising, the dough needs more space to double in size than it did for the first rise. This is why
I specify a container that is larger than double the initial size of the dough in the recipes.

TECHNIQUE: Testing dough with fingertip to see whether it has risen

The second method, used by most professional artisan bakers, is to turn the dough after every 30
to 60 minutes, until it has doubled. Turning the dough by gently deflating it, stretching it, and
folding, or rounding, it also develops the gluten and retains the gases that form. Another essential
reason for turning the dough is to redistribute the yeast and gas bubbles and to dispel some of the
carbon dioxide and alcohol. If the yeasts were not moved, they would eventually consume all the
immediately available sugar and suffocate in their carbon dioxide and alcohol waste products.
The more times the dough is allowed to rise, the finer and more even the crumb will be. Some
doughs that are very soft and extensible, such as brioche, can as much as triple in one rise without
deflating, but others, such as breadstick dough, will overstretch the gluten and tear it if allowed to
overrise. It is truly amazing to witness the power of the yeast the first time this happens: the overrisen
dough can blow the cover right off a container.

STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR TURNING DOUGH: THE BUSINESS-LETTER FOLD

1 > Stretching dough into a rectangle

2 > Folding the bottom third of the dough rectangle over the center

3 > Folding the top edge of the dough down to the bottom edge

4 > Dough turned so the closed edge is on the left

5 > Folding the bottom third of the dough rectangle over the center a second time

6 > Folding the top edge of the dough down to the bottom edge a second time

STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR TURNING DOUGH: THE DOUGH PACKAGE FOLD

1 > Stretching out the left side of the dough

2 > Folding the left side of the dough over toward the center

3 > Folding the stretched top of the dough down toward the center

4 > Stretching out the right side of the dough before folding it over toward the center

5 > Folding the dough up toward the center

Containers
If you have a very active dough and cant be around to control it by deflating it at necessary intervals,
there is something you can do. Use a covered plastic container that is only a little larger than double the
volume of the dough, and set a heavy weight on top of it. My favorite containers are clear acrylic with
lids, purchased from food service suppliers. They have volume markings on the side, which make it
easy to see when the dough has doubled. Alternatively, you can mark the height the dough should rise to
with a piece of tape.
EQUIPMENT AND PROCESS:

Clear acrylic dough-rising containers

Pushing down the dough into the dough-rising container

Dough rising until doubled in the dough-rising container

Temperature
Room temperature of 75 to 80F is considered the ideal temperature in which to raise the dough. If the
doughs are at around 75F after mixing, they will take 1 to 1 1/2 hours for the first rise. Some doughs
that have a lower than usual amount of yeast, such as the baguette, can take up to 3 hours. A slow rise
promotes more flavor development and larger holes in the crumb.
If the room is cold or if you need to speed the rise, rather than increase the yeast, which would result
in a more yeasty flavor (which might mask some of the desirable wheaty flavor), you can increase the

temperature of the rising environment easily with a homemade or purchased acrylic proof box. I always
use one to raise dough because it makes it unnecessary to cover the dough with greased plastic wrap. If
you want to raise the temperature in the box, set 1 cup of hot (or close to boiling) water in it, as far from
the dough as possible. If there is room, use two, one in each corner. Replace the water with new hot
water every 30 minutes. You can also set the container holding the bread on top of a heating pad set to
low or medium to keep the water hot. (Set at medium, my heating pad is 82 to 86F.) If the room
temperature is acceptable, fill the cup with room-temperature water to provide a moist environment and
to prevent drying out of the upper crust.

EQUIPMENT AND PROCESS: Bread rising in acrylic proof box

An oven without a pilot light but with the oven light turned on will be an ideal 75 to 80F. An oven
with a pilot light is too hot.
It is helpful to know when estimating rising time according to room temperature that the rate of
fermentation, or rising, is about double for every 15F increase in temperature.
Overnight (Unshaped) Refrigerator Rise
Refrigerator temperatures vary depending both on how they are set and how often the door is opened. In
my refrigerator, which runs between 34 and 37F, 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of dough, starting at about 71F,
will be about 65F after 3 hours of chilling and most activity will have quieted down. After a thorough
chilling of 8 hours, the dough temperature goes down to about 47F. (It will not get quite as low as the
refrigerator temperature because there is still some yeast activity, although minimal.)
Since the dough is still fairly warm during the first 3 hours in the refrigerator (and if it is a larger
quantity it will take even more than 3 hours to chill enough to go into dormancy), it is helpful to place
the dough in a large oiled bag and flatten it before refrigerating, so it will cool more quickly. Deflate the
dough every hour for the first 3 hours if it is continuing to rise and get puffy.
4.

DIVIDING AND PRESHAPING THE DOUGH

Most of my recipes make only one loaf of bread. One of the advantages to this is that you can shape the
dough immediately after deflating it. For those recipes that require dividing, it is necessary to preshape
the dough and allow it to relax afterward, or the dough will be too stretchy to shape well.
When dividing dough, it is important to cut it with a bench scraper, a sharp chefs knife, or scissors.

Pulling or tearing it will weaken the gluten. You can divide the dough by eye into equal pieces or
scale it by weight, which is, of course, more exact. It is usually necessary to patch the pieces of
dough in order to get equal loaves. I use scissors to cut off the excess dough and then just set it onto
smaller pieces. During shaping, it will become fully integrated and reconnected into the doughs
structure.
If the dough is very wet, a quick, sure touch helps to keep it from sticking to your fingers. Use the
bench scraper as an extension of your hand to lift and move the dough.
After dividing the dough, set each piece on the lightly floured counter and gently preshape it into a
round by pulling up the edges to the top. Without flipping it over, use a bench scraper to move it to a
separate lightly floured part of the counter. Cover it with oiled plastic wrap and allow it to sit for about
20 minutes or until relaxed and extensible (when you pull it gently, it stretches without tearing).
5.

SHAPING THE DOUGH

For many people, shaping the dough is the scariest part of bread baking, but the truth is, you dont have
to worry: theres no such thing as an imperfect bread. Artisan hearth breads should look a little rough,
free-form, and distinctive. And the more you shape bread, the more proficient you become. I look
forward to this stage of the baking process, especially after having spent a week at the French Culinary
Institute baking program with chef Amy Quazza, hand-shaping breads until I could do it in my sleep. If
you want to get really good fast, offer your services at your local bakery. Meantime, here are a few basic
principles of loaf shaping, along with fantastically beautiful and useful step-by-step drawings by Alan
Witschonke.
GENERAL TIPS ON SHAPING

> If dough is shaped when cold, the components will not be evenly distributed, so the resulting crumb
may have bubbles and the texture be uneven. If the dough has been refrigerated, remove it to room
temperature 30 minutes to 1 hour before shaping. (Brioche however, is such a soft, moist dough, it is
best rolled when cold, as it will require less flour to keep it from sticking.)
> Always place the dough smooth (skin) side down on a very lightly floured counter or a sheet of
Roulpat (see Equipment) to begin shaping. Too much flour causes the dough to slip. You want the
dough to grab slightly onto the counter as you push against it to tighten the outer skin, which will help
to support and maintain the shape of the loaf.
> Tighter shaping will prolong proofing but results in better shape and texture. A taut outer skin holds
the shape of the bread. Use an unfloured or barely floured work surface so that the dough can grab onto
it and tug slightly during shaping.
> If a recipe calls for shaping a bread into a round (boule) and you prefer the long torpedo (batard)
shape, its fine to choose that insteadand vice versa.
> If a shaped dough has been refrigerated, it will take about 1 hour to come to room temperature.
> After dough is shaped, it can be frozen for up to 2 weeks, though I think there is more disturbance

of fermentation and more loss of flavor at this point than if frozen after baking. If you plan to freeze a
dough, it is best to use 10 to 25 percent more yeast to compensate for freezing damage; use the larger
amount if planning to freeze the dough for the full 2 weeks.
Shaping a Round (Boule)
Begin by gently pressing down the dough into a round patty, dimpling the dough with your fingertips to
deflate any large bubbles. Draw up the edges to the center. Pinch them together and turn the dough over
so that the pinched part is at the bottom. With cupped hands, stretch the dough down on all sides to form
a taut skin, and pinch it again at the bottom.
Transfer the round ball of dough to an unfloured part of the counter and, with your hands on either
side of the dough, push it to and fro while rotating it clockwise. You will feel the dough tighten and take
on a rounder shape, with taut skin.
STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR SHAPING A ROUND LOAF (BOULE):

1 > Flattening the dough

2 > Drawing up the edges into the center

3 > Pinching the edges of the dough together at the top

4 > Drawing the dough down with cupped hands to tighten the skin

5 > Rotating the dough back and forth, using a circular motion

Shaping Round Rolls

For very small rolls, it works best simply to roll the dough between the lightly floured palms of your
hands. For larger rolls, place the dough on a barely floured counter, cup your hand over it, and, with
gentle pressure, roll the dough clockwise until you feel it take shape. It will round, and, as the gluten
strengthens, seem to rise up into your hand (a lovely feeling!).
Shaping a Loaf
Begin by gently pressing the dough (or lightly rolling it with a rolling pin) into a wide rectangle; the

exact size is not important at this point. (A long side of the dough should be facing toward you.) Dimple
the dough with your fingertips to deflate any large bubbles. Fold over the right side of the dough to a
little past the center. Fold over the left side of the dough to overlap it slightly. Press the center overlap
section with the side of your hand to seal the dough. (If you have a lot of experience shaping, you may
prefer at this point to rotate the dough 90 degreesa quarter turn.) Starting at the top edge of the dough,
roll it over three or four times, until it reaches the bottom edge of the dough: With each roll, press with
your thumbs to seal it and at the same time push it away from you slightly to tighten the outer skin. As
you roll and press, the dough will become wider. If it is not as long as the pan, place both hands close
together on top of the dough and, rolling back and forth, gradually work your way toward the ends,
gently stretching the dough. For the most even shape, it is important to keep a tight skin on the surface
of the dough and not to tear it. If you want the edges of the loaf to be smooth, tuck the sides under.

TECHNIQUE: Dimpling the dough

STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR SHAPING A RECTANGULAR LOAF:

1 > Folding the right side of the dough over to a little past the center

2 > Folding the left side of the dough over to overlap the right edge slightly

3 > Rolling down the top edge of the dough

4 > Pushing the dough away from you to tighten and seal the roll

5 > Rolling the dough down again and pushing the roll down and away from you with your thumbs

6 > Rolling the dough down to the bottom edge and sealing it with your thumbs

7 > Rolling the dough back and forth to elongate it into a rectangular loaf slightly longer than the
pan

8 > Tucking the ends of the loaf under

9 > Shaped loaf in the pan

Shaping a Torpedo (Batard)

The most attractive shape for an elongated loaf is fuller in the middle and slightly pointed at the ends,
like an elongated football. Begin by gently pressing the dough into a rectangle 1 or 2 inches narrower
than you want the finished loaf to be, as it will widen during shaping. Have a long side facing toward
you. Dimple the dough with your fingertips to deflate any large bubbles. Starting at the long top edge,
bring each corner of the dough to meet at the center, forming a triangle at the top. Fold the tip of the

triangle down to the center (this creates a fuller center section). Seal the seam with your thumbs,
pushing the dough slightly away from you at the same time to increase the surface tension. Roll the
dough down three-quarters of the way, again sealing it with your thumbs and pushing it back. Fold the
dough down one more time so it reaches the bottom edge and seal it with your thumbs, pressing down
and moving along the entire length of the dough. Roll the dough toward you so that the seam is centered
at the bottom.
For torpedo-shaped rolls, start by rolling the pieces of dough into balls. Then taper them by placing
both hands on top and rolling back and forth to elongate them, applying more pressure to the ends to
taper them evenly.
STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR SHAPING A TORPEDO (BATARD):

1 > Bringing the upper corners of the dough down to meet at the center

2 > Folding the peak down to meet the edges at the center

3 > Sealing the dough with your thumbs and pushing it away from you to increase surface tension

4 > Rolling the dough down three-quarters of the way, then sealing it and pushing it away with

your thumbs

5 > Folding the dough down to the bottom edge and sealing it with your thumbs

6 > Pressing along the entire length of the seam with your thumbs

7 > Dough rolled forward so seam is centered underneath

Shaping a Baguette
Starting with the stubby preshaped dough rectangle, with a long side facing you, gently pat and stretch
the dough into an 8-by-5-inch rectangle. Fold the bottom up over a little past the center and the top
down to the center. With the side of your hand, seal the dough in the center, creating a trough. Then
bring the top edge down to the bottom and seal, using the heel of your hand or your thumbs, pressing
only on the seam to maintain as much air as possible in the rest of the dough. (If the seam doesnt seal,
pinch it together between your thumbs and index fingers first.) Try to keep the length at about 8 inches.
Roll the dough slightly toward you so that the seam is centered underneath.
Allow the dough to rest, covered (or place it in a couche), for 30 to 45 minutes, until it is very light
and soft enough to stretch. Then gently stretch each piece to 14 inches.

STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR SHAPING A BAGUETTE:

1 > Dough shaped into a stubby rectangle

2 > Dough stretched and patted into an 8-by-5-inch rectangle

3 > Folding up the bottom of the dough to a little past the center

4 > Folding down the top of the dough to overlap the bottom edge slightly

5 > Sealing the dough along the center seam

6 > Option #1: Rolling down the top of the dough to meet the bottom edge and sealing it with your
thumbs

Option #2: Rolling down the top of the dough and sealing it with your palms as you go

7 > Pinching any openings in the seam to seal it

8 > Rolling the dough back and forth to elongate it

9 > Stretching the dough to a length of 14 inches

10 > Placing the dough in the pan

Shaping a Braided Loaf

A braided dough must be firm enough to hold the shape of the braid. For perfectly symmetrical strands,
each piece of dough can be shaped as you do for the baguette. But a more casual approach works well
too. The important part is achieving a final shape similar to the torpedo, fuller in the center and tapered
at the ends. Cut the dough into 3 or 4 equal pieces. Cover them with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and
allow them to rest for 10 minutes.
Three tapered ropes of dough

For a rougher shape, start by rolling each piece of dough on the counter into as long a rope as
possible. Work with one piece at a time, keeping the rest covered. Lift each piece of dough from one
end with one hand while using the other hand to pull and stretch it gently downward to form a 15- to 16inch-long rope, (if making a 4-strand braid, roll 14 to 15 inches long), flouring your hands lightly if the
dough is sticky.
A three-strand braid is most symmetrical when you start at the middle and then continuing braiding
out to each end. It will be about 15 inches long.
STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR SHAPING A THREE-STRAND BRAID:

1 > Braid started in the center, the outside strand crossed over the center strand, alternating from
side to side

2 > Pinching the end of the braid tightly

3 > Finishing the braid by crossing the outside strand under the center strand, alternating from side
to side

4 > The finished braid: ends pinched, tucked under, and pushed toward the center

5 > Variation: A 3-strand braided challah coiled into a round, with the end tucked under

If making a four-strand braid, taper the top of each dough rope to about 5 inches in so that it is
narrower than the rest of the rope, as otherwise this part of the dough tends to bunch up and be too fat.
Pinch the 4 ropes together at their tops and braid, pulling and stretching the dough slightly as you go.

Keep pinching the ends together, as they tend to pull apart as you braid. Stretch the dough more as you
come to the end of the braid so that it comes to more of a point, then pinch the strands together at the
end. Moisten both pinched ends with a little water to help them hold together during rising, and tuck
them under a little, pushing the ends of the loaf together a little so that it is fatter in the center.
STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR SHAPING A FOUR-STRAND BRAID:

1 > Four ropes pinched together at the top

2 > Starting braid by slipping 1 under both 2 and 3

3 > Crossing 1 over 3

4 > Slipping 4 under both 3 and 1 and then crossing it over 1

5 > Slipping 2 under both 1 and 4 and then crossing it over 4

6 > Slipping 3 under both 4 and 2 and then crossing it over 2

7 > Finished 4-strand braided loaf with ends pinched together and tucked under

Most amazing of all is the single-strand braid. At first it may seem impossible to master, but once
you try it you will see that its quicker than any other method. Start with a 20-inch-long rope made with
one-third of the dough (at least 7 ounces/200 grams). In order for the loaf to be symmetrical, have the
bottom hand of the strand thicker than the rest, because it has to form a loop and then be stretched
which will thin it. The other end of the strand is then thrust deeply into the top loop so that it holds in

place. If the dough seems dry, brush the end with water to make sure that it sticks and doesnt pull loose
from the knot.
STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR SHAPING A SINGLE-STRAND BRAID:

1 > A 20-inch-long rope, slightly thinner right side looped over the left side

2 > Stretching and pulling down the thicker side (now on the right side), and slipping the end
through the loop at the top

3 > Twisting the bottom loop to the right

4 > Pulling the left end down to the bottom and up through the loop

5 > Using both hands to slip the end through the loop so it shows on top

The easiest option is to make a simulated braided loaf using a molded loaf pan produced by
Nordicware (see Sources). You simply shape the dough into a loaf and press it into the pan. It takes on
the impressions of the pan, so it imitates an elaborately shaped bread.
Dough-Shaping Equipment
LOAF PANS

Breads that are baked in pans have the support of the sides of the pan to maintain their shape. In order to
get the most attractive shape, the amount of dough has to match the volume of the pan. Too little dough,
and the bread will not have an attractive crest. Too much dough, and it will mushroom over the edges
and be misshapen and top-heavy.
EQUIPMENT:

Chicago Metallics loaf pan, example of a standard loaf pan

T-Fal loaf pan

Bread pans vary widely as to volume. Even when the dimensions are the same, the degree of slope
from the top rim to the bottom of the pan will affect the amount of dough the pan can hold. When you
are using a pan for the first time, I recommend greasing the pan lightly and pressing the unshaped dough
into it to see how it will fit. It should be no higher than 1/2 inch from the top of the pan. If there is too
little dough for the pan, use a smaller pan. If there is too much dough, remove some and bake it as a
roll, or save it to add to your next batch of dough (see Scrap Dough [Pte Fermente]).
All doughs baked in loaf pans should rise until the center is about 1 inch above the sides of the pan.
New pans need to be well greased the first time. Then, if they are wiped clean instead of washed, they
will generally not require more than the lightest film if any at all. Even nonstick pans should be greased
lightly. I use cooking spray and wipe out any excess with a piece of plastic wrap.

TECHNIQUE: Measuring the height of risen dough

BANNETONS OR DOUGH-RISING BASKETS

Bread that is baked free-form, either directly on an oven stone or on a baking sheet, is either made stiff
enough with a high proportion of flour to hold its shape or is shaped and risen in a floured banneton to
give extra support. Bannetons can be beautiful willow baskets from France, unlined or lined with coarse
woven cloth, or they can be plastic baskets or even colanders lined with clean kitchen towels. It is
important to have a porous container so that the dough can breathe. Otherwise, the moisture of the
dough may cause it to stick to the cloth and the dough will collapse and deflate when unmolded. It is
fine, however, to place it in a plastic proof box, even one with hot water.

EQUIPMENT: DOUGH-RISING BANNETONS

Cloth-lined banneton

Willow banneton

Spiral willow banneton

Cloth-lined oblong banneton

Colander with a kitchen towel, an improvised banneton

Unlined willow bannetons need to be dusted with flour from a sifter to keep the dough from
sticking. Cloth-lined bannetons require a heavier coating of flour, rubbed into the cloth. Rice flour,
which is silky-fine, is ideal. Some of the flour will be absorbed into the surface (skin) of the dough and
help give it support. Often on unmolding, the dough will deflate somewhat, but if it has been prepared
correctly it will rise back up to an amazing extent when set in a hot steamy oven.
If you are using a colander and floured towel, and the risen bread is more than 1 inch below the top,
you should support the bread when inverting it so that it doesnt fall and deflate. Cut a cardboard circle
small enough to fit into the colander and touch the bread. Place a piece of parchment on top of the bread
and then invert it onto the cardboard. Then slide the bread with the parchment beneath it off the
cardboard and onto the stone or baking sheet.
COUCHES

The French word couche means bed, and that is the name given to the cloth that is folded to make a bed
for long loaves, such as baguettes, to rest during rising. It is made of the same special coarse woven
cloth used to line bannetons, and it needs to be dusted with flour in the same way. A slim narrow board
or bakers peel is used to roll the dough off the cloth onto the baking stone.
Overnight Shaped Refrigerator Rise
Placing the shaped dough in a loaf pan or free-form on a baking sheet and allowing it to sit overnight in
the refrigerator results in extra depth of flavor and a lovely blistering of the crust. I usually allow the
shaped dough a beginning rise of 30 minutes at room temperature before refrigerating it. Because the
dough continues to rise during the first 3 hours of refrigeration, it is often fully proofed by the next day,
so all that is needed is for it to warm at room temperature for an hour while the oven is preheating. If the
dough hasnt risen enough, I allow it to sit at room temperature until it is fully proofed. A cup of hot
water in the plastic proof box (see Equipment) also helps to speed the process if necessary.
The Final (Shaped) Proof or Rise
For the most attractive design in the top crust, the final shaped dough should be underproofed slightly
so that it will open up widely at the slash (see below). It is at this stage when the impression left if a
finger is gently pressed into the dough fills back up very slowly. Soft rich doughs such as brioche,
however, should be allowed a full proof so that they do not pull in at the sides when baked. A braided
challah also needs a full proof so that it doesnt rise much after going into the oven and reveal a pale
portion of the dough that the glaze did not reach.

6.

SLASHING (SCORING) AND STENCILING

Making cuts or slashes in the dough to release the steam that builds up during baking is not strictly
necessary. It is done to determine exactly how and where the dough will split and to ensure that it splits
in a clean line, not in a ragged, uncontrolled tear. If the slash is not deep or long enough, the crust will
continue to open and split raggedly at both ends of the slash.
Breads baked in loaf pans will open on their own in an attractive way just under the crest of the loaf
if not slashed, so slashing a long line down the center is optional, as a design feature. Round loaves that
have been raised in bannetons are sometimes also left to open freely to enhance the artisanal look with
unpredictably irregular cracks. They are proofed right side (smooth side) up in the banneton, and when
unmolded and baked they open at the weakest point.
The key to effective slashing is a razor-sharp blade. Slashing may strike fear into the heart of a new
bread baker because it seems impossible at first to duplicate the swift, decisive motion of a professional
baker. If the motion is too slow, the cutting device may drag the dough into an unattractive line. There
are two ways I know of around this problem. One is simply to use the tip of a sharp knife or the tip of a
single-edged razor blade to mark the dough, and then to go over it until the cut is deep enough. The
other is to use small sharp shears to cut through the dough. This works especially well with a fragile
airy dough with a dry crustthe sort that usually is shaped in a banneton. I find a single-edged razor
blade makes the best cut. It often helps to allow the bread to sit uncovered for 5 minutes to form a slight
skin before slashing.
The two important considerations in slashing are the depth and the angle of the cut. If the cut is too
deep, the crust will stand up away from the dough. If it is too shallow, the center of the dough will rise
up and completely fill in the opening, so it will resemble a scar more than a design. Usually a depth of
1/4 to 1/2 inch works well. If the dough has risen to the point where it has doubled and the impression
left by your finger remains rather than slowly filling in, it is best to go with a 1/4-inch-deep slash,
because the dough will not rise as much from the heat of the oven. If you like the look of a wide-open
cut, you will need to underproof the dough slightly, as mentioned above, just to the point that the
impression doesnt spring back but fills in slowly. Then a 1/2-inch-deep slash works well, because the
dough will continue to rise more and fill in more of the cut.
Usually the blade of the cutting device is held at a right angle (straight up) to the dough when
slashing. But in order to get what is called an ear, grigne (grin in French), bloom, or ridged cut, it is
necessary to hold the blade at an angle so that it cuts down into the dough on an angle.
Its fine to be creative about your slashes. Its a great way to personalize your loaf.
Stenciling is another interesting method of giving a unique design to the bread. Its easy to do. Just
before the loaf goes into the oven, set a stencil (purchased or homemade, perhaps your initial) over the
dough and sift some flour on top of it. Carefully lift the stencil away. During baking, the flour from the
exposed area of the stencil will not brown as much as the rest of the crust, making a beautiful contrast
and design.
STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR MAKING DECORATIVE SLASHES AND SCORING THE DOUGH:

1 > Making a tic-tac-toe slash

2 > Making a single cross slash

3 > Finished single cross slash

4 > Making a starfish slash

5 > Finished starfish slash

6 > The lantern slash

7 > Making a double slash

8 > Finished double slash

9 > Making a spiral slash

10 > A spiral-slashed torpedo (batard)

11 > Holding the knife at an angle to make an ear (grigne)

12 > Slashing a long line down the center

7.

GLAZING

The purpose of a glaze is to give the crust a shiny appearance and, sometimes, depending on the glaze, a
deeper color. A glaze can also serve as glue to attach a scattering of seeds such as poppy, caraway, or
sesame.

If a bread is glazed, it should not be sprayed with water before baking or steamed during the
beginning of baking, because the water (which would otherwise produce a shine) will dull the glaze.
Some breads look best without any glaze. Rustic breads that are proofed in flour-dusted bannetons
are not glazed or misted with water because the flour on the surface of the dough gives an attractive
artisanal appearance to the crust.
For extra shine, a glaze can be applied both before baking and again when the bread is taken out of
the oven. A glaze can also be applied before rising and again before baking; this helps to keep the crust
from drying. After the dough has risen, use a light hand when brushing on the glaze so as not to deflate
it.
If slashing the dough, do it after applying the glaze so that there is a more dramatic contrast between
the slashed interior crumb and the crust.
Egg yolk glazes result in the deepest coloring of the crust, and you may need to tent the loaf loosely
with foil after the first 20 minutes or so of baking to prevent overbrowning.
TYPES OF GLAZES

> A crisp crust: Water (brushed or spritzed)

> A powdery, rustic chewy crust: Flour (dusted)
> A soft velvety crust: Melted butter, preferably clarified (1/2 tablespoon per average loaf)
> A crisp light brown crust: 1 egg white (2 tablespoons) and 1/2 teaspoon water, lightly beaten and
strained (the ideal sticky glaze for attaching seeds)
> A medium shiny golden crust: 2 tablespoons egg (lightly beaten to measure) and 1 teaspoon
water, lightly beaten
> A shiny deep golden brown crust: 1 egg yolk (1 tablespoon) and 1 teaspoon heavy cream, lightly
beaten
> A shiny medium golden brown crust: 1 egg yolk (1 tablespoon) and 1 teaspoon milk, lightly
beaten
> A very shiny hard crust: 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch and 6 tablespoons water: whisk the cornstarch
with 2 tablespoons of the water. Bring the remaining 1/4 cup water to a boil and whisk the cornstarch
mixture into it; simmer for about 30 seconds, or until thickened and translucent. Cool to room
temperature, then brush on the bread before baking and again as soon as it comes out of the oven.
8.

BAKING

Helen Charleys Food Science was the first food textbook I was assigned when I was a student at the
University of Vermont many years ago. I was impressed even then by this simple but profoundly
explicit definition of what happens during the baking phase of bread preparation: The pressure of the
expanding gas coupled with the ability of the gluten to stretch and confine the steam is responsible for
the marked expansion of the gluten as it bakes. Once the gluten is inflated, pressure from the expanding

steam maintains its volume until heat has had time to set the protein.
The goal in baking is to get good volume and a beautiful crust. Volume is determined by oven
spring, which takes place during the first third of the baking cycle, when the rate of fermentation rapidly
increases, until the heat kills the yeast. But the most significant part of the rise is produced by the
gradual expansion of the gas and the moisture in the dough that turns to steam.
As the temperature rises, the outer surface of the dough dries and the crust starts to form. The goal is
to delay the formation of this crust until the gases have accomplished their work so the dough can
expand to its full capacity. One way this is achieved is by steaming the oven. The steam condenses on
the dough, keeping it moist and able to expand while also helping the enzymes in the dough to break
down the carbohydrates into sugars that will enable the crust to brown. The steam also serves to
gelatinize the surface starches, which gives the crust a glossy sheen. So, to sum it up:Steam produces
increased volume, optimal browning, and shine.
The two essential factors for hearth breads with crisp crust are intense initial heat and initial
moisture. But in order to maintain the crisp crust, especially in very moist breads such as the ciabatta,
the moisture has to be vented toward the end of baking. This can be accomplished by leaving the oven
door partially ajar during the last 5 or 10 minutes of baking, and if your oven has a convection option,
by turning it on at that point. You dont want to use convection in the beginning of baking, however,
because it will blow out the moisture. In fact, in some electric ovens, you can see the moisture coming
out of the vent. If possible, cover the vent for the first 10 minutes of baking.
Soft breads and those that contain higher amounts of honey, sugar, fat, and/or egg require lower
temperatures to prevent burning, but they also benefit from steaming. Lower temperatures of 350 to
375F result in a thicker crust, which is actually a good thing because it provides extra stability for these
soft breads that could cave in at the sides (referred to as shelling).
The major problem with any oven is that the moment the door is opened, the temperature drops at
least 25 degrees and often as much as 50 degrees. For this reason, I usually set the oven at 25 to 50
degrees above the desired temperature and lower it as soon as the bread is in the oven and the door
closed. The unavoidable loss of heat is why it is preferable to create steam just when putting the bread
into the oven rather than spritzing every few minutes and losing heat every time the door is open.
(Besides, the amount of water added by spritzing is surprisingly little.)
Baking stones or unglazed quarry tiles help significantly to recover the lost heat more quickly, as
they retain heat. They also serve to provide more even baking, to give the bread its initial heat boost,
and to pull the moisture out of the bottom crust. The stone or tiles should be preheated with the oven for
at least 45 minutes, or, preferably, 1 hour.
The oven should never be opened during the first 15 minutes of baking. But after that point, its
usually fine to open it quickly and turn the bread halfway around to promote more even browning. If the
bread is on a pan or parchment, this is also a good time to remove it and set it directly onto the stone.
The bread can be turned halfway through the baking time instead but I can never resist opening the oven
door to see what it looks like at the first safe opportunity.
Placing the Bread in the Oven
I dont bake directly on the oven stone (except for matzoh) until the crust is set and wont stick to the
stone, because I intensely dislike the smell of burning cornmeal or flour, which would be necessary to
keep it from sticking. If this does not bother you, its fine to use a bakers peel, lightly sprinkled with
coarse cornmeal or flour, preferably semolina, to transfer the shaped dough to the stone. Use a sharp
thrust to slide it from the peel.

My usual method is to shape a free-form loaf and set it on a Silpain- or Silpat-lined pan, preferably a
perforated one, and then set the pan on the stone. When I use parchment, I use a peel to slide it onto the
stone. The bread can be left on the parchment for the entire baking period, but I prefer to remove it after
the first 15 minutes of baking so that the bottom crust does not steam and gets as crisp as possible.
Methods of Steaming
To create the most steam as quickly as possible requires a metal pan that retains heat, ideally a cast-iron
skillet (reserved for this purpose or it will rust), but an aluminum sheet pan will also do. Set the pan on
the floor of the oven before preheating it (or the shelf just above if there is a heating element on the
floor).
Use a spritzer or brush to moisten the surface of the dough just before it goes into the oven. Note:
Do not steam the oven or mist the bread if the bread has been glazed or dusted with flour.

TECHNIQUE: Spraying the dough with water before baking

ICE CUBE METHOD

This is my preferred method because it is the safest. It produces a lot of steam, though not as much or as
quickly as using boiling water. Most of the steam produced, however, will be trapped inside the oven, in
contrast to the boiling water method (see below), unless you work very quickly.
Just before setting the bread in the oven, take out of the freezer about 1/2 cup of ice cubes (5 to 6
cubes, about 1/4 cup of water when melted). The moment the bread is in the oven, pull the waiting pan
forward (using a thick pot holder) and toss the cubes into the pan. Immediately close the door. The pan
will slide in on its own and almost all the steam will remain in the oven.

TECHNIQUE: Adding ice cubes to pre-heated pan for creating steam

BOILING WATER METHOD

This produces good steam but so quickly that you have to work fast to keep it in the oven. Wear a
protective oven mitt, and avert your face: steam burns are painful.
Just before the bread is ready to go into the oven, pour 1 cup of boiling water into a 2-cup or larger
measuring cup with a spout. Set the bread in the oven, pull the waiting pan slightly forward, and quickly
pour in the boiling water. Immediately shut the door. (If your oven door has a glass window, protect it
by laying a towel over it when pouring the boiling water, or you risk cracking the glass.)
How to Tell When the Bread Is Done
Theres nothing like an instant-read thermometer to know for sure. Ive thumped the bottom of many a
loaf and not always been entirely certain of what Im hearing or if the hollow sound is quite hollow
enough.
Bread loses on the average 7 to 8 percent of its raw dough weight in baking. As the temperature
rises, the moisture in the dough turns to steam and evaporates. For crusty hearth breads, including
sourdough, you want as much evaporation as possible without drying out the bread (which is difficult to
do in any case without overbrowning the crust). I bake most of my breads to between 200 and 211F. I
bring soft white sandwich loaves to the higher temperature in order to strengthen their side crust to
prevent collapse. In fact, I sometimes unmold them and return them to the oven with the door partially
ajar for 5 minutes, as the crust browns and sets better out of the loaf pan. I bake brioche and other eggrich breads to only 180 to 190F, as they tend to brown too much at higher temperatures and also the
crumb becomes less soft.
A dark brown crust, on any type of bread, offers more depth of flavor in the crumb beneath as well
as the crust itself. But too dark a crust, veering toward burned, is bitter and unpleasant to my taste. If
this should happen, it helps to use a grater to remove any burned areas. Try to do it as soon as possible
before the burned aroma permeates the bread.
WHERE TO INSERT THE THERMOMETER

It hurts to make a hole in a beautiful crust, especially a smooth one, so try to insert the thermometer in

an inconspicuous area: for example, an existing air bubble hole. With a bread that has been baked in a
loaf pan, you can insert the thermometer just under the crown. To get an accurate reading, be sure to
insert the thermometer into the center of the loaf, which is the last part to finish baking.

TECHNIQUE: Inserting a thermometer into the center of the bread to test for doneness

High-Altitude Bread Baking

Yeast breads seem to fare better at high altitudes than do chemically leavened baked goods, such as
cakes. A few minor alterations, however, will be helpful. Because of the lower air pressure, yeast breads
will rise more quickly; cutting back a little on the yeast and allowing the dough to rise at cooler
temperatures will help to slow it down. Bill Weekley of the Le Saffre Yeast Corporation, who owned a
bakery at a 5,000-foot elevation, reports that reducing the yeast by about 10 percent and using stronger
(higher-protein) flour helps to maintain volume. Interestingly, rather than increasing the water to
compensate for the drier atmosphere, it is necessary to decrease it slightly, he says, because the lower
atmospheric pressure causes too soft a dough to rise too much and collapse.
9.

COOLING

Bakers say that the sound of the crust crackling as it cools is the breads song. It is indeed lovely and
gratifying, because when you hear it, you know youve done a good job. After a while, you will find
yourself listening for it.
It is important to cool breads with a crisp crust on a rack so that there is enough air circulation to
allow the moisture to escape. Breads with a soft crust that are very fragile, such as the egg-rich
panettone, need a cushioning support while cooling. I cover a soft pillow with a plastic bag and set the
bread on it, turning it occasionally to help it to cool evenly.
Cooling is part of the baking process. If cut while still hot, most bread will be unpleasantly pasty
and even gummy. It is almost always better to allow the bread to cool completely and then reheat it
briefly if you want to serve it warm. One exception is sticky buns, which are perfect in both texture and
flavor practically from the moment they come out of the oven.

10.

SLICING AND STORING

For slicing firm, crisp-crusted breads, a long knife with deep serrations is ideal. Some breads, however,
such as a rustic prosciutto bread or a baguette, have a much more appealing texture when broken or torn
rather than when clean cut. Breads that are very soft, such as brioche or soft white sandwich bread, are
best cut with either an electric knife or the Furi knife with rounded serrations (see Equipment).
If an uncut loaf of bread is left at room temperature until the next day, the crust will soften unless it
is stored uncovered or placed in a brown paper bag. If storing it for more than 10 hours, I prefer to
sacrifice the crust and keep the interior crumb as fresh as possible by putting it in a plastic zip-seal bag
or vacuum-sealing it in a container (see Equipment). The next day, it can be placed in a 350 to 400F
oven, depending on the original baking temperature of the bread, for about 10 minutes, which will
recrisp the crust and freshen the crumb. I love the efficiency of my Cuisinart convection toaster oven,
which is large enough for a 9-inch round loaf but small enough to preheat in minutes.
If you are planning to store the bread for any length of time, it is better to freeze it than refrigerate it,
as in the refrigerator, it gets stale faster.
If you are planning to freeze a loaf, it is best to underbake it by about 5 minutes so that the internal
temperature is 180 to 190F. After it has cooled completely, it should be wrapped airtight. (I use the
original brand Saran wrapnot the new typewhich is airtight, and then place it in a freezer-weight
bag, expressing as much air as possible from the bag.) Defrost the loaf at room temperature for several
hours, then finish the baking for 10 or 15 minutes at the same temperature at which it was originally
baked.
Once a bread has been cut, it is important to keep the cut edge from exposure to air to prevent the
entire loaf from drying out. The easiest way is to stand it on this cut end. (This is the best position for
reheating it in the oven to recrisp the crust.) Often my husband comes home to several mountain peaks
of bread on our marble counter, resembling a Japanese Zen rock garden.

2.

Quick Breads, Little Quick Breads

(Muffins, Biscuits, and Scones),
Little Yeast Breads, & Batter Breads

PEOPLE OFTEN ASK ME ABOUT THE DIFFERENCES AMONG THE VARIOUS categories of baked goods. The

confusion is understandable, because there are many crossovers and the boundaries are sometimes
fuzzy. Brioche, for example, can be considered a cake, a pastry, or a bread, depending on how it is used
(what it is filled or topped with) and when it is eaten.
All baked goods have three ingredients in common: flour, liquid, and salt. I define where they fall
on the baking spectrum, from quick bread (essentially a cake), to yeast bread, by the proportion of
liquid each contains in relation to the flour. Batter breads have the most liquid of all, quick breads less,
and yeast hearth breads still less, with pastry the least of all.
Fat is another significant ingredient in baked goods. The degree of its presence or its absence helps
to sharpen the definition of categories. Almost all cakes and pastries have fat, which is what makes
them tender; only some breads have fat, and its generally a far smaller amount, making them much
more chewy.
Quick Breads (The Dough Percentage: 88.3 to 151% water, 69.4 to 101.6% fat)
These are the easy ones, so quickly done and forgiving you have to question if they are really in fact
bread. If yeast is included in your definition of bread then they are not. Generally, however, these are
referred to as breads because they are baked in a loaf shape and are less delicate and sweet than cakes
or pastries. Quick breads are usually leavened with baking powder or baking soda and are often served
sliced, in a bread basket, or sometimes as dessert. The Southwestern Corn Spoon Bread, which is baked
in a round dish and usually served as a side dish, is an exception, but belongs in this category because it
is leavened with baking powder and shares the same range of flour, liquid, and fat.

Little Quick Breads

Muffins (The Dough Percentage: 95 to 132% water, 42.4 to 59.2% fat)
These are essentially small cakes made with less leavening than most cakes and all-purpose flour, rather
than cake flour, for a firmer crumb, sometimes containing slightly less sugar. The corn fingers are
muffins baked in a different shape.
Muffins freeze well for up to 3 months. Frozen muffins can be reheated in a preheated 400F oven
for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a metal cake tester inserted briefly into the center feels warm. Roomtemperature muffins can be reheated in a 400F oven for 4 minutes.
Biscuits and Scones (The Dough Percentage: 36 to 108.1% water, 20.4 to 69.4% fat)
Biscuits and scones, which are shaped and baked free-form, not in a tin or pan, are closer to bread on
the baking spectrum. In fact, I think of them as the missing link between bread and pastry because they
are more crumbly and delicate than bread but more substantial than pastry. That is because most biscuits
and scones have more liquid than a basic pie dough, for example, and, although sometimes less, often
around the same amount of fat. The extra liquid develops more protein, making them chewier (unless
compensated for by more fat) and heavier than a piecrust or pastry.
Little Yeast Breads (The Dough Percentage: 51 to 68.6% water, 0 to 16.3% fat)
These are actually small classic yeast breads, but the doughs are shaped and baked in unusual ways that
give them unique crumb and crust characteristics. English muffins, for example, are made with what is
essentially the same dough as a soft white bread (just a little less water and butter, and a little more yeast
and salt), but they are baked on a griddle instead of in an oven, which makes the difference. Pretzel
dough (for soft pretzels) has 51 percent water while bagel dough, which is very similar, has 63.8 percent
water. Pretzels are dipped in lye and salted to produce their distinctive shiny crust; bagels are boiled in
malted water before baking, which gives them a dense crumb and a thick chewy crust that is also shiny
but less so than pretzels. Bialy dough is almost the same as bagel dough, with a slightly higher amount
of water; it also contains high-gluten flour, for maximum chew. Since bialys are not boiled before
baking, they are lighter and less chewy than bagels, with a dull, almost papery thin crust.
Batter Breads (The Dough Percentage: 113 to 229% water, 45 to 50.6% fat)
Crumpets fall somewhere between a batter and a bread, containing double the water of a basic bread
and three times the yeast. Popovers and Dutch babies contain no yeast and are leavened entirely by egg
and steam. They have almost double the liquid of crumpets, so they are technically more like cream
puffs than like bread. However, I have included them in this chapter because popovers make such a
terrific substitute for dinner rolls, and Dutch babies, which are really giant popovers, make the most
impressive edible containers for butter-sauted fruit and fresh berries.
Cinnamon Crumb Surprise

Topped with fragrant cinnamon crumbs, this golden loaf has a hidden treat in the middle: a tart layer of

buttery apple slices, nestled inside a layer of cinnamon crumbs. This is a real favorite in our house,
perfect with coffee or tea; I also enjoy it with a glass of cold milk.
TIME SCHEDULE

Oven Temperature: 350F

Baking Time: 50 to 60 minutes
Makes: an 8-by-4-by-3-inch-high loaf
Crumb Topping and Filling
INGREDIENTS

light brown sugar

granulated sugar
walnuts
cinnamon
unsifted cake flour
unsalted butter, melted
pure vanilla extract

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/4 c firmly packed
1 1/2 tbsp
3/4 c
1 tsp
1/4 c plus
2 tbsp
3 tbsp
1/4 tsp

ounces
1.25 oz
0.7 oz
3 oz
--

grams
36 g
19.2 g
85 g
--

1.75 oz

50 g

1.5 oz
--

43 g
--

EQUIPMENT

a heavy-duty stand mixer with paddle attachment OR a hand-held mixer;

a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, bottom greased and lined with parchment, then sprayed with Bakers Joy
or greased and floured (if using a nonstick pan and Bakers Joy, there is no need to line the pan)

1 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350F 30 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
middle level.
2 > Make the crumb mixture. In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, pulse the sugars, nuts,
and cinnamon until the nuts are coarsely chopped. Reserve 1/2 cup for the filling. Add the flour, butter,
and vanilla to the remainder and pulse briefly just until the butter is absorbed. Empty it into a bowl and
refrigerate for about 20 minutes to firm up, then use your fingertips to form a coarse, crumbly mixture

for the topping.

Apple Filling and Batter
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

room temperature
1 small tart apple (5.5
oz/155 g)
lemon juice
1 large egg
2 large egg yolks
sour cream
pure vanilla extract
sifted cake flour
sugar
baking powder
baking soda

volume

ounces

grams

1 heaping c slices

4.5 oz

130 g

2 tsp
3 tbsp
2 tbsp
1/2 c
1 tsp
1 1/2 c
3/4 c
1/4 tsp
3/8 tsp
1/8 plus 1/16 tsp
(scant 1/4 tsp)
9 tbsp

-1.75 oz
about 1 oz
4.2 oz
-5.3 oz
5.3 oz
---

8 g
50 g
32 g
120 g
4 g
150 g
150 g
1.2 g
1.8 g

--

1.2 g

4.5 oz

128 g

salt
unsalted butter, softened

3 > Prepare the filling and mix the batter. Just before mixing the batter, peel and core the apple. Cut
into 1/4-inch-thick slices, and toss with the lemon juice.
In a medium bowl, lightly combine the egg, the yolks, about one fourth of the sour cream, and the
vanilla.
In a mixer bowl, or other large bowl, combine the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda,
and salt. Mix on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid, with the paddle attachment) for 30 seconds to
blend. Add the butter and the remaining sour cream and mix until the dry ingredients are moistened.
Increase the speed to medium if using a stand mixer (#4 KitchenAid), or high speed if using a hand-held
mixer, and beat for 1 minute to aerate and develop the structure. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Gradually add the egg mixture in two batches, beating for 20 seconds after each addition to incorporate
the ingredients and strengthen the structure. Scrape down the sides.
4 > Fill the pan. Scrape about two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the surface.
Sprinkle with the reserved 1/2 cup crumb mixture and top with the apple slices, arranging them in two
rows of overlapping slices. Drop the reserved batter in large blobs over the fruit and spread it evenly,
preferably with a small offset spatula. (The batter will be 3/4 inch from the top of the pan.) Sprinkle
with the crumb topping.
5 > Bake the bread. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes
out clean and the bread springs back when pressed lightly in the center (an instant-read thermometer
inserted into the center will read about 200F). Tent loosely with buttered foil after 45 minutes to
prevent overbrowning.

6 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes.
Place a folded kitchen towel on top of a flat plate and cover it with plastic wrap. Oil the plastic wrap.
Loosen the sides of the bread with a small metal spatula, and invert it onto the plate. Grease a wire rack
and reinvert the bread onto it, so that it is right side up. Cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours, before
wrapping airtight.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> It is not necessary to sift the flour if you are weighing it. However, if you measure it, sift it into the
cup and then level it off, without shaking or tapping the cup at all.
> Its fine to use all-purpose flour, which will result in a slightly firmer texture, but it is imperative
that it be bleached all-purpose; otherwise, the butter is likely to drop to the bottom, making an
unpleasant tasting and rubbery layer.
> It is essential that the oven be hot enough to set the structure quickly to support the crumb topping
and keep it from sinking.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
88.3% (includes the water in the butter and egg whites)
0.8%
38.5% (includes the fat in the egg yolks and sour cream)

Cranberry-Banana-Walnut Quick Bread

My friend Jeanne Bauer has been talking about her Aunt Ceils cranberry-banana-nut bread for years,
and when I started this book, I finally paid serious attention. Now I know why. This recipe has
everything going for it. Cranberry tempers the sweetness of banana, while banana rounds out the acidity
and bite of the cranberry. In fact, I found the cranberry so delicious I doubled the original amount,
which also decreased the sweetness. Cutting the cranberries in half is well worth the effort, as it both
helps them to keep their shape by preventing them from bursting and also helps them absorb the sugar.
Moist and crunchy, this bread is also delicious toasted. It stays fresh for at least 4 days, and the
flavor and texture actually improve on standing for at least 12 hours. It is perfect plain or spread lightly
with whipped cream cheese.
TIME SCHEDULE

Oven Temperature: 350F

Baking Time: 55 to 65 minutes
Makes: an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-by-3 1/2-inch-high loaf/37.5 ounces/1062 grams

INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

room temperature
walnuts
bleached all-purpose flour (use
only Gold Medal or Pillsbury)
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter, softened
sugar, preferably turbinado

volume
1 c
2 c minus
1 tbsp
1 tsp
1 tsp
8 tbsp
1 c
6 tbsp
(3 fl oz)
3/4 c
1 1/2 tbsp
1 tsp

ounces
4 oz

grams
114 g

9.5 oz

273 g

--4 oz
7 oz

5 g
6.6 g
113 g
200 g

3.5 oz

100 g

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 very ripe large banana

sour cream
pure vanilla extract
cranberries, fresh or frozen, cut
2 c
in half

about 5.5 oz 152 to 162 g

0.7 oz
23 g
--7 oz

200 g

EQUIPMENT

a heavy-duty stand mixer with paddle attachment OR a hand-held mixer;

a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, greased with cooking spray or oil

1 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350F 20 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
middle level.
2 > Toast the nuts. Toast the walnuts on a baking sheet until just beginning to color, about 7 minutes.
Empty them onto a paper towel and rub them lightly to remove any loose skin. Allow the nuts to cool.
Then break or coarsely chop them.
3 > Mix the batter. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a mixer bowl
or other large bowl, cream the butter and sugar on medium speed if using a stand mixer (#4 KitchenAid,
with the paddle attachment), or high speed if using a hand-held beater until light, about 3 minutes.
Add the eggs, banana, sour cream, and vanilla all at once and continue beating for about 1 minute or
until thoroughly blended. Add the flour mixture and beat on low speed (#2 KitchenAid) for 20 seconds
or until moistened. Add the cranberries and walnuts and continue beating for another 20 seconds or until
well incorporated. (The batter will weigh about 2 pounds, 9 ounces/1 kg, 158 grams.)

4 > Fill the pan and bake the bread. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. (It will be about 3/4 inch
from the top.) Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until the bread is golden and springs back when pressed
lightly in the middle. Tent loosely with foil after the first 30 minutes to prevent overbrowning. The
bread will develop an attractive split after the first 20 minutes or so of baking.
5 > Cool the bread. Set the pan on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Loosen the sides of the bread,
unmold it, and cool completely, top side up.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> Toasting the walnuts only lightly brings out their flavor without making them bitter and keeps them
from turning blue in the batter. As much of the walnut skin as possible is discarded, also to avoid any
bitterness.
UNDERSTANDING

I use the traditional creaming method for this recipe because the method of mixing all the dry
ingredients together and then adding fat and liquid to them would make this quick bread too tender.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
123.5% (includes the water in the butter, egg whites, sour cream,
cranberries, and banana)
2.1%
34.7% (includes the fat in the egg yolks and sour cream)

Carrot Bread

Carrot cake is an American favorite, appearing in many guises, from muffins to layers in a wedding
cake. My quick bread version has an exceptionally high proportion of carrots and a low proportion of
sugar and oil. The only spice used is cinnamon, so the flavor of the carrots really stands out.
You can spread the slices with softened sweet butter or whipped cream cheese, but the bread is also
wonderful on its own.
The zucchini variation below has a similar moist texture but an entirely different flavor because the
zucchini stays in the background, allowing the cinnamon and toasted walnuts to be the stars.
As with all vegetable-and-oil-based breads, the moisture will be distributed most evenly if the bread
is allowed to stand for a day. The advantage is that such breads will keep perfectly at room temperature
for as long as 3 days.
TIME SCHEDULE

Oven Temperature: 350F

Baking: 1 hour

Standing Time: overnight

Makes: an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-by-3 1/4-inch-high loaf/35 ounces/994 grams
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

room temperature
unbleached all-purpose flour
(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
baking powder
baking soda
salt
cinnamon
3 large eggs

safflower oil
sugar, preferably turbinado
finely grated carrots
raisins

volume

ounces

grams

1 1/2 c plus
1 1/2 tbsp

8 oz

227 g

1/2 tbsp
1/2 tsp
1/2 tsp
2 tsp
scant 5 fl oz
1/2 liquid c
1 c
3 1/2 c
1 c

-7.3 g
-2.5 g
-3.3 g
-4.5 g
5.25 oz
150 g
(weighed without shells)
3.75 oz
107 g
7 oz
200 g
12 oz
340 g
5 oz
144 g

EQUIPMENT

a heavy-duty stand mixer with paddle attachment OR a hand-held mixer;

a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, sprayed with nonstick vegetable oil or greased

1 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350F 20 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf on the
rung below the middle level.
2 > Mix the batter. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and
cinnamon.
In a large bowl or a mixer bowl, using a wooden spoon or a hand-held or stand mixer on low speed
(#2 if using a KitchenAid, with the paddle attachment), mix together the eggs, oil, and sugar for 1
minute or until blended. Add the flour mixture and continue stirring or beating on low speed just until
incorporated, about 20 seconds. Add the carrots and continue stirring or beating for another 12 seconds.
Stir in the raisins with a large rubber spatula or the wooden spoon.

3 > Fill the pan and bake the bread. Scrape the batter into the bread pan. (It will be about 1/2 inch
from the top.) Bake for about 1 hour or until the top is golden and a cake tester inserted in the center
comes out clean.
4 > Cool the bread. Set the pan on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Then run a small spatula between
the sides of the pan and the bread and unmold it onto an oiled wire rack. Turn it right (top) side up and
allow it to cool completely.
5 > Let the bread stand. Wrap the loaf well in plastic wrap and allow it to sit overnight to distribute the
moisture. (If you just cant wait to taste it, dont worry: the bread wont fall apart as long as it is allowed
to cool completely before cutting.)
VARIATION

Zucchini Bread (a 35 3/4-ounce/1015-gram loaf) The zucchini does not contribute significant flavor to
this quick bread the way the carrots do. Most of this breads flavor comes from the cinnamon, turbinado
sugar, and toasted walnuts. What the zucchini does add are moistness and structure. Because this bread
is so spicy and flavorful, it would be fine to replace the whole eggs with 4 1/2 large egg whites (4.5
fluid ounces/9 tablespoons), making it entirely cholesterol-free.
Substitute 3 cups (12 ounces/340 grams) grated zucchini for the carrots and 1 cup (4 ounces/113
grams) coarsely broken or chopped walnuts, lightly toasted, for the raisins. Add 2 tablespoons more
flour to compensate for the extra moisture of the zucchini.
UNDERSTANDING

Carrots are 88.2 percent water and zucchini is 94 percent, which is why the variation requires a little
extra flour.
The baking soda serves to give an attractive deep brown color to both loaves.
There is no need to soak the raisins, as they absorb moisture from the carrots and plump up on their
own. If you prefer to omit the raisins, add 1/3 cup more flour. (In addition to the extra flour, you can
also add up to 1 cup [4 ounces/113 grams] coarsely broken or chopped walnuts, lightly toasted, to the
carrot bread.)
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Salt:
Oil:

100% (includes the fiber in the carrots)

145% (includes the water in the carrots and egg whites)
1.3%
47.4% (includes the fat in the egg yolks)

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Bread

This quick bread is dark, dense, chocolaty, and tender. I developed this recipe for my book The Cake
Bible and it is as popular in 2003 as it was at its debut in 1988! The only change Ive made is the

addition of chocolate mini chips or chopped chocolate for extra intensity.

The optional Kahla glaze results in excellent flavor synergy, provides extra moistness, and elevates
this dessert bread to holiday or special-occasion fare.
TIME SCHEDULE

Oven Temperature: 350F

Baking Time: 50 to 60 minutes
Makes: an 8-by-4-by-3-inch-high loaf
INGREDIENTS

unsweetened cocoa (Dutchprocessed)

boiling water
pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs

sifted cake flour
sugar, preferably turbinado
baking powder
salt
unsalted butter, softened
Optional:
chocolate mini chips or
bittersweet chocolate (chopped
medium-fine)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
3 tbsp plus
1/2 tbsp
3 tbsp
1/2 tbsp
scant 5 fl oz

ounces

grams

0.75 oz

21 g

1 1/4 c
3/4 c plus
2 tbsp
3/4 tsp
1/4 tsp
13 tbsp
3 tbsp

1.5 oz
44 g
-6 g
5.25 oz
150 g
(weighed without shells)
4.5 oz
125 g
6 oz

175 g

--6.5 oz

3.6 g
1.7 g
184 g

1 oz

28 g

EQUIPMENT

a heavy-duty stand mixer with paddle attachment OR a hand-held mixer;

an 8-by-4-inch (4-cup) loaf pan, OR, if using the chocolate chips, an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch (5-cup)
loaf pan, bottom greased and lined with parchment, then sprayed with Bakers Joy or greased
and floured (if using a nonstick pan and Bakers Joy, there is no need to line the pan)

1 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350F 30 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
middle level.
2 > Make the soft cocoa paste. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cocoa and boiling water until
smooth. Allow it to cool to room temperature, then gently whisk in the vanilla and eggs. It will be fluid.
3 > Mix the batter. In a mixer bowl or other large bowl, combine the cake flour, sugar, baking powder,
and salt. Mix on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid, with the paddle attachment) for 30 seconds to
blend. Add half the chocolate paste and the butter and mix until the dry ingredients are moistened.
Increase the speed to medium if using a stand mixer (#4 KitchenAid), or high if using a hand-held
mixer, and beat for 1 minute to aerate and develop the structure. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Gradually add the remaining chocolate paste in two batches, beating for 20 seconds after each addition
to incorporate the ingredients and strengthen the structure. Scrape down the bowl. With a rubber
spatula, fold in the optional chocolate mini chips or bittersweet chocolate.
4 > Fill the pan. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. (The
batter will be almost 1/2 inch from the top of the 4-cup pan.)
5 > Bake the bread. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes
out clean. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 200F. Tent loosely with
buttered foil after 25 minutes to prevent overbrowning. (The bread shouldnt start to shrink from the
sides of the pan until after removal from the oven.)
6 > Cool the bread. Set the bread on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes. Loosen the sides of the bread
with a small metal spatula and invert it onto an oiled wire rack. Reinvert so that it is top side up and
cool completely.
VARIATION

For an extra-moist cake and a subtle background coffee accent, brush the bread with coffee syrup.
To make the syrup: In a small pan, stir together 1/4 cup water and 2 tablespoons sugar. Bring to a
full rolling boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Cover and remove from the heat. When the syrup is cool,
add 1 tablespoon Kahla. As soon as the bread is removed from the oven, brush half the syrup onto the
top. Let the bread cool for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a lightly oiled rack and brush the bottom and
sides with the remaining syrup. Reinvert it to finish cooling top side up.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> It is not necessary to sift the flour if you are weighing it. However, if you measure it, be sure to sift
it into the cup and then level it off, without shaking or tapping the cup at all.
> To get an attractive split down the middle of the crust, wait until the natural split is about to
develop, about 20 minutes into the baking, and, with a lightly oiled sharp knife, make a shallow slash 6
inches long down the middle of the bread. This must be done quickly so that the oven door does not
remain open very long, or the bread could fall. When the top crust splits, it will open along this slash.
> Be sure to use a wooden toothpick to test when the bread is done, as it will spring back if lightly

pressed when still underdone.

> There is no need to poke holes in the bread for the Kahla syrup to be absorbed; it enters quite
readily, and the holes would mar the surface.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Salt:
Fat:

100% (includes the starch in the cocoa)

151.4% (includes the water in the butter and egg whites)
1.2%
38.5% (includes the fat in the egg yolks and cocoa)

Southwestern Corn Spoon Bread

My friend and longtime collaborator David Shamah is a font of ingenious ideas. This recipe was
inspired by one of his suggestions, and it is the best spoon bread Ive ever had. It forms a crisp and
golden cheesy crust on top, and inside it is light yet moist and full flavored. Its terrific as an
accompaniment to barbecued chicken, pork chops, sausages, or hamI actually love this spoon bread
so much I think of these other dishes more as an accompaniment to it!
TIME SCHEDULE

Oven Temperature: 375F

Baking Time: 30 to 35 minutes
Serves: 4
Filling
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

room temperature
unsalted butter
1 small onion, chopped
chipotle chile in adobo (see
step 2), or 1/2 jalapeo
pepper, seeded and finely
chopped
1 large garlic clove, minced
1/2 roasted red bell pepper,
peeled, seeded, and chopped

volume
4 tbsp
2/3 c

ounces
2 oz
3 oz

grams
57 g
86 g

about 1 tbsp

--

12.5 g
11 g

2 tsp

0.25 oz

7 g

1/2 c

3 oz

85 g

5 oz

142 g

1 c (or 11 oz
2 small ears corn-husked and
can niblets,
cooked, kernels
drained)

cilantro, chopped

1/4 c

--

20 g

EQUIPMENT

a 4- to 6-cup ceramic casserole or souffl dish, buttered or greased with cooking spray or oil

1 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375F 20 minutes before baking.
2 > Saut the filling. Place a medium (10-inch) skillet over medium-low heat and add the butter. When
it is melted, add the onion and jalapeo (if not using the chipotle). Saut, stirring occasionally, until the
onion is softened and golden. Add the garlic and saut, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Remove the
pan from the heat and stir in the red pepper, corn, and cilantro. If using the chipotle, remove most of the
seeds and chop it fine. Combine it with enough of the adobo sauce to make 1 tablespoon and stir into
the filling. Cool completely.
Batter
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

room temperature
bleached all-purpose flour
(such as Gold Medal or
Pillsbury)
yellow cornmeal, preferably
stone-ground (such as
Kenyons)
sugar
baking powder
salt
black pepper
heavy cream
milk
1 large egg, divided:
yolk

volume

ounces

grams

1/2 c plus
1/2 tbsp

2.5 oz

75 g

1/2 c

2.25 oz

64 g

3 tbsp
1 1/4 tsp
3/4 plus 1/8 tsp
1/8 tsp
1/3 liquid c
1/3 liquid c

1.3 oz
---2.75 oz
2.75 oz

38 g
6 g
5.8 g
-80 g
80 g

1 tbsp plus
1/2 tsp
2 tsp

0.65 oz

18.6 g

1 oz

30 g

white

cream of tartar
sharp cheddar cheese,
shredded
Optional:
red pepper flakes, if not using
the chipotle

1/8 tsp

--

--

1 heaping c, divided 2.5 oz

70 g

1/8 tsp

--

--

3 > Mix the batter. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and
black pepper.
In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, lightly whisk together the cream, milk, and egg yolk.
In a medium bowl, whisk the egg white until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and whisk until stiff
peaks form when the beater is lifted slowly.
Stir the egg/milk mixture and corn mixture into the flour mixture just until it is evenly moistened.
Fold in all but 1/2 cup (1 ounce/28 grams) of the cheese, then fold in the egg white just until
incorporated.
4 > Bake the spoon bread. Pour the batter into the prepared casserole. Sprinkle with the remaining
cheese and the optional red pepper flakes. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is puffed and
golden brown and springs back when lightly pressed in the center with your finger (an instant-read
thermometer inserted in the center will read about 160F). Serve at once.
STORE Any leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> To roast a red pepper, line a gas burner with foil to catch any dripping juices. Hold the pepper over
the heat with tongs, turning it occasionally so that the skin blisters and chars all over. (Or, if you have
electric range, roast it under the boiler.) Place it in a plastic bag for a few minutes to steam, to help
separate the skin from the pepper. Then remove and discard as much of the skin as possible.
> To cook the fresh corn, boil the ears in unsalted water for 5 to 7 minutes or until just tender when
pierced with a cake tester or skewer. Canned niblets are the best alternative to fresh corn. An 11-ounce
can of niblets, drained, equals 9.6 ounces/272 grams; half is 4.8 ounces/113 grams. If niblets are
unavailable, use frozen corn, thawed.
> The spoon bread reheats well, particularly in a microwave.
> The recipe can be doubled easily.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
114.9% (includes the water in the vegetables and egg white)
4.2%
54.7% (includes the fat in the cream, milk, egg yolk, and cheese)

Quintessential Corn Muffins

The secret to this muffins pure corny flavor, golden yellow color, craggy crown, and tender open crumb
is using the best, freshest stone-ground cornmeal (see Ingredients) and the addition of sour cream.
Blueberries provide an appealing sweetness, but I love the taste of corn by itself so much I usually make
them without blueberries.
TIME SCHEDULE

Oven Temperature: 400F

Baking Time: 15 to 18 minutes
Makes: 6 Muffins
INGREDIENTS

cornmeal, preferably stoneground (such as Kenyons)

bleached all-purpose flour
(use only Gold Medal or
Pillsbury)
sugar
baking powder
baking soda
salt
1 large egg

sour cream
unsalted butter, melted and
cooled
Optional:
small blueberries, fresh or
frozen
Optional:
cornmeal for dusting

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1/2 c

2.25 oz

64 g

1/2 c plus
1/2 tbsp

2.6 oz

75 g

about 1 oz

33 g

2 tbsp plus
2 tsp
1 tsp
1/4 tsp
1/2 tsp
2 tbsp plus
1/2 tsp
2/3 c

-4.6 g
-1.2 g
-3.3 g
1.75 oz
50 g
(weighed out of the shell)
5.7 oz
161 g

2 tbsp

1 oz

28 g

2/3 c

2.75 oz

80 g

scant 1/2 tsp

--

--

EQUIPMENT

six 6-ounce souffl ramekins or custard cups, OR a 6-cup muffin pan, all lined with foil or paper
liners, preferably lightly sprayed with Bakers Joy or cooking spray

1 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 400F 20 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
middle level.
2 > Mix the batter. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder,
baking soda, and salt.
In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, lightly whisk together the egg and sour cream.
Stir the egg mixture into the flour mixture just until it is moistened. There should still be some
lumps. Fold in the melted butter just until incorporated. Fold in the optional blueberries. You should still
see little lumps.
3 > Fill the muffin containers. Spoon the batter into the ramekins, custard cups, or muffin cups, filling
them almost to the top (2.25 ounces/67 grams in each; 2.75 ounces/80 grams if using the blueberries).
Use a small metal spatula or the back of a teaspoon to smooth the tops if necessary. If using a muffin
pan, fill any empty cups half-full with water. For a crunchy top, place the 1/2 teaspoon cornmeal in a
small strainer, hold it over the muffins, and stir the cornmeal with a spoon, so that it sprinkles evenly
over the tops.
4 > Bake the muffins. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a wooden
toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
5 > Cool the muffins. Unmold the muffins and cool them top side up on a wire rack. Serve room
temperature.
NOTE The muffins can be reheated in a 400F oven for about 4 minutes.
VARIATION

Blue Cornmeal Muffins Blue cornmeal has a similar flavor to yellow but offers an intriguing blue/gray
color, particularly attractive with the addition of the blueberries. It is usually ground finer than yellow
and absorbs slightly more liquid; increase the sour cream to 3/4 cup (6.5 ounces/182 grams). Place a
scant 2.5 ounces/70 grams batter (3 ounces/85 grams if using the blueberries) in each muffin cup.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> A #30 ice cream scoop (2-tablespoon capacity) works well for transferring the batter to the muffin
containers.

> The muffins can be frozen, well wrapped, for up to 3 months. Reheat in a preheated 400F oven for
15 to 20 minutes or until a metal cake tester inserted briefly into the center feels warm.
UNDERSTANDING

When mixing the batter, it is important to work quickly, as the water will begin to activate the baking
soda. Lumps in the batter are desirable (the flour will still get hydrated completely during baking)
because if you mix the batter until it is smooth, the tops of the muffins will be rounded instead of craggy
and the muffins will not be as tender since more gluten will be formed. Mixing by hand helps to avoid
overmixing.
Filling any empty muffin cups with water prevents the heat from being drawn to them and adds
moisture.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
104.7% (includes the water in the sour cream, butter, and egg white)
2.4%
42.4% (includes the fat in the sour cream and egg yolk)

Corn Fingers

These corn fingers, baked in a mold so they resemble little individual ears of corn, are tender, finegrained, and slightly sweet, with little nubbins of corn in each bite and the glad surprise of occasional
hot pepper flakes. They seem to dissolve in the mouth yet have a full corn flavor.
TIME SCHEDULE

Oven temperature: 425F

Baking Time: 15 minutes
Makes: 12 to 13 corn fingers
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

room temperature
bleached all-purpose flour
(use only Gold Medal or
Pillsbury)
yellow cornmeal, preferably
stone-ground (such as
Kenyons)

volume

ounces

grams

1/2 c plus
1/2 tbsp

2.5 oz

75 g

1/2 c

2.25 oz

64 g

2 tbsp plus
2 tsp

1 oz

33 g

sugar

baking powder
salt
hot pepper flakes
2 small ears corn, husked and
cooked, kernels cut off the
cobs
unsalted butter, melted
heavy cream
whole milk
1 large egg, divided:
yolk
white

1 1/4 tsp
-1/2 tsp
-1/2 to 1 tsp (to taste) --

6 g
3.3 g
--

1 c

5 oz

142 g

4 tbsp
1/3 liquid c
1/3 liquid c

2 oz
2.7 oz
2.8 oz

57 g
77 g
80 g

1 tbsp plus
1/2 tsp
2 tsp

0.65 oz

18.6 g

1 oz

30 g

EQUIPMENT

2 cast-iron corn-finger molds, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil (or make in 2 batches if
you only have one mold)

1 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 425F 20 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
middle level. Just before mixing the batter, preheat the molds.
2 > Mix the batter. In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and
hot pepper flakes. Add the corn and stir until coated.
In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, lightly whisk together the melted butter, cream, milk, and
egg yolk.
In a medium bowl, beat the egg white until soft peaks form when the beater is lifted slowly.
Stir the butter, milk and egg mixture into the flour mixture just until moistened. There should still be
lumps. Fold in the egg white just until incorporated. You should still see little lumps.
3 > Fill the molds. Spoon or pipe (use a pastry bag with a plain 1/2-inch-wide tip) the batter into the
molds, filling them almost to the top. Use a small metal spatula or the back of a teaspoon to smooth the
batter if necessary. Fill any empty depressions half-full with water.
4 > Bake the corn fingers. Bake for 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown.
5 > Unmold the corn fingers and cool. To unmold, loosen the sides of each corn finger with a small
metal spatula, place a wire rack over the mold, and invert them onto the rack. Repeat with the second

mold. These corn fingers are wonderfully tender, so they require care while still warm to avoid breaking
them. Serve warm or at room temperature.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> To cook the corn, boil the ears in unsalted water for 5 to 7 minutes or until just tender when pierced
with a cake tester or skewer.
> Piping the batter is neater and faster than using a spoon. A coated fabric pastry bag works better for
this soft batter because it is stiffer than a plastic bag, making it easier to handle the batter. (The baked
corn fingers will look the same no matter which method you choose.)
> Corn fingers freeze well for several weeks. Wrap each one airtight in plastic wrap and place in
heavy-duty freezer bags. Reheat in a preheated 400F oven for about 7 minutes.
UNDERSTANDING

Fresh corn needs to be cooked in order to remove some of its liquid, or the batter will be too liquid.
Blue cornmeal can be substituted for the yellow cornmeal, but a few teaspoons of liquid should be
added to compensate for the higher absorption capability of blue cornmeal.
Filling any empty depressions with water prevents the heat from being drawn to them and adds
moisture.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
107.9% (includes the water in the cream, milk, butter, and egg white)
2.4%
59.4% (includes the fat in the cream, milk, and egg yolk)

Blueberry Muffins

Blueberry muffins are my favorite, so over the years Ive been tweaking my recipe toward perfection.
This latest version has a little less sugar than the last and though its still delicious made with
buttermilk, I find that sour cream gives it the most mellow and rich flavor. I also love the soft crumb
contrasting with the crisp sugary top.
In August, when the tiny blueberries from Maine are available, I make a double batch of these
muffins and freeze them for weekend breakfast treats. One of my best finds this year is a mail-order
source for frozen Maine blueberries (see Sources).
TIME SCHEDULE

Oven Temperature: 375F

Baking Time: 25 to 35 minutes

Makes: 6 muffins
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

room temperature
unsalted butter
sugar
grated lemon zest
1 large egg
pure vanilla extract
bleached all-purpose flour
(use only Gold Medal or
Pillsbury)
baking soda

volume
4 tbsp
1/2 c
2 tsp
-1/2 tsp

ounces
2 oz
3.5 oz
-1.75 oz
--

grams
56 g
100 g
4 g
50 g
--

about 1 c

4.75 oz

135 g

3/8 tsp
1/4 plus
1/16 tsp

--

1.9 g

--

2 g

salt
sour cream

1/3 c

about 2.75
oz

80 g

small blueberries, rinsed and

dried

3/4 c (rounded)

3.5 oz

100 g

3/4 tsp

--

3 g

dusting

--

--

Topping
sugar
nutmeg, preferably freshly
grated
EQUIPMENT

six 6-ounce souffl ramekins or custard cups OR a 6-cup muffin pan, all lined with foil or paper
liners, preferably lightly sprayed with Bakers Joy or cooking spray

1 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375F 20 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
middle level.
2 > Mix the batter. In a large bowl, with a wooden spoon, cream the butter, sugar and lemon zest until
light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Spoon half of the flour mixture and
half the sour cream onto the butter/sugar mixture and, using a rubber spatula, fold in until most of the
flour disappears. Repeat with the remaining flour and sour cream, folding in just until the flour
disappears. Fold in the blueberries.
3 > Fill the muffin containers. Spoon the batter into the ramekins, custard cups, or muffin cups, filling
them almost to the top. Fill any empty muffin cups half-full with water. Dust the tops with the sugar and
nutmeg.
4 > Bake the muffins. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until the muffins spring back when pressed lightly
in the center with a fingertip and a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5 > Cool the muffins. Unmold the muffins and turn right side up on a wire rack to cool. Serve warm or
at room temperature.
NOTE The muffins can be reheated in a 400F oven for about 4 minutes.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> I like the rich flavor of sour cream and the slightly more open texture it gives the muffins, but if
you prefer to use buttermilk, it can easily be substituted. For the best flavor when using buttermilk,
substitute 1 teaspoon baking powder for the baking soda.
> A #30 ice cream scoop (2-tablespoon capacity) works well for transferring the batter to the muffin
containers.
> The muffins can be frozen, well wrapped, for up to 3 months. Reheat in a preheated 400F oven for
15 to 20 minutes or until a metal cake tester inserted briefly into the center feels warm.
UNDERSTANDING

Filling any empty muffin cups with water prevents the heat from being drawn to them and adds
moisture.

THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
95% (includes the water in the sour cream, butter, and egg white)
1.5%
49.1% (includes the fat in the sour cream and egg yolk)

Big Banana Muffins

This recipe is adapted from my banana cake, one of the most popular recipes in my book The Cake
Bible. The texture and flavor of the toasted walnuts, or poppy seeds or chocolate, are a great new
addition. I bake them in a Texas muffin pan, which has cups that have an 8-ounce capacity, compared to
the usual 6 ounces. Texas, the largest state in America after Alaska, is big on big, which is how this
muffin pan got its name! It seemed particularly appropriate for these muffins because they are big on
flavor as well as size. This batter can also be baked in a loaf pan, and can feature chocolate chips. See
the variations at the end of the recipe.
TIME SCHEDULE

Oven Temperature: 350F

Baking Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Makes: 5 muffins
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

room temperature
1 very ripe banana, peeled
and lightly mashed
sour cream
1 large egg

grated lemon zest
pure vanilla extract
bleached cake flour or
bleached all purpose flour
sugar, preferably turbinado
baking powder
baking soda
salt
unsalted butter, softened
walnuts, toasted and chopped
medium-fine

volume

ounces

grams

1/2 c

4 oz

113.5 g

1/4 c
3 tbsp

about 2 oz 60 g
1.75 oz
50 g
(weighed without shell)
-2 g
---

1 tsp
3/4 tsp
1 c scant
3/4 c
6 tbsp
1/2 tsp
1/2 tsp
1/4 tsp
5 tbsp
1/2 c

3.5 oz

100 g

2.6 oz
---2.5 oz

75 g
2.4 g
2.5 g
1.7 g
71 g

1.75 oz

50 g

EQUIPMENT

a heavy-duty stand mixer with paddle attachment OR a hand-held mixer;

a Texas muffin pan lined with foil or paper liners, preferably lightly sprayed with Bakers Joy or
cooking spray

1 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350F 20 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
middle level.
2 > Mix the batter. In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, process the banana and sour cream
until smooth. Add the egg, lemon zest, and vanilla and process until blended.
In a mixer bowl or other large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
and beat on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid, with the paddle attachment) for about 1 minute, until
well mixed. Add the butter and half the banana mixture and beat until the dry ingredients are moistened.
Raise the speed to medium (#4 KitchenAid) or high if using a hand-held electric mixer and beat for 1
1/2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the remaining banana mixture in two parts, beating
for about 20 seconds after each addition or until well mixed. On low speed, beat in the walnuts.
3 > Fill the muffin containers. Spoon or pipe the batter into the muffin containers, filling them threequarters full. Pour a little water into the unfilled muffin cup to prevent uneven baking.
4 > Bake the muffins. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the muffins spring back when pressed lightly
in the center.
5 > Cool the muffins. Remove the muffins from the oven and unmold them at once onto a wire rack.
Turn top side up and cool until just warm or room temperature.
STORE Stored airtight at room temperature, these have just as lovely a texture and flavor the next day.

The muffins can be reheated for about 4 minutes in a 400F oven.

VARIATION

Banana Loaf This recipe can also be baked in an 8-by-4-inch bread pan for 40 to 50 minutes or until a
wooden skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> Use bleached all-purpose flour for a firmer more bread-like texture. Use cake flour for a softer,
lighter crumb.
> For finely grated zest, use a citrus zester (a small implement with tiny scraping holes), a vegetable
peeler, or fine grater to remove the yellow portion only of the peel. The white pith beneath is bitter. If
using a zester or peeler, finish by chopping the zest with a sharp knife.
> For the best flavor and sweetness, use a banana that is very ripe, with black spots all over the skin.
> It is not necessary to sift the flour if you are weighing it. However, if you measure it, be sure to sift
it into the cup and then level it off, without shaking or tapping the cup at all.
> A #30 ice cream scoop (2-tablespoon capacity) works well for transferring the batter to the muffin
containers. But I find it easiest to use a heavy-duty gallon zip-seal bag as a disposable piping bag.
Scrape the batter into the bag, zip it closed, and cut off the tip.
> The muffins can be frozen for up to 3 months. Frozen muffins can be reheated in a preheated 400F
oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until a metal cake tester inserted briefly into the center feels warm.
> These are also delicious made with 2 tablespoons poppy seeds instead of the walnuts.
> For a chocolate chip version, fold 1/4 cup / 1.5 ounces / 42 grams of mini chocolate chips (or
chocolate chopped medium fine) into the finished batter.
> For a chocolate swirl version, stir 1 ounce / 28 grams melted cooled bittersweet chocolate into 1/2
cup of the batter. Add it to the top of the batter in the loaf pan or muffin cups and swirl it in.
NOTE For calculation purposes if making these muffins in larger quantities, it is useful to know that

the banana peel represents about 25 percent of the weight of the banana.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Salt:
Fat:

100% (includes the starch in the banana)

132% (includes the water in the sour cream, butter, egg white, and
banana)
1.4%
59.2% (includes the fat in the sour cream and egg yolk)

Biscuits

Biscuits are a truly American tradition, emanating from the South, where no meal is considered
complete without them. In this chapter I have included the three basic types of biscuits:
> baking powderbutter biscuits

> baking powdershortening biscuits

> baking powder with yeast biscuits
I have also incorporated two less familiar but very appealing additions to the basic biscuit: hardcooked egg yolks, because they contribute a velvety texture, and sweet potato, for its beautiful color and
moisture-holding ability.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS FOR MAKING BISCUITS

> To hard-cook eggs to produce moist but firm yolks that are all yellow (no green on the outside):
Place the room temperature eggs in a small nonreactive saucepan with a tight-fitting cover and add
enough cold water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil, cover tightly, and remove the pan from the
heat. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Drain and set the eggs in a bowl of ice water to cool completely
before peeling.
> If you measure the flour instead of weighing it, you may need to adjust the texture of the dough by
adding either a little more flour or a little more liquid.
> Be sure to knead the dough to develop the gluten-forming protein, or it will not have enough
structure to rise during baking.
> When shaping biscuits, flour your hands and the counter. Most of this flour does not get absorbed
by the dough. Because a thin dusting of it will stay on the surface of the dough, do not use self-rising
flour for this purpose. The baking powder in it would never be activated and would impart a bitter taste
to the crust of the biscuits.
> Unbaked biscuits can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake without defrosting, adding 10 to 15
minutes to the baking time.
> To reheat leftover or frozen baked biscuits, spritz or sprinkle them all over with water and heat in a
preheated 300F oven for 15 minutes. A cake tester briefly inserted into the center will feel warm; the
outside will be crispy and the inside will be soft.

Butter Biscuits

These are the biscuits I want when I make strawberry shortcake. The butter and hard-boiled egg yolk

give them the most extraordinary golden color, velvety texture, and pleasing flavor.
TIME SCHEDULE

Oven Temperature: 375F

Baking Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Makes: nine 2 1/2-by-1 1/2-inch-high biscuits
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

volume
unsalted butter, cold
6 tbsp
White Lily self-rising flour or 2 c
bleached all-purpose flour
1 1/4 c
plus cake flour
2/3 c
plus baking powder
1 tbsp
plus salt
1 tsp
sugar
3 tbsp
2 large eggs, hard-cooked,
-yolks only
heavy cream or
buttermilk
3/4 liquid c
(or a combination of the two)
Optional topping:
1 tbsp
melted butter, cooled
about 1 tsp
sugar for sprinkling

WEIGHT

ounces
3 oz
10 oz
6.5 oz
2.3 oz
0.5 oz
-1.3 oz

grams
85 g
290 g
182 g
86 g
14.7 g
6.6 g
37.5 g

1.3 oz

37 g

6 oz
6.3 oz
(6.3 oz)

174 g
182 g
(178 g)

0.5 oz
--

14 g
--

EQUIPMENT

a baking sheet, a cushioned baking sheet, OR 2 baking sheets placed one on top of the other, lined
with a nonstick liner such as Silpat or parchment;
a baking stone OR baking sheet;
a 2 1/2-inch scalloped cookie or biscuit cutter

1 > Chill the butter. Cut the butter into small bits. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or freeze for 10
minutes.

2 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 400F 20 minutes before baking. Have an oven rack at the
middle level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
3 > Mix the dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour (and the baking powder and salt if not
using self-rising flour) and sugar. Add the butter and, with your fingertips, press it into the flour to make
small pieces that resemble coarse meal. (Or use an electric mixer, with the paddle attachment if a stand
mixer, on low speed.)
Press the egg yolks through a fine strainer into the flour mixture, and whisk to distribute them
evenly. Stir in the cream (and/or buttermilk) just until the flour is moistened and the dough starts to
come together so you can form it into a ball with your hands. Empty it onto a lightly floured counter and
knead it a few times until it develops a little elasticity and feels smooth. Dust the dough lightly with
flour if it feels a little sticky, and pat or roll it 3/4 inch thick (the shape doesnt matter).
4 > Shape the dough. Have a small dish of flour for dipping the cutter. Dip the cutter into flour before
each cut and cut cleanly through the dough, lifting out the cutter without twisting it so that the edges are
straight, for the maximum rise, kneading the dough scraps briefly so they wont get tough, pat or roll
out, and cut out more biscuits.
For biscuits with soft sides, place the biscuits almost touching (about 1/4 inch apart) on the baking
sheet. For crisp sides, place them 1 inch apart. Brush off any excess flour. For a crisp top, brush with the
melted butter and sprinkle lightly with the sugar.
5 > Bake the biscuits. Place the biscuits in the oven on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet, raise
the temperature to 400F and bake for 5 minutes. Lower the temperature to 375F and continue baking
for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden (an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of a biscuit will
read about 200F).
Split the biscuits in half, preferably using a three-tined fork to keep them from compressing and to
create a rustic rough split.
VARIATION

Ginger Biscuits: These are great for peach shortcake. Add 2 tablespoons finely chopped crystallized
ginger (1 ounce/28 grams) to the flour mixture and add 1 tablespoon (1/3 ounce/17 grams) grated fresh
ginger when adding the liquid.
UNDERSTANDING

White Lily flour (see Sources) really produces the softest, lightest biscuits, but any bleached all-purpose
flour in combination with cake flour will also be fine for these.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
41.7% to 66.4% (includes the water in the butter and cream and/or
buttermilk)
2.4%
20.4 to 69.4% (includes the fat in the egg yolks and cream and/or

buttermilk)
Touch-of-Grace Biscuits

Shirley Corriher is the Queen of Southern biscuits. This recipe for her biscuits has appeared in articles
and cookbooks, including her own CookWise. There are several secrets to these fluffy biscuits: the
traditional Southern soft (low-protein) White Lily flour, Crisco, and a lot of liquid (more than double
the usual amount!). Another secret is the Southern tradition of the rising oven. This means that when
the biscuits are placed in the oven, the temperature is turned up so that a burst of heat rises up, giving
extra lift to the biscuits. I have adopted this great tradition for all my biscuits!
Heavy cream will make a more tender biscuit, while buttermilk will make a slightly lighter biscuit
with a subtle tang. Compared to the Butter Biscuits, these have less fat but more sugar and liquid,
making them feathery. Because they are made with shortening, they have less flavor than biscuits made
entirely with butter, but the trade-off is that they are whiter, lighter, and fluffier. Of course they can be
spread with butter after baking if you cant just eat biscuits without the butter flavor. They are also tasty
Southern-style, sandwiched with ham and pepper jelly. And they make an excellent accompaniment to
any dinner.
TIME SCHEDULE

Oven Temperature: 475F, then 500F, then 475F

Baking Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Makes: nine 2 1/2-by-2-inch-high biscuits
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

volume
White Lily self-rising flour or 1 1/2 c
bleached all-purpose flour
1 c
plus cake flour
about 1/2 c
plus baking powder
2 tsp
plus salt
3/4 tsp
sugar
3 tbsp
salt
1/4 tsp
vegetable shortening, cold
3 tbsp
heavy cream or
buttermilk
1 1/4 c
(or a combination of the two)
bleached all-purpose flour
1 c
(NOT self-rising)
Optional topping:
1 tbsp
melted butter, cooled

WEIGHT

ounces
7.5 oz
5 oz
1.75 oz
0.3 oz
-1.3 oz
-1.25 oz
10.2 oz
10.6 oz
(10.4 oz)

grams
217 g
142 g
60 g
9.8 g
5 g
37.5 g
1.6 g
36 g
290 g
302 g
(296 g)

5 oz

142 g

0.5 oz

14 g

EQUIPMENT

an 8-inch round cake pan (OR 6-inch cake pan for half the recipe), lightly greased;
a baking stone OR baking sheet;
optional: a #30 ice cream scoop (2-tablespoon capacity)

1 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 30 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
middle level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
2 > Mix the dough. In a medium bowl (about 1 1/2 quarts), whisk together the flour (and the baking
powder if not using self-rising flour), sugar, and salt (1 teaspoon in all if not using self-rising flour).
Add the shortening in teaspoon-sized pieces and, with your fingertips, press the shortening into the flour
until pea-sized or smaller. (Or use an electric mixer on low speed.)
Stir in the cream (and/or buttermilk). The biscuit dough will be very soft, like mashed potatoes.
Allow it to sit for 2 to 3 minutes: it will stiffen slightly.
3 > Shape the dough. Spread the all-purpose flour in a pie plate or cake pan. To shape the biscuits
using the ice cream scoop or a large spoon, scoop up a biscuit-sized lump of the dough (a heaping
scoopful) and drop it onto the flour. Sprinkle the top lightly with some of the flour. Pick up the biscuit
with your hand and shape it into a round, gently shaking off any excess flour: it works well to hold the
biscuit in your left hand, with fingers partially closed so that thumb and index finger form the letter C.
With your right hand, tamp down the top of the dough so that the biscuit is 1 inch high and 2 inches
wide.
Put each biscuit in the cake pan as soon as it is shaped, placing them snugly-up against each other so
that the soft dough will rise up instead of spreading sideways during baking. If desired, dip the brush in
the melted butter (avoid the milk solids that will have sunk to the bottom) and brush the top of the
biscuits.
4 > Bake the biscuits. Place the biscuits in the oven on the hot baking stone or baking sheet. Raise the
heat to 500F and bake for 5 minutes. Lower the heat to 475F and continue baking for 10 to 15

minutes, until biscuits have doubled in size and are lightly browned (an instant-read thermometer
inserted into the center will read about 160F).
Allow the biscuits to cool in the pan for 1 to 2 minutes, then empty them onto a plate. Pull the
biscuits apart and split them in half, preferably using a three-tined fork to keep them from compressing
and to create a rustic rough split rather than a clean cut.
UNDERSTANDING

These biscuits must be arranged tightly together in a pan for support because their high moisture content
would otherwise cause them to lose their shape during baking before they set.
The oven temperature can be higher than for biscuits made with butter because vegetable shortening
doesnt brown as quickly as butter.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Salt:
Shortening:

100%
81 to 108.1% (includes the water in the cream and/or buttermilk)
3.2%
20.4 to 69.4%

Angel Light Biscuits

To create biscuits as light as an angels wings, I added yeast, in addition to baking powder, to my Butter
Biscuit recipe. The yeast makes it possible to prepare this dough up to three days ahead of baking the
biscuits, which means you can have hot biscuits on the table in no time.
TIME SCHEDULE

Minimum Rising Time: 5 1/2 hours

Oven Temperature: 375F, then 400F, then 375F
Baking Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Makes: nine 2 1/2-by-2-inch-high biscuits
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

volume
unsalted butter, cold
6 tbsp
White Lily self-rising flour or 2 c
bleached all-purpose flour
1 1/4 c
plus cake flour
2/3 c
plus baking powder
1 tbsp
plus salt
1 tsp
sugar
3 tbsp

WEIGHT

ounces
3 oz
10 oz
6.5 oz
2.3 oz
0.5 oz
-1.3 oz

grams
85 g
290 g
182 g
86 g
14.7 g
6.6 g
37.5 g

instant yeast (see Ingredients

for brands)
2 large eggs, hard-cooked,
yolks only
heavy cream or
buttermilk
(or a combination of the two)
Optional topping:
melted butter, cooled
sugar for sprinkling

2 tsp

--

6.4 g

--

1.3 oz

37 g

3/4 liquid c plus

2 tbsp

about 7 oz 203 g
about 7.5 oz 212 g
(7 oz)
(213 g)

1 tbsp
about 1 tsp

0.5 oz
--

14 g
--

EQUIPMENT

a baking sheet, a cushioned baking sheet, OR 2 baking sheets placed one on top of the other, lined
with a nonstick liner such as Silpat or parchment;
a baking stone OR baking sheet;
a 2 1/2-inch scalloped cookie or biscuit cutter

1 > Chill the butter. Cut the butter into small bits. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or freeze for 10
minutes.
2 > Mix the dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour (and baking powder and salt if not using
self-rising flour), sugar, and yeast. Add the butter and, with your fingertips, press it into the flour to
make small pieces that resemble coarse meal. (Or use an electric mixer on low speed.)
Press the egg yolks through a fine strainer into the flour mixture, and whisk to distribute them
evenly. Stir in the cream and (and/or buttermilk) just until the flour is moistened and the dough starts to
come together so you can form it into a ball with your hands. The dough will be very soft and sticky.
3 > Let the dough rise. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to rise for about 1 1/2
hours (ideally at 75 to 80F) or until it becomes puffy but hasnt quite doubled.
Pat the dough down gently and refrigerate it, tightly covered, for 4 hours, or for up to 3 days.
4 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Have a small dish of flour ready for dipping the cutter. Scrape the
dough onto a lightly floured counter and knead it a few times until it develops a little elasticity and feels
smooth. Dust the dough lightly with flour if necessary, and pat or roll it 3/4 inch thick (the shape doesnt
matter).
Dip the cutter into flour before each cut and cut cleanly through the dough, lifting out the cutter

without twisting it so that the edges are straight, for the maximum rise. Knead the dough scraps briefly,
pat or roll out, and cut out more biscuits.
For biscuits with soft sides, place the biscuits almost touching (about 1/4 inch apart) on the baking
sheet. For crisp sides, place the biscuits 1 inch apart.
Cover the biscuits with plastic wrap and allow them to rise for about 1 hour (ideally at 80 to 85F)
or until 1 inch high.
5 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375F 30 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
middle level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
6 > Bake the biscuits. Gently brush any excess flour from the biscuits. For a crisp top, brush with the
melted butter and sprinkle lightly with the sugar. Place the biscuits in the oven on the hot baking stone
or baking sheet, raise the temperature to 400F and bake for 5 minutes. Lower the temperature to 375F
and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. (An instant-read thermometer
inserted into the center of a biscuit will read about 200F).
Split the biscuits in half, preferably using a three-tined fork to keep them from compressing and to
create a rustic split.
UNDERSTANDING

White Lily flour (see Sources) really produces the softest, lightest biscuits, but any brand of bleached
all-purpose flour in combination with cake flour will be fine for these.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Fat:

47.4 to 75.8% (includes the water in the butter)

2.37%
2.4%
31 to 56.7%% (includes the fat in the egg yolks)

Sweet Potato Biscuits

You will never find a better use for leftover sweet potatoes or yams! They contribute a very subtle
flavor and sweetness, which I balance by using less sugar than usual, but what I value most is the
moistness and deep dark gold color they add. These biscuits are especially delicious sandwiched with
ham and honey mustard.
TIME SCHEDULE

Minimum Rising Time: 5 1/2 hours

Oven Temperature: 375F, then 400F, then 375F
Baking Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Makes: nine 2 1/2-by-2-inch-high biscuits

INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

volume
unsalted butter, cold
6 tbsp
White Lily self-rising flour or 2 c
bleached all-purpose flour
1 1/4 c
plus cake flour
2/3 c
plus baking powder
1 tbsp
plus salt
1 tsp
sugar
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
2 large eggs, hard-cooked
(yolks only)
heavy cream or
buttermilk
(or a combination of the two)
baked sweet potato or yam,
sieved at room temperature
Optional topping:
melted butter, cooled
sugar for sprinkling

WEIGHT

ounces
3 oz
10 oz
6.5 oz
2.3 oz
0.5 oz
-about 0.75
oz

grams
85 g
290 g
182 g
86 g
14.7 g
6.6 g

2 tsp

--

6.4 g

--

1.3 oz

37 g

2/3 c

5.4 oz
5.6 oz
(5.5 oz)

153 g
160 g
(156 g)

1/4 c plus
2 tbsp

3.3 oz

95 g

1 tbsp
about 1 tsp

0.5 oz
--

14 g
--

2 tbsp

25 g

EQUIPMENT

a cookie sheet, a cushioned cookie sheet, OR 2 baking sheets placed one on top of the other, lined
with a nonstick liner such as Silpat or parchment;
a baking stone OR baking sheet;
a 2 1/2-inch scalloped cookie or biscuit cutter

1 > Chill the butter. Cut the butter into small bits. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or freeze for 10
minutes.
2 > Mix the dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour (and baking powder and salt if not using
self-rising flour), sugar, and yeast. Add the butter and, with your fingertips, press it into the flour to
make small pieces that resemble coarse meal. (Or use an electric mixer on low speed.)

Press the egg yolks through a fine strainer into the flour mixture and whisk to distribute them
evenly.
Whisk the cream (and/or buttermilk) into the sweet potato or yam. With a rubber spatula or wooden
spoon, stir into the flour mixture just until the flour is moistened and the dough starts to come together
so you can form a ball with your hands. The dough will be very soft and sticky.
3 > Let the dough rise. Cover the dough tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to rise for about 1 1/2
hours (ideally at 75F to 80F) or until it becomes puffy but hasnt quite doubled. Pat the dough down
gently and refrigerate it, tightly covered, for 4 hours, or up to 3 days.
4 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Have a small dish of flour ready for dipping the cutter. Using an
oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough onto a lightly floured counter and knead it a few times
until it develops a little elasticity and feels smooth. Dust the dough lightly with flour if it feels sticky,
and pat or roll it 3/4 inch thick (the shape doesnt matter).
Dip the cutter into flour before each cut and cut cleanly through the dough, lifting out the cutter
without twisting it so that the edges will be straight, for the maximum rise. Knead the dough scraps
briefly, pat or roll out, and cut out more biscuits.
For biscuits with soft sides, place the biscuits almost touching (about 1/4 inch apart) on the baking
sheet. For crisp sides, place them 1 inch apart.
Cover the biscuits with plastic wrap and allow them to rise for about 1 hour (ideally at 80F to 85F)
or until they are 1 inch high.
5 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375F 30 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
middle level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
6 > Bake the biscuits. Gently brush any excess flour from the biscuits. For a crisp top, brush with the
melted butter and sprinkle lightly with the sugar. Place the biscuits in the oven on the hot baking stone
or baking sheet, raise the temperature to 400F, and bake for 5 minutes. Lower the temperature to 375F
and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned (an instant-read thermometer inserted
into the center of a biscuit will read about 200F).
Split the biscuits in half, preferably using a three-tined fork to keep them from compressing and to
create a rustic split.
UNDERSTANDING

White Lily flour (see Sources) really produces the softest, lightest biscuits but any brand of bleached
all-purpose flour in combination with cake flour will be fine for these.
Using both baking powder and yeast ensures a light and tender texture despite the extra moisture.
Less flour and less liquid is used than for the plain angel butter biscuits to balance the additional
liquid from the sweet potato.
The hard-cooked egg yolks add a little extra tenderness because of the fat they contain, but their
main contribution is a velvety softness on the tongue.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

100%

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Fat:

54.3 to 74% (includes the water in the heavy cream and/or buttermilk
and the sweet potato)
2.71%
2.2%
28.1 to 45.8% (includes the fat in the egg yolks and cream and/or
buttermilk)

Flaky Scones

It is only in the past ten years that the scone (pronounced skawn, as in gone) has appeared on the
breakfast scene, threatening to upstage even the bagel. Catherine G. Brown, in her book Scottish Cooker
(Mercat Press, Edinburgh, 1999), writes that these small tea cakes go back at least to the eighteenth
century, when the poet Robert Burns rightly described them as souple [soft] scones, the wale [choicest]
of food. The Chambers Scots Dictionary suggests that the word scone is from the Gaelic sgonn,
meaning a shapeless mass. Any way you slice it, one cant ask for a more perfect breakfast, tea, or
coffee break bread.
These flaky scones are ample and comfortingcrisp on the outside, soft, moist, and layered inside
with a pure butter flavor and just the right touch of chewy-sweetness from the currants. Ive tried and
rejected many other recipes. These, from master baker Patty Jackson of Tuscan Square, in New York
City, are the best. They are prepared by layering butter pieces into the dough much in the style of puff
pastry, giving the scones a slightly flaky texture. But since they contain only about one-third butter to
flour (puff pastry uses equal parts) and are made with heavy cream instead of water, they offer a far
more substantial, soul-satisfying texture.
If you want each scone to be a perfect even triangle, there will be some waste. Personally, I prefer to
use every scrap of the delicious dough and embrace the rustic misshapen ones along with the classic
three-sided variety.
TIME SCHEDULE

Oven Temperature: 400F

Baking Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Makes: twelve or sixteen 4-in by-1 1/2-inch-high scones
INGREDIENTS

unsalted butter, cold

unbleached all-purpose flour,
preferably Heckers
sugar
baking powder
baking soda

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 c

ounces
8 oz

grams
227 g

4 1/4 c

21.25 oz

608 g

1/2 c
2 tsp
1/2 tsp

3.5 oz
---

100 g
9.6 g
2.5 g

salt
heavy cream
currants

1/4 tsp
2 liquid c
1 c

-16.3 oz
4.5 oz

1.7 g
464 g
131 g

EQUIPMENT

2 half sheet pans lined with nonstick liners such as Silpat or parchment;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Chill the butter. Cut the butter into 1-inch cubes. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or freeze for
10 minutes.
2 > Mix the dough. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and
salt. Add the butter and with your fingertips, press the cubes into large flakes. (Or use an electric mixer,
mixing until the butter is the size of small walnuts.)
Stir in the cream just until the flour is moistened and the dough starts to come together in large
clumps. Stir in the currants. Knead the dough in the bowl just until it holds together, and turn it out onto
a lightly floured board.
3 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 400F 30 minutes before baking. Have an oven rack at the
middle level and set a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
4 > Shape the dough. Lightly flour the top of the dough (or use a floured pastry sleeve), and roll it out
into a long rectangle 1 inch thick and about 8 inches by 12 inches; use a bench scraper to keep the edges
even by smacking it up against the sides of the dough. Fold the dough in thirds, lightly flour the board
again, and rotate the dough so that the closed side faces to the left. Roll it out again and repeat the
turn 3 more times, refrigerating the dough, covered with plastic wrap, for about 15 minutes as
necessary only if it begins to soften and stick.
Roll out the dough once more. Trim the edges so that it will rise evenly. (To use the scraps, press
them together and roll out, giving them 2 turns, then roll the dough into a 1-inch-thick square and cut it
into 2 triangles.)
Cut the dough in half lengthwise so you have 2 pieces, each about 4 inches by 12 inches. Cut each
piece of dough into triangles with about a 3-inch-wide base and place them about 1 inch apart on the
prepared baking sheets. (The dough will rise but not expand sideways.) If the dough is soft, cover it well
with plastic wrap and freeze for 15 minutes or refrigerate for 1 hour before baking.

5 > Bake the scones. Bake the scones one sheet at a time: cover the second sheet with plastic wrap and
refrigerate while you bake the first one, then bake the second pan directly from the refrigerator. Place
the pan on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet and bake the scones for 15 to 20 minutes or until the
edges begin to brown and the tops are golden brown and firm enough so that they barely give when
pressed lightly with a finger (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a scone will read
about 200F). Check the scones after 10 minutes of baking, and if they are not browning evenly, rotate
the baking sheet from front to back. Do not overbake, as they continue baking slightly on removal from
the oven and are best when slightly moist and soft inside.
6 > Cool the scones. Place two linen or cotton towels on two large racks and, using a pancake turner,
lift the scones from the baking sheets and set them on top. Fold the towels over loosely and allow the
scones to cool until warm or at room temperature. (Since linen or cotton breathes, the scones will
have enough protection to keep from becoming dry and hard on the surface but will not become soggy.)
VARIATIONS

Dried Cranberry Scones Substitute dried cranberries for the currants for more tang.
Lemon Poppy Seed Scones Omit the currants and add 3 tablespoons (1 ounce/28 grams) poppy seeds
and 2 tablespoons (0.5 ounce/12 grams) finely grated lemon zest to the flour mixture.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> To reheat frozen scones, bake them in a preheated 300F oven for 20 minutes. The outside will be
crisp and a cake tester inserted briefly in the center will feel warm.
UNDERSTANDING

Heckers flour has a protein content that is higher than Gold Medal unbleached all-purpose (averaging
10.5 percent) but lower than King Arthur all-purpose (11.7 percent). Any of the three flours will
produce excellent scones, but Heckers is my preference because it results in the best compromise
between tenderness and flakiness.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
49% (includes the water in the butter and cream)
0.3%
57.7% (includes the fat in the cream)

Rich and Creamy Ginger Scones

These scones are lighter and more delicate than the Flaky Scones. They contain a little more butter and
a little less cream. The cream is whipped for added lightness, and the tops are dusted with sugar for
sparkle and crunch.
I like to use both candied ginger and ground ginger because the ground ginger distributes evenly
through the dough and the candied ginger gives little unexpected hits of flavor. Use the best crystallized
ginger you can find. I love the Australian variety, but when I go to Paris I always bring back some of
Fouquets incomparable ginger. He imports fresh ginger from Thailand and candies it himself.
Since these scones are so fabulously rich, I prefer to make them smaller than the usual, but if you
prefer big ones, simply cut 6 wedges instead of 8. This is a delightful recipe not only because it is so
delicious, but because it is so quick and easy to mix. If you freeze the butter cubes and flour mixture the
night before, these scones can be on your breakfast table the next morning in forty-five minutes, ready
to eat!
TIME SCHEDULE

Oven Temperature: 400F

Baking Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Makes: twelve or sixteen 3 1/2-by-1 1/4-inch-high scones
INGREDIENTS

unsalted butter, cold

heavy cream
unbleached all-purpose flour,
preferably King Arthur or
Heckers
sugar, preferably turbinado
baking powder
ground ginger
salt
grated lemon zest
crystallized ginger, cut into
1/8- to 1/4-inch pieces, or
mini-diced crystallized ginger

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
12 tbsp
3/4 liquid c

ounces
6 oz
6 oz

grams
170 g
174 g

2 c

10 oz

284 g

1/3 c
1 tbsp
1 tsp
1/8 tsp
1 tsp

2.3 oz
0.5 oz
----

66 g
14.7 g
--2 g

2/3 c

4 oz

113 g

2 tsp
1 tbsp

---

-12 g

Topping
heavy cream
sugar, preferably turbinado

EQUIPMENT

two 12-inch pizza pans OR a large cookie sheet, sprayed with Bakers Joy or greased and floured;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Chill the butter and whip the cream. If using the food processor, cut the butter into 3/4-inch cubes
and freeze for at least 15 minutes. They should be very solid. If mixing the dough by hand, cut the
butter into 3/4-inch cubes and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until very firm.
Whip the cream just until soft peaks form when the beater is lifted. Cover and place in the
refrigerator.
2 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 400F 30 minutes before baking. Have an oven rack at the
middle level and set a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
3 > Mix the dough.
Food Processor Method
In a food processor with the metal blade, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, ground ginger, salt,
and lemon zest. Add the butter and process for 10 to 15 seconds or until the mixture resembles fine
meal.
Empty the mixture into a large bowl and stir in the crystallized ginger. Make a well in the center.
Add the whipped cream to the well and, with a rubber spatula or a dough scraper, stir the flour mixture
into the cream until all of it is moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl just until it holds together, then
turn it out onto a lightly floured counter. Knead it about 8 times, until it can be shaped into a smooth
ball. (The dough will weigh about 28.5 oz/810 grams.)
Hand Method
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, ground ginger, salt, and lemon zest.
Add the butter and rub it between your fingers until the mixture resembles fine meal. Stir in the
crystallized ginger.
Make a well in the center of the mixture. Add the whipped cream to the well and, with a rubber
spatula or a dough scraper, stir the flour mixture into the cream until all of it is moistened. Knead the
dough in the bowl just until it holds together, then turn it out onto a lightly floured counter. Knead it
about 8 times, until it can be shaped into a smooth ball. (The dough will weigh about 28.5 ounces/810
grams.)
Both Methods
4 > Shape and chill the dough. Cut the dough in half. Shape each half into a smooth ball, press it into a
3/4-inch-thick disk about 6 inches in diameter, and wrap well with plastic wrap. Freeze for 15 minutes,

or refrigerate for 1 hour.

5 > Cut the dough. With a long sharp knife, cut each disk into 6 or 8 wedges. Brush the tops with the
heavy cream and sprinkle evenly with the sugar. Lift the wedges onto the prepared baking sheets,
leaving at least 1 1/2 inches between them.
6 > Bake the scones. Place the pan on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet and bake the scones for
15 to 20 minutes or until the edges begin to brown and the tops are golden brown and firm enough so
that they barely give when pressed lightly with a finger (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the
center of a scone will read about 200F). Check the scones after 10 minutes of baking, and if they are
not browning evenly, rotate the baking sheet from front to back. Do not overbake as they continue
baking slightly on removal from the oven and are best when slightly moist and soft inside.
7 > Cool the scones. With a pancake turner, transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool completely.
VARIATION

Stollen Christmas Scones I love the flavor of stollen but not the texture, which is invariably dry. With
stollen scones, however, you have the best of both worlds. Chef Dietmar Eilbacher, of the Culinary
Institute of America at Greystone, in California, served them at a Spice Conference to universally rave
reviews.
Reduce the ground ginger to 3/4 teaspoon and add 1/2 teaspoon each ground allspice, cinnamon,
coriander, and anise, and a pinch of cloves and mace. In addition to the lemon zest, add 2 teaspoons
grated orange zest.
Replace the crystallized ginger with 3 tablespoons (1.75 ounces/50 grams) candied orange peel and
add 1/3 cup (1.75 ounces/50 grams) raisins and 3/4 cup (2.5 ounces/70 grams) chopped almonds at the
same time. Bake the scones one sheet at a time: cover the second sheet with plastic wrap and refrigerate
while you bake the first one, then bake the second pan directly from the refrigerator.
Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to the heavy cream at the end of whipping.
Bake at the same temperature.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> If you are in a hurry, these scones will still be delicious without whipping the cream. The idea came
from cookbook writer Cindy Mushet, and it makes the scones slightly airy in texture.
> If its warm in your kitchen, place the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ginger in a container or
zip-seal plastic bag and freeze for at least 15 minutes before mixing the dough.
> The unbaked scones can be individually wrapped in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 3 months. To
bake, place one or more still-frozen scones on a prepared baking sheet, brush with cream, sprinkle with
sugar, and bake frozen. Add 5 to 7 minutes to the baking time. They have a more even shape when
baked frozen.
> The scones can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a preheated 300F oven for about 20
minutes. The outside will be crunchy and a cake tester briefly inserted in the center and removed will
feel warm.

UNDERSTANDING

The scones tend to stick to parchment. Using Bakers Joy or greasing and flouring the pans works best.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
43.9% (includes the water in the butter and cream)
0.3%
70.5% (includes the fat in the cream)

Irish Soda Bread

This started off as authentic Irish soda bread, which in Ireland is usually made with at least part whole
wheat flour, buttermilk, salt, and baking soda. By test four, all the good thingslike butter, sugar, and
raisins soaked in Irish whiskeyhad crept in and before I knew it I had the makings of a scone-like
bread, but a less rich one, as it has only half the butter. The butter and sugar add tenderness, moisture,
and flavor and soaking the raisins in the Irish whiskey, an inspiration from my editor, Maria, works
wonderfully to protect them from overbrowning on the surface and to give them a mellow flavor. I use
only baking soda as the leavening, which is activated and released fully by the acidity in the buttermilk.
There is no added baking powder, which is responsible for the odd metallic aftertaste so often associated
with this bread.
The bread takes just minutes to mix and is baked immediately after mixing. It is especially delicious
spread with plenty of creamy Irish whiskey butter (see below). Shaping the dough into rolls makes it
ideal for a bread basket, as the crust prevents the crumb from getting dry on standing the way slices of
the bread would. See the variation.
If you like an earthy wheaty flavor, use the optional whole wheat flour. The bread will still have a
surprisingly light texture.
TIME SCHEDULE

Oven Temperature: 375F

Baking Time: 35 minutes
Makes: a 7-by-3-inch-high round loaf/24 ounces/680 grams
MEASURE

WEIGHT

INGREDIENTS

raisins
Irish whiskey or hot water
unsalted butter, cold
unbleached all-purpose flour
(or 1 c all-purpose and 1 c
whole wheat flour)
sugar
baking soda
salt
buttermilk

volume
1 scant c
1/2 liquid c
4 tbsp

ounces
4.5 oz
3 oz
2 oz

grams
129 g
85 g
56 g

2 c

10.5 oz

300 g

3 tbsp
1 tsp
3/4 tsp
3/4 liquid c plus
1 tbsp

1.3 oz
---

37.5 g
5 g
5 g

7 oz

200 g

EQUIPMENT

a baking sheet, lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpat or parchment, OR greased with cooking
oil or spray

1 > Soak the raisins. In a small bowl, combine the raisins and whiskey. Cover with plastic wrap and
allow to sit, stirring once, until the raisins are softened, about 30 minutes (or let stand for as long as
overnight).
Drain, and reserve the whiskey to use in the Irish whiskey butter. You should have about 3
tablespoons.
2 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375F 20 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf just
below the center of the oven.
3 > Mix and knead the dough. Cut the butter into about 8 slices so that it begins to soften a little and
will be easier to mix into the flour.
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. With your fingertips, rub in the
butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the raisins. With a wooden spoon or rubber
spatula, stir in the buttermilk just until the dry ingredients are moistened and the dough comes together.
Empty the dough onto the counter and knead it lightly about 8 times, until smooth but still a little
sticky. If it sticks to the counter, use a bench scraper to gather it togethertry to avoid adding extra
flour. Flour your hands if absolutely necessary. (The dough will weigh about 22.5 ounces/640 grams.)

4 > Shape the dough. Roll the dough into a 6-inch round (it will be 1 3/4 inches high). If it sticks, flour
it lightly. Place it on the prepared baking sheet and, with a single-edged razor blade or sharp knife, make
a 1/2-inch-deep slash from one side of the dough to the other, then make a second slash across it to form
a cross.
5 > Bake the bread. Bake the bread for 30 minutes or until it is golden brown and a wooden skewer
comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 190F).
6 > Cool the bread. If you have a linen, cotton, or loose-weave towel, place it on a wire rack and place
the bread on top. Fold the towel over loosely and allow the bread to cool until just warm (about 40
minutes) or at room temperature. (The towel keeps the top crust soft, but since it breathes, the bread
will not become soggy.) Or simply cool the bread on a rack.
VARIATION

Royal Irish Soda Rolls (makes fifteen 2 1/2-inch-by-1 1/2-inch-high rolls; 1.5 ounces/44 grams each)
After kneading the dough, roll it into a long rope and divide it into 8 equal pieces (about 1.75 ounces/50
grams each). Roll each piece of dough between the palms of your hands, or with one cupped hand on
the counter, into a ball about 1 1/2 inches across. Set the balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared
baking sheet, in 3 rows of 5 balls each. With a single-edged razor blade or sharp knife, cut a 1/4-inchdeep cross in each one. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or just until beginning to brown (an instant-read
thermometer inserted into the center of a roll will read about 190F).
If you have a linen, cotton, or loose-weave towel, place it on a wire rack and set the rolls on top.
Fold the towel over loosely and allow them to cool until just warm (15 to 20 minutes) or at room
temperature. Or simply cool the rolls on a rack.
Irish Whiskey Butter
3 tbsp reserved Irish whiskey from the raisins
1 tbsp sugar
9 tbsp (4 1/2 oz/128 g) unsalted butter, softened
In a small microwaveable bowl, stir together the whiskey and sugar. Cover with plastic wrap and
microwave until hot about 20 seconds. (Alternatively, use a small saucepan and stir constantly.) Stir to
dissolve the sugar. Cover and allow to cool completely.
In a small bowl, with a small whisk or spoon, gradually stir the Irish whiskey mixture into the butter
until incorporated. It will be a caramel brown color. Store at cool room temperature for up to 2 days, or
refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> This bread freezes beautifully for up to 1 month. To reheat it, bake it uncovered in a preheated
300F oven for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center briefly feels warm.
UNDERSTANDING

This recipe calls for double the baking soda of most standard Irish soda bread recipes. It results in a

smoother top crust, higher rise, and a more golden color, as opposed to the usual reddish-brown color.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
63%
1.7%
16.3% (includes the fat in the buttermilk)

Levys Bagels

My first bread memory and my first teething ring are one and the same. It was my mother, a dentist,
who considered the bagel an ideal natural teething ring because of its firm yet forgiving texture. But it
was my father who brought us freshly baked bagels on a string every Friday afternoon after he made his
weekly delivery of bagel peels. In the 1940s, after the war, and the early 1950s, when times were hard,
my father, a skilled cabinet maker, turned to bagel peel production and eventually laid claim to the
exclusive bagel peel business in the greater New York area, including the five boroughs and all of New
Jersey. That did not make us rich, but we had all the bagels we could eat.
A peel is a flat wooden pallet with a long pole as handle, designed for transferring bread to and from
an oven. The peels used for bagels are only slightly wider than the bagels themselves. In traditional
bagel production, after being boiled in salted water, the bagels are placed on a wooden board and set in
the oven, which may be as deep as twenty feet. Once the tops of the bagels are firm, a piece of string is
run under the bagels to release them and they are inverted onto the hot oven shelf. The peel is used to
move them about so that they bake evenly and to remove them from the oven.
Nowadays, bagels are loved around the world, but todays bagels are not the bagels of my
childhood. Those were dense and chewy, plain golden brownno poppy seed, onion, or everything,
and certainly no boutique blueberry bagels with the texture of cake. (The first time I heard about those I
felt as if the world as I knew it was coming to an end.) My bagels were served cut crosswise in half, so
that to my childish imagination they delightfully resembled telephones, and each cut half was spread
with a big lump of sweet butter. As I bit off each piece, my attentive grandmother would apply a new
lump of butter. When I got older, I ate bagels the way the grownups did, cutting them in half
horizontally, digging out the softer centers, and toasting them before filling the cavities thus created
with butter.
I hadnt had a bagel that pleased me as much in years, as the texture of bagels has become ever more
compromised in the direction of an airy bread. I was afraid to make them myself because that wasnt the
tradition. So when I started working on this recipe, I made sure my father was there to set the standard.
He did more than that. He drew from his memory of sixty years ago a technique he had observed of
shaping the bagels by rolling them first into a rope, which strengthens the dough and makes the baked
bagels extra chewy. When I asked him whether they approached the bagels of his memory, to my
delight, he said, Theyre better! I suspect thats because they are less dense in texture and the flavor
more complex due to a simple sponge starter and an overnight rise.
This dough can be made by hand, but it requires sufficient kneading to develop the gluten and as it
is a stiff dough, it requires strong hands. I prefer using a stand mixer. Since a 5-quart KitchenAid stand

mixer can handle only a half recipe of the dough, I am providing directions for a half batch of 5, as well
as providing directions for a full batch of 10 for those who have a larger stand mixer.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 hour, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: 1 hour
Oven Temperature: 500F, then 450F
Baking Time: 35 minutes
Makes: ten (five if making the smaller batch) 4-by-1 1/2-inch-high bagels/about 4.5 ounces/127 grams
each
Dough Starter (Sponge)Full Recipe
INGREDIENTS

instant yeast (see Ingredients

for brands)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
King Arthur high-gluten
flour, preferably, or bread
flour

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 tsp

--

3.2 g

2 1/4 liquid c

18.7 oz

531 g

3 c

16.5 oz

468 g

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1/2 tsp

--

1.6 g

1 liquid c plus
2 tbsp

9.3 oz

265.5 g

1 1/2 c

8.25 oz

234 g

Dough Starter (Sponge)Half Recipe

INGREDIENTS

instant yeast (see Ingredients

for brands)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
King Arthur high-gluten
flour, preferably, or bread
flour
EQUIPMENT

a heavy-duty stand mixer with dough hook attachment;

a baking stone (dusted with cornmeal if baking the bagels directly on it);
1 or 2 half sheet pans (not black) lined with parchment and oiled or greased with cooking spray or
oil (oil is not necessary if coating the bottom of the bagels with seeds), or a peel dusted with

cornmeal;
parchment OR 2 clean kitchen towels, one dusted with flour;
a slotted skimmer
1 > Make the sponge. In a mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, place the yeast, water, and flour.
Whisk about 2 minutes, until very smooth; scrape down the sides. The sponge will be very thick. Cover
the bowl with plastic wrap.
Flour MixtureFull Recipe
INGREDIENTS

Optional:
unsalted butter
King Arthur high-gluten
flour, preferably, or bread
flour
instant yeast
malt powder or
barley malt syrup

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

3 tbsp

1.5 oz

42 g

2 1/3 c

12.75 oz

364 g

1 tsp
1 tbsp
1 tbsp

3.2 g
9.3 g
21 g

sugar

1 tbsp

salt
black pepper

1 tbsp
1 tsp

-0.3 oz
0.7 oz
about 0.5
oz
0.75 oz
--

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 1/2 tbsp

0.75 oz

21 g

1 c plus about
3 tbsp

6.4 oz

182 g

1/2 tsp

--

1.6 g

1/2 tbsp
1/2 tbsp

--
-about 0.25
oz
0.3 oz

4.7 g
10.5 g

12.5 g
21 g
--

Flour MixtureHalf Recipe

INGREDIENTS

Optional:
unsalted butter
King Arthur high-gluten
flour, preferably, or bread
flour
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
malt powder or
barley malt syrup
sugar

1/2 tbsp

salt

1/2 tbsp

6.2 g
10.5 g

black pepper

1/2 tsp

--

--

2 > Combine and add the ingredients for the flour mixture. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2
cups (11 ounces/312 grams) of the flour if making the full recipe, or 1 cup (5.5 ounces/156 grams) if
making the half recipe, the yeast, malt, sugar, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture lightly over the
sponge; do not stir. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand for 1 to 4 hours at room temperature, or, for
the best flavor development, 1 hour at room temperature and then refrigerated overnight, or up to 24
hours. (During this time, the sponge will bubble through the flour mixture in places; this is fine.)
3 > Mix the Dough.
Hand Method
If the sponge/flour mixture has been refrigerated, let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. If
using the butter, allow it to soften at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
Add the butter, if using, to the sponge/flour mixture. With a wooden spoon or your hand, stir the
flour mixture into the sponge until it becomes too stiff to mix. Knead the dough in the bowl until it
comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes just to
begin to develop the gluten structure; use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and gather it together as
you knead it. At this point it will be sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20
minutes. (This rest will make the dough less sticky.)
Knead the dough for another 10 to 15 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should be
barely tacky (slightly sticky) to the touch. If desired, add the remaining flour until it is no longer tacky.
More flour will make a heavier, chewier bagel, which some prefer. (The dough will weigh about 3
pounds/1 kg/440 grams).
Mixer Method
Add the butter if using it and all but 2 tablespoons of the remaining flour and mix with the dough hook,
starting on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid), mix until all the flour is moistened, about 1 minute.
Raise the speed to medium (#4 KitchenAid) and knead for 10 minutes if using high-gluten flour, 5 to 7
minutes if using bread flour, adding the remaining 2 tablespoons flour toward the end if the dough
doesnt pull away from the bowl. It should be very elastic and smooth and should jump back when
pressed with a fingertip. Empty it onto the counter and knead in a little more flour if it is tacky (slightly
sticky) to the touch. More flour will make a heavier, chewier bagel, which some prefer. (The dough will
weigh about 3 pounds/1 kg 440 grams if making the full recipe, 1 1/2 pounds/720 grams if making the
half recipe.)
Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a 4-quart (or 2-quart for half the recipe) dough-rising
container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Press the dough down and lightly spray or
oil the top. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the
container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise,
ideally at 75 to 80F, for 1 to 2 hours or until doubled.
Deflate the dough by firmly pushing it down. Give it an envelope turn and set it back in the
container. Oil the top of the dough, cover it, and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the

most flavor. (If you want to make the bagels later, at this point the dough can be wrapped and
refrigerated for up to 2 days. Let the dough stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before shaping.)
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Set a sheet of the parchment or lightly floured towel on a
countertop near the stovetop. (Alternatively, line the baking sheet(s) with parchment or floured towels
and place the shaped bagels on them so that you can move them easily when you are ready to boil
them.)
Transfer the dough to an unfloured counter. Cut it in half and place one piece, covered, in the
refrigerator. Cut the dough into 5 equal pieces (5 ounces/144 grams each). Allow the dough to rest for
about 10 minutes.
Use either of the following methods to shape the dough, working with one piece at a time and
keeping the remaining pieces covered. Place each bagel as you shape it on the parchment or floured
towel, and cover gently with oiled plastic wrap or a second towel.
Shaping Method #1
Begin by drawing up the sides of the piece of dough and pinching them together to form a round ball.
Turn the ball over so the pinched seam is on the bottom. Stick your index finger all the way through the
center of the ball, to make a hole. Hook the bagel over your thumb and insert the index finger of your
other hand into the hole, stretching and rotating it to make a hole about 2 1/2 inches in diameter. (The
bagel will resemble a ring at this point but when boiled, it will puff up and the hole will close in to bagel
size, about 1 inch.)
STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR SHAPING BAGELS:

METHOD #1
1> Drawing up the sides of the dough

2> Pinching the dough together at the top

3> Making a hole with your index finger in the center of the dough

4> Hooking the dough around your thumb and pulling the dough with the fingers of your other hand

5> Stretching the dough make a 2 1/2-inch hole

Shaping Method #2
To develop slightly more chewiness, roll each piece of dough on an unfloured counter into a 12-inchlong rope. Make a ring, overlapping the ends by 2 inches and joining them by pressing down and rolling
on the overlap until it is the same thickness as the rest of the dough ring. There will be a 1-inch hole in

the center. This technique results in rounder, slightly higher bagels with smaller holes.
STEP-BY-STEP METHOD FOR SHAPING BAGELS:
METHOD #2

1> Rolling the dough into a 12-inch long rope

2> Making a ring by twisting one end of the dough over to overlap the other end by 2 inches

3> Pressing down and rolling the dough

Both Methods
Allow the bagels to rise for about 15 minutes or until they puff slightly.
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 500F 30 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
lowest level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
Water Bath and Toppings
INGREDIENTS

molasses or

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
2 tbsp

ounces
1.5 oz

grams
42 g

sugar
baking soda

1/4 c
1 tsp

1.75 oz
--

50 g
--

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/4 liquid c
1 tsp

ounces
about 2 oz
--

grams
60 g
--

(3 to 4 tbsp seeds)

--

--

Glaze and Toppings

INGREDIENTS

2 large egg whites

cold water
poppy, sesame, or caraway
seeds; kosher or sea salt;
minced onions sauted in
vegetable oil; and/or dried
garlic chips or dehydrated
onions softened in hot water

7 > Boil the bagels. If you are using seeds for topping the bagels, instead of setting the boiled bagel
onto the parchment or towel, scatter half the seeds evenly over a jelly-roll or cake pan and set the boiled
bagel on top of the seeds, rather than on the parchment or towel, then transfer to the peel or baking sheet
as directed below. There is no need to grease the baking sheets in this case.
Bring a large pot (about 9 inches by 4 inches high) of water to a boil. Stir in the molasses or sugar
and baking soda until dissolved. With a skimmer, transfer the bagels, one at a time, to the boiling water,
without crowding them; cook them in batches of 2 to 3 at a time so that they can swim around without
touching one another. If they are slightly underrisen, they may sink at first but will then rise to the
surface. Boil for 30 seconds to 2 minutes on each side, gently flipping them over with the skimmer; the
longer time will make a thicker crust. Remove the boiled bagels, shaking off excess water over the pot
and set onto parchment or the unfloured towel to drain, then move them, using a pancake turner, to the
prepared baking sheet(s) or peel, after just 30 seconds to 1 minute, so that they dont stick. (If necessary,
boil and bake the bagels in two batches; in that case, set the pot aside until ready to boil the next batch,
and bring the mixture back to a boil before sliding the bagels into the boiling water.) The bagels will
look wrinkled at this stage. Dont worrytheir appearance vastly improves on baking.

TECHNIQUE: Removing bagels from boiling water with a slotted skimmer

8 > Glaze the bagels. Whisk together the egg whites and cold water to break up the whites. Pass

through a sieve into a bowl, and brush each bagel with the glaze. Do not let the glaze drip onto the
baking sheet or peel, or it will glue them down. Brush with a second coat of glaze and, if desired,
sprinkle any topping of your choice evenly over the bagels. (If you are using seeds, lift each bagel with
a thin pancake turner or your hand, and, holding it over the pan with the seeds, sprinkle some more
seeds on top. This way, you dont have any seeds that would burn on the baking sheet.)

TECHNIQUE: Brushing bagels with egg-white glaze, then sprinkling them with poppy seeds
9 > Bake the bagels. If using baking sheets, place one sheet directly on the hot oven stone or hot baking
sheet. If using a peel, slide the bagels onto the hot stone. Bake for 5 minutes. Lower the temperature to
450F and bake for 20 minutes. Turn off the oven, without opening it and let the bagels remain for 5
minutes. Then open the oven door and leave the bagels in the oven for 5 more minutes.
10 > Cool the bagels. Transfer the bagels to a wire rack and cool completely. (If baking a second batch,
bring the oven temperature back to 500F. If using a baking stone, to prepare it for the next batch, use
an oven-sweep or brush (see Equipment) to sweep any cornmeal from the stone onto a baking sheet, and
discard it.)
STORE The bagels keep well for 1 day at room temperature in a paper bag. For longer storage, wrap

each in plastic wrap, place in plastic freezer bags, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw, still wrapped, at
room temperature.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> High-gluten flour guarantees a bagel with maximum chewiness. Alternatively, use King Arthur
bread flour, which has a higher gluten-forming protein content than other bread flours available to the
consumer. You could also add up to 1/4 cup/1.3 ounces/38 grams of vital wheat gluten to a lowerprotein unbleached flour.
> Butter, though not traditional, will produce a softer and lighter crumb. My preference is bagels

made without it.

> The barley malt contributes flavor and the slightest hint of sweetness.
> Dont flour the counter when shaping the bagels using the rolling method, or the dough will not be
sticky enough to seal the ends.
UNDERSTANDING

Baking soda helps to create a golden color in the crust. Molasses contributes extra shine.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Butterfat:

100%
63.8%
0.8%
2.4%
(if using the optional butter): 3.5%

Bialys

There are some who divide the world between bagel lovers and bialy lovers. The dough for both is
actually very similar, but the difference in shaping and baking techniques sets them apart. A bagel is
brown, chubby, and almost cakey, with a soft and chewy crust. It can be left plain or sprinkled with a
variety of toppings. A bialy is flat, with a springy/soft crumb and a crisp papery thin shell of a flourdusty white crust. It always has a filling in the center, from a schmear of caramelized onions to a more
substantial chopped onion and poppy seed combination. If you find the idea of oil-poached garlic
appealing, see the recipe for the for Focaccia with Pockets of Garlic.
Kossars, on the lower east side of New York, is close to Greenwich Village, where I live, and even
closer to where my great-grandparents lived years before I was born. Kossars is considered by New
Yorkers to be the last word in bialys, so I was delighted when Whitey, one of the top bakers, who has
worked there for twenty five years, offered to give me a lesson in making and shaping bialy dough. He
also gave me the secret to keeping the dough from puffing too much in the center. I made bialys at home
the very next day and was thrilled with their success.
Dont worry if the dough puffs a little more than it shouldit will make it easier to cut in half.
Delicious when freshly baked or lightly toasted after cooling, this simple and amazing bread, spread
with butter, is as soul-satisfying as bread ever gets.
TIME SCHEDULE

Starter: straight dough method

Minimum Rising Time: about 3 1/2 hours
Oven Temperature: 475F
Baking: 6 to 8 minutes

Makes: six 4-by-1 1/4-inch-high bialys about 2.75 ounces/82 grams each or six flat 5-by-1-inch-high
bialys coated with poppy seeds 2.5 ounces/72.5 grams each
INGREDIENTS

King Arthur high-gluten

bread flour, preferably, or
bread flour
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
salt
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

2 c

10.5 oz

300 g

1/2 tsp

--

1.6 g

1 tsp
3/4 liquid c plus
2 tbsp
(7 fl oz)

--

6.6 g

7.25 oz

206 g

EQUIPMENT

a heavy-duty stand mixer with dough hook attachment;

a half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or parchment;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Mix the dough. In the bowl, whisk together the flour and the yeast, then whisk in the salt (this
keeps the yeast from coming in direct contact with the salt which would kill it). With the dough hook,
on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid), gradually add the water, mixing for about 1 minute or until the
flour mixture is moistened. Raise the speed to medium (#4 KitchenAid) and continue mixing for 7
minutes. The dough should clean the bowl but be soft and elastic. Add a little extra flour or water if
necessary. (The dough will weigh about 17.75 ounces/506 grams.)
2 > Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a 1 1/2-quart or larger dough-rising container or bowl,
lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Press down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover
the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at
approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise, ideally at 75 to
80F, for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until it has doubled.
3 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Deflate the dough by firmly pushing it down, and transfer it to a

floured counter. Cut the dough into 6 equal pieces (about 3 ounces/84 grams each). Work with one piece
at a time, keeping the remaining dough covered. Maintaining as much air as possible in the dough,
round each piece by pulling the dough together to form a pouch, stretching to make a smooth skin, and
pinching it together where the edges meet. Set it on a floured baking sheet or tray, pinched side down.
(The rounds will be 2 1/2 inches by 1 1/2 inches high.) Flour the tops and cover with plastic wrap.
Allow the bialys to rise for about 2 hours at 75 to 80F or until almost doubled; when pressed
lightly in the center, they should keep the impression. If the dough is underrisen, it will puff up in the
center instead of maintaining the characteristic hollow crater. The trick for underrisen dough is to make
a small hole in the center before adding the filling. Since the dough bakes so quickly, its easy to test
bake one to see if the dough is ready. If you want to be on the safe side, make the hole anyway.
OnionPoppy Seed Filling
Makes: 2 tablespoons, about 1.25 ounces/38 grams
INGREDIENTS

vegetable oil
onion, chopped
poppy seeds
sea salt
black pepper

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
2 1/4 tsp
6 tbsp
3/4 tsp
1/4 tsp
to taste

ounces
-1.5 oz
----

grams
-43 g
----

4 > Make the onionpoppy seed filling. In a small saut pan, heat the oil. Add the onion and saut
over medium heat, stirring often, for about 5 minutes or until translucent. Remove from the heat and
add the poppy seeds, salt, and pepper to taste. Cool.
5 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 30 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
lowest level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a sheet pan on the floor of the oven,
before preheating.
6 > Make the craters for the filling. Holding each piece of dough with both hands, with your thumbs
in the middle and almost touching, pinch the center of the dough tightly between your thumbs and first
two fingers and stretch the dough to 4 1/2 to 5 inches in diameter, forming a crater in the center. Place it
on the lined baking sheet and spoon 1 teaspoon of onionpoppy seed filling into the center.
STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR SHAPING AND FILLING A BIALY:
1 > Pinching the center of the dough and stretching it to make a crater

2 > Onionpoppy seed mixture placed in center of bialy

7 > Bake the bialys. Place the baking sheet with the bialys directly on the hot oven stone or hot baking
sheet, or, if using parchment, use a peel or a cookie sheet to slide the parchment with the bialys onto the
stone or sheet. Toss 1/2 of ice cubes into the sheet pan on the oven flour, and immediately shut the door.
Bake for 6 to 10 minutes or until pale golden and mottled with brown spots (an instant-read
thermometer inserted into the center will read about 211F.).
8 > Cool the bialys. Remove the baking sheet or parchment from the oven and, with a pancake turner,
transfer the bialys to wire racks to cool until just warm.
STORE The bialys keep well for 1 day at room temperature in a paper bag. For longer storage, wrap

each in airtight plastic wrap and place in freezer bags in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw, still
wrapped, at room temperature.
VARIATION

To make crisper flat bialys (a favorite in New York), brush the tops with a mixture of 1 large egg white
beaten with 1/2 teaspoon water and sprinkle with poppy seeds (use 3 times the weight of the egg white
in poppy seeds). Cover with plastic wrap and press down on the bialys with a sheet pan or cookie sheet
to make 5 1/2- to 6-inch rounds. Remove the plastic wrap and use the wide end of a chopstick to make
about 12 holes in each bialy. Bake as above, but add a few minutes so that the bialys turn golden brown.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> High-gluten flour ensures maximum chewiness because it has more gluten-forming proteins, which
give a stronger structure to the bread. Alternatively, use King Arthur bread flour, which has a higher
gluten-forming protein content than other bread flours. You could also add up to 1/4 cup/1.3 ounces/38
grams of vital wheat gluten to the flour.
> A stand mixer is far superior to hand mixing for developing the gluten.

> If you prefer the traditional schmear of browned onion paste to the onion and poppy seed filling,
simply puree a medium onion in a food processor, spread it on a nonstick baking sheet, and bake for
about 1 hour in a 350F oven, stirring a few times, until lightly browned. Use only about 1/4 teaspoon
on the center of each bialy.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:

100%
68.6%
0.53%
2.2%

English Muffins

This incredibly smooth and supple dough is almost identical to the one for Basic Soft White Sandwich
Loaf, with slightly less butter and slightly more yeast but it is cooked on a griddle rather than baked in
an oven. It has that elusive English muffin flavor but is so much more delicious than store-bought
muffins in large part because of the sponge pre-ferment technique. An electric griddle is ideal because it
holds its temperature so evenly without adjustment. Of course, its also great for the Crumpets and your
favorite pancakes.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 4 hours, maximum 24 hours

Rising Time: about 3 hours
Griddle Temperature: 275F (low heat for frying pan)
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Makes: ten 3-by-just-under-1-inch-high muffins
Dough Starter (Sponge)
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
water at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
honey
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 c plus
1 1/2 tbsp

5.5 oz

156 g

3/4 liquid c

6.2 oz

177 g

1 tbsp

0.75 oz

20 g

1/2 tsp

--

1.6 g

EQUIPMENT

a heavy-duty stand mixer with dough hook attachment;

an electric griddle OR a cast-iron griddle or skillet;
a 3 1/2-inch biscuit cutter (OR a clean tuna can with top and bottom removed, thoroughly washed
to remove any odors)

1 > Make the sponge. In the bowl of a stand mixer or another large bowl, place the flour, water, honey,
and instant yeast. Whisk until very smooth, incorporating air, about 2 minutes. The sponge will be the
consistency of a thick batter.
Flour Mixture
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
dry milk, preferably nonfat
(or replace the water with the
scalded milk that has been
cooled to lukewarm)
instant yeast
unsalted butter, softened
salt
cornmeal
melted butter, preferably

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 c plus
1 1/2 tbsp

5.5 oz

156 g

2 tbsp

0.7 oz

20 g

1/2 tsp
3 tbsp
1 1/4 tsp

-1.5 oz
-about 1.5
oz

1.6 g
42 g
8.3 g

about 1/3 c

about 42 g

clarified

1 tsp

0.3 oz

9 g

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour
(reserve 1/4 cup if mixing by hand), dry milk, and yeast. Sprinkle this on top of the sponge; do not stir.
Cover tightly with plastic wrap. Allow to ferment for 1 to 4 hours at room temperature, or, for the best
flavor development, 1 hour at room temperature and 8 or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator; if mixing by
hand, remove the sponge from the refrigerator about 1 hour before mixing the dough. (During this time,
the sponge will bubble through the flour blanket in places; this is fine.)
3 > Mix the dough.
Mixer Method
Add the butter and mix with the dough hook on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) until the flour is
moistened enough to form a rough dough. Scrape down any bits of dough. Drape plastic wrap over the
top of the bowl and allow the dough to rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 10 minutes. It will
be smooth and shiny but tacky enough to stick slightly to your fingers. Add a little flour or water if
necessary. (The dough will weigh about 19.75 ounces/568 grams.)
Hand Method
Add the butter and salt and, with a wooden spoon or your hand, stir until all the flour is moistened.
Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured counter. Knead
the dough for 5 minutes, just to begin to develop the gluten structure, adding as little of the reserved 1/4
cup of flour as possible; use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and gather it together as you knead it.
At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes.
(This rest will make the dough less sticky and easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should still be tacky
enough to stick slightly to your fingers. If the dough is very sticky, add some or all of the remaining
reserved flour, or a little extra. (The dough will weigh about 19.75 ounces/568 grams.)
Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or bench scraper, scrape the dough into a 2-quart doughrising container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Press down the dough and lightly
spray or oil the top. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of
the container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise,
ideally at 75 to 80F, for about 1 1/2 hours or until doubled.
With oiled fingers, gently deflate the dough by pressing it down, and knead it lightly in the
container. Oil the top of the dough, cover it, and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours, to
chill and firm the dough.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Sprinkle a half sheet pan or the counter evenly with about twothirds of the cornmeal. On a lightly floured counter, roll out the dough to a rectangle 8 inches wide by
12 inches long and about 1/4 inch thick. Spray the biscuit cutter with Bakers Joy or flour it, and cut out
6 rounds. They will shrink back to 3 inches once cut, and their height will be closer to 1/2 inch. Set the

pieces of dough on top of the cornmeal, leaving about 2 inches between them, and dust the tops lightly.
Cover them with a large container, or cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap, and allow them to rise for
about 45 minutes or until about 3/4 inch high.
Meanwhile, knead the dough scraps together and press them into a disk. Set it on a flat plate, cover
it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, or up 8 hours to relax the gluten. Then roll the
dough on a floured counter to a little larger than 7 inches square by about 1/4 inch thick and cut out 4
more rounds of dough. Allow them to rise, and proceed as for the first batch.
6 > Preheat the griddle or frying pan. If using an electric griddle, preheat it to 275F. If using a
skillet, heat it over low heat until a drop of water sizzles on contact.
7 > Cook the muffins. Brush the griddle or pan lightly with the melted butter using a pancake turner,
add the muffins (in batches if necessary) and cook for 10 minutes or until browned underneath. Turn
and continue cooking until the bottom is browned (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center
should read about 190F).
8 > Cool the muffins. Transfer the muffins to a wire rack to cool completely.
STORE The muffins can be stored in a paper bag overnight, frozen, well wrapped (split before

freezing), for up to 3 months.

SERVE Split the muffins, using a fork or two forks back to back to create a rough surface full of nooks

and crannies. Toast them, preferably using the top brown element in a toaster oven or a broiler until
lightly browned. Heaven.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
60% (includes the water in the honey and butter)
1%
2.8%
10.9%

Pretzel Bread

This bread was created by Mark Fiorentino, chef boulanger, and Daniel Boulud for the dinner menu of
Daniels bistro DB in New York City. It is a wondrously chewy, flavorful bread shaped like a tiny
football, with the shiny salt-sprinkled crust of a classic pretzel. This incredibly popular little bread has
been a secret recipe up until now, but Daniel generously offered it to me to share with everyone.
Wouldnt this be delicious fun for a Super Bowl party!
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter: straight dough method

Rising Time: 1 1/2 hours

Oven Temperature: 400F
Baking Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Makes: twelve 1 1/2-by-4-by-1-inch-high little breads about 1 ounce/28 grams each
INGREDIENTS

bread flour, preferably King

Arthur special
whole wheat flour
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
Optional:
malt powder
salt
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
Optional:
unsalted butter

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 1/2 c minus
1 tbsp
3 tbsp

ounces

grams

about 8 oz

225 g

scant 1 oz

25 g

3/4 tsp

--

2.4 g

1/2 tsp

--

1.5 g

1 1/8 tsp
1/2 liquid c plus
2 tsp

--

7.4 g

4.5 oz

127 g

1 tbsp

0.5 oz

14 g

EQUIPMENT

a heavy-duty stand mixer with dough hook attachment;

half sheet pans, lined with foil and greased with cooking spray or oil;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Mix the dough. In the mixer bowl, whisk together the flours, yeast, and optional malt powder. Then
whisk in the salt (this keeps the yeast from coming in direct contact with the salt, which would kill it).
With the dough hook, on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) add the water, mixing until all the flour
is moistened. Add the butter, if desired. Raise the speed to medium (#4 KitchenAid) and knead for 7
minutes. If the dough does not form a smooth ball after 5 minutes, add a little more water by the 1/2
teaspoon. The dough should be very stiff and only somewhat elastic. (The dough will weigh 14
ounces/400 grams.)
2 > Shape the dough. Empty the dough onto a counter and shape it into a ball. Let it sit covered for 1
hour. It will relax and spread out slightly. Divide it into 4 pieces, and then divide each piece into 3 (total

12 piecesabout 1.3 ounces/33 grams each).

Roll each piece of dough into a ball. Shape into a tapered 4-inch-long football, 1 inch wide in the
middle, by placing both hands on top and rolling back and forth to elongate it, applying more pressure
to the ends to taper them. Set the footballs on a baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
3 > Let the dough rise. Cover the footballs with oiled plastic wrap and let sit for 30 minutes, just so
that they rise very slightly.
Refrigerate, uncovered, for 1 hour so the dough is firm enough to dip in the lye solution without
losing its shape (no need to refrigerate if you are brushing the pretzels with egg white and not using the
lye solution).
4 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 400F 30 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
lowest level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the
floor of the oven, before preheating.
5 > Make the lye solution. Be very careful when working with lye, as it is extremely caustic and
will burn if it comes in direct contact with your skin. In a small stainless steel, glass, or other
nonreactive container, mix the lye with the boiling water (cover your nose with a handkerchief until the
lye is dissolved to avoid irritation). Allow the mixture to cool.
Lye 4% Solution
INGREDIENTS

lye
water
salt, preferably sel gris

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 tsp gently
rounded
1 liquid c
1/2 tsp

ounces

grams

0.3 oz

9.5 g

8.3 oz
--

236 g
3.3 g

6 > Slash and glaze the dough. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make 2 long shallow
slightly diagonal slashes in each bread. Avoid touching the lye solution with your bare fingers. Use
tongs or rubber gloves to dip each piece of dough in the lye solution, then set it on the prepared pan.
(Each batch uses 2 tablespoons of lye solution. Sprinkle the top of the dough with the salt, and bake
immediately.
7 > Bake the breads. Quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot baking stone or hot baking
sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath, and immediately shut the door. Bake for 15 to 20
minutes or until deep golden brown (an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center will read about
200F).
8 > Cool the pretzels. Remove the pan from the oven and using tongs, lift the breads onto racks to cool
until just warm.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> Only a lye solution will give you the typical pretzel crust, but these little breads are so delicious

they are worth making even without the lye glaze. Red Devil lye is available in hardware or plumbing
supply stores.
> Alternatively, an egg white glaze will still provide an attractive shiny glaze: Whisk together 1 egg
white with 1/2 teaspoon cold water to break up the white. Put it through a sieve into a bowl, and brush
each bread with the glaze. Do not let the glaze drip onto the baking sheet or peel, or it will glue them
down. Brush with a second coat of the glaze and sprinkle with the salt.
UNDERSTANDING

The optional malt adds its own flavor.

The optional butter adds flavor, softens the crumb slightly, and keeps the bread soft the following
day.
Slightly underproofing the dough will cause it to burst open more along the slashes.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:

100% (bread: 89.3%, whole wheat: 10.7%)

51%
0.96%
4.3%

Crumpets

These spongy fried little disks with holes lacing through the top have an interesting floury quality you
either love or hate. Toasting crisps the crust and completes the cooking.
The secret to the airiest possible crumpet is the second rising after the addition of the baking soda.
Toasted and buttered, they are traditional for breakfast or tea.
TIME SCHEDULE

Rising Time: 1 1/2 hours

Griddle Temperature: 275F (low heat for frying pan)
Frying Time: about 10 minutes
Makes: six 4-by-3/8-inch-high crumpets
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

5.5 oz

156 g

1 c plus

Arthur, or Pillsbury)
dry milk, preferably nonfat
(or replace the water with
scalded milk that has been
cooled to lukewarm)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
sugar
salt
water, at room temperature
or warm
baking soda
melted butter, preferably
clarified

1 1/2 tbsp

2 tbsp

0.7 oz

20 g

1 tsp

--

3.2 g

1/2 tsp
1/2 tsp
3/4 liquid c plus
2 tbsp, divided
1/4 tsp

---

-3.5 g

7 oz

198 g

--

--

1 tsp

--

4 g

EQUIPMENT

A heavy-duty stand mixer with paddle attachment OR a hand-held mixer;

an electric griddle OR a cast-iron griddle or skillet OR other heavy pan;
six 4 inch-by-1/2-inch-high rings OR large tuna cans with top and bottom removed, thoroughly
washed to remove any odors

1 > Mix the batter. In a large mixer bowl or other large bowl, with the paddle attachment on low speed
(#2 if using a KitchenAid, with the paddle attachment), beat together the flour, dry milk, yeast, sugar,
and salt. Add the 3/4 cup water and, gradually raising the speed to medium (#5 KitchenAid), beat for
about 5 minutes, until completely smooth.
2 > Let the batter rise. Using an oiled rubber spatula, scrape the batter into a dough-rising container or
bowl with at least 1-quart capacity. With a piece of tape, mark the side at where double the height of the
dough would be. Cover and allow it to rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
3 > Add the baking soda and the remaining water and let the dough rise again. In a small bowl,
mix together the baking soda and the remaining 2 tablespoons water. Stir into the batter (this will deflate
it again) and allow it to rise until almost doubled, about 30 minutes. The batter will be filled with
bubbles.

4 > Preheat the griddle or frying pan. If using an electric griddle, preheat it to 275F. If using a
skillet, heat it over low heat until a drop of water sizzles when added.
5 > Fry the crumpets. Brush the griddle or pan and the inside of the crumpet rings lightly with the
melted butter. Set the rings in the pan (cook the crumpets in 2 batches if necessary). Use a ladle or large
spoon to pour the batter into the rings filling them about two-thirds full. The batter will rise to the top
during cooking. Cook the crumpets for 10 minutes or until they are nicely browned underneath and have
lost their shine and appear dull on top (to check, using tongs, lift off a ring and slide a spatula
underneath). Turn the crumpets and continue cooking until the bottoms are browned.
6 > Cool the crumpets. Remove the crumpets to a wire rack to cool completely.
STORE The crumpets can be stored overnight in a paper bag or frozen, well wrapped, for up to 3

months: thaw before toasting.

SERVE Toast the crumpets until they are warmed through and the outsides are crisp.
UNDERSTANDING

Crumpets fall somewhere between a batter and a bread, containing double the water of a basic bread
and three times the yeast plus baking soda.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:

100%
113%
2%
2.1%

Butter Popovers

Popovers are often made simply with flour, eggs, and milk, without butter, but butter not only adds its
unmistakably good flavor, it also improves the texture. These popovers, crisp on the outside and almost
cake-like spongy on the inside, are incredibly tender and delicious, and they also have something very
special to recommend them: unlike regular popover batter, which must be mixed at least two hours
before baking, these can go straight into the oven immediately after mixing! They are good as a dinner
roll or a brunch treat with butter and preserves. They can even be baked several hours ahead and
recrisped just before serving.
TIME SCHEDULE

Oven Temperature: 425F

Baking Time: 1 hour

Makes: 6 large (about 4 inches high) popovers or 12 small ones (muffin size)
INGREDIENTS

Wondra flour
salt
sugar
whole milk
2 large eggs

unsalted butter, melted and
cooled but still liquid

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 c plus
3 tbsp (measured by
shaking from
container into cup)
1/2 tsp
1/2 tsp
1 liquid c
3 fl oz

ounces

grams

about 5 oz

145 g

4 tbsp, divided

2 oz

----8.5 oz
242 g
3.5 oz
100 g
(weighed without shells)
56 g

EQUIPMENT

a 6-cup popover pan OR 12-cup mini popover pan (if using black metal, lower the initial 425F to
400F) OR a 12-cup standard muffin pan

1 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 425F 30 minutes before baking. Set a rack on the second
rung from the bottom.
2 > Mix the batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Using a whisk, slowly stir
in the milk. Continuing with the whisk or using a hand-held electric or rotary beater, add the eggs one at
a time, beating for about 1 minute after each addition, then beating until the batter is smooth. Beat in 2
tablespoons of the melted butter. (Small lumps of butter will remain visible.) Transfer the batter to a
pitcher. If not using immediately, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours; beat lightly before pouring
the batter into the pans.
3 > Prepare the pan. Place 1 teaspoon of butter ineach of the 6 popover cups. Or, if using the muffin
pan, use 1/2 teaspoon in each cup. Use a small pastry feather or brush to coat the entire interior of the
pan with a little of this melted butter.
Three to 5 minutes before baking, place the popover or muffin pan in the oven to heat until the
butter is very hot and beginning to brown (dont allow it to burn). Place a large sheet of aluminum foil
on the rack under the tin to catch any bubbling fat.
4 > Fill the pan and bake the popovers. Remove the pan from the oven and pour the batter on the hot
butter, filling the cups half-full. Bake for 15 minutes. Lower the heat to 350F and continue baking for
40 to 45 minutes for the large popovers, 20 to 25 minutes for the muffin-sized ones. They will pop well
above the sides of the popover or muffin cups, rising to about three times their original height.
5 > Ten minutes before the end of the baking time, release the steam. Open the oven door and
quickly make a small slit in the side of each raised popover to release the steam and allow the centers to
dry out more.
6 > Cool the popovers slightly. With pot holders, gently lift out the popovers one at a time, holding
each one from the top, and set them on a wire rack to cool slightly. If you are not ready to serve them,
they can be cooled to room temperature, then reheated later on a baking sheet in a 350F oven, for 5
minutes. The crisp outer shell will keep them from collapsing.
VARIATION

Yorkshire Popovers Substitute an equal amount of rendered beef fat for the butter.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> In place of Wondra flour, you can use 1 cup/5 ounces/145 grams (measured by dip-and-sweep)

bleached all-purpose flour (use only Gold Medal or Pillsbury). In that case, mix 2 tablespoons of the
melted butter with the flour mixture before adding the milk, refrigerate the batter for at least 2 hours, or
up to 24 hours before baking.
> If you would like to make only half a batch, fill any empty popover or muffin cups with water. This
creates steam, which will help the popovers rise. If you leave the cups empty, the heat is drawn more to
them than to the filled cups, slowing the baking and decreasing the rise.
UNDERSTANDING

Wondra flour is a granular form of flour developed in the 1960s by General Mills. It is equal in protein
content to bleached all-purpose flour but dissolves instantly in liquid because it has been subjected to a
process called agglomeration (also used to make instant coffee powder and powdered milk). It is
produced essentially by misting flour with water and then spray-drying it with compressed air, which
separates the flour into particles of even size and shape that will not clump together when mixed with
liquid. That even absorption of liquid is what makes it possible to bake these popovers immediately
after mixing the batter.
There is no chemical leavening in this batter. Leavening is provided by the egg and also by steam
from the milk as it heats in the oven.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
188% (includes the water in the milk, butter, and egg whites)
2.3%
45% (includes the fat in the milk and egg yolks)

Dutch Baby

A Dutch baby is actually a giant crater-shaped popover, perfect for accommodating a filling of sauted
caramelized apples, peaches, or fresh berries and a billow of crme frache or whipped cream.
As is so often the case, it is the simplest things that require the most work to perfect. My goal was
for a Dutch baby that had crisp, puffy sides but a tender, almost custardy bottom (as opposed to an
eggy/rubbery one). The final result of many tests is this crunchiest, puffiest, and most tender version.
The secrets are coating the flour with the butter before adding the milk, and adding 2 extra egg whites
and enough sugar to tenderize and flavor the batter.
TIME SCHEDULE

Advance Preparation: minimum 1 hour, maximum 24 hours

Oven Temperature: 425F
Baking Time: 1 hour
Serves: 4 to 6

Batter
INGREDIENTS

bleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal or
Pillsbury)
sugar
salt
unsalted butter, melted
milk
2 large eggs
2 large egg whites
pure vanilla extract

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 c

5 oz

142 g

3 tbsp
1/4 tsp
4 tbsp, divided
1 liquid c
5 fl oz

1.3 oz
37 g
-1.7 g
2 oz
56 g
8.5 oz
242 g
5.6 oz
160 g
(weighed without shells)
---

1 tsp

EQUIPMENT

an 11-inch steel Dutch baby pan OR cast-iron skillet (if using the skillet, lower the initial 425F to
400F)

1 > Mix the batter.

Food Processor Method
In a food processor with a metal blade, process the flour, sugar, and salt, for a few seconds to mix. Add
2 tablespoons of the melted butter and process until it is the size of tiny peas, about 20 seconds. Scrape
the sides of the container. With the motor on, add the milk, eggs and egg whites, and vanilla and process
for about 20 seconds or until the batter is smooth.
Hand Method
In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add 2 tablespoons of the melted butter and use
a fork to mash and mix it in until it is the size of tiny peas. With a rotary beater or whisk, slowly beat in
the eggs and then egg whites one at a time, beating for about 1 minute after each addition. Then beat
until the batter is fairly smooth (small lumps of butter will remain visible). Beat in the vanilla extract.
Both Methods
2 > Let the batter rest. Allow the batter to sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking, or cover
and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature and beat it lightly before

baking.
3 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 425F 30 minutes before baking. Have a rack in the bottom
third of the oven.
4 > Prepare the pan. Remelt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the pan. Use a small pastry feather
or brush to coat the entire interior with the butter.
Three minutes before baking, place the pan in the oven and heat it until the butter is hot and
bubbling.
5 > Fill the pan and bake the Dutch baby. Remove the pan from the oven and pour the batter on top
of the hot butter. Bake for 15 minutes. Lower the heat to 350F and continue baking for 30 minutes or
until puffed around the edges above the sides of the pan and golden brown. About 15 minutes before the
end of the baking time, open the oven door and quickly make 3 small slits in the center of the Dutch
baby to release the steam and allow the center to dry more.
Apple Filling
MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
4 1/2 tbsp

ounces
2.2 oz

grams
63 g

6 c sliced

25 oz

717 g

2 tsp
3 tbsp
3 tbsp
3/4 tsp

-1.5 oz
1.3 oz
--

10 g
40 g
38 g
--

1/4 tsp

--

--

salt

1/4 plus
1/16 tsp

--

--

Optional garnish:
crme frache or whipped
cream

1 c

about 8 oz

232 g

INGREDIENTS

unsalted butter, softened

2 lbs Granny Smith or other
tart apples (about 6 medium)
peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4
inch thick
freshly squeezed lemon juice
light brown sugar
granulated sugar
ground cinnamon
nutmeg, preferably freshly
grated

6 > While the Dutch baby is baking, prepare the apples. In a large nonreactive frying pan, melt the
butter over the medium heat until bubbling. Add the apple slices and sprinkle them with the lemon
juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Saut the apples, stirring
occasionally, for 12 to 15 minutes. After about the first 5 minutes of cooking, the apples will begin to
exude liquid. Raise the heat slightly until it evaporates, then lower the heat to medium and continue
cooking until the slices are glazed and tender when pierced with a cake tester or sharp knife. Turn off
the heat and cover to keep warm.

7 > Fill the Dutch baby and serve. Slide the Dutch baby onto a serving plate (slip a spatula between
the sides of the pan and the pastry if necessary to dislodge it) and fill it with the apples. If desired, spoon
some crme frache or whipped cream on top, and pass the rest.
REHEAT Place the Dutch baby on a baking sheet and heat it in a preheated 350F oven for about 10

minutes. The texture of the dough will not be as moist and tender as when freshly baked.
VARIATION

For a Baby Dutch Baby, to serve 2, simply divide the recipe in half and use an 8-inch ovenproof skillet
(preferably cast-iron). Decrease the baking time at 350F to 15 minutes and make the slits 10 minutes
before the end of the baking time.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> To core and slice the apples, cut them in half and use a melon baller to scoop out the cores. Slice
each half into quarters, and then each piece into 3 slices, or 4 if the apples are very large.
> If you prefer a more chewy, slightly less puffy version, simply leave out the extra egg whites.
UNDERSTANDING

Letting the batter rest allows the flour to absorb the liquid evenly. Coating some of the flour with the
melted butter keeps the proteins in the flour from absorbing as much of the milk and forming gluten. A
certain amount of gluten development is necessary in order to support the puff. I tried using one-quarter
cake flour instead of coating the flour with butter, and the batter would not puff at all! Replacing the
milk with buttermilk decreased the puffing by three-quarters due to the effect of the buttermilks acidity
on the gluten. Adding powdered buttermilk to the milk for flavor, however, has no effect on the puffing.
Adding extra whole eggs to the basic recipe would toughen the dough, making it rubbery, but the
extra egg whites make it airier, crisper, and more tender.
This batter is actually quite similar to cream puff pastry dough, with half the butter, 1 less egg, and 1
less egg white. Cream puff dough is cooked slightly before baking, making it stiff enough to pipe. The
extra butter in cream puff dough keeps it from becoming rubbery because of the extra egg, and the
resulting puff is crisper on the outside than the Dutch baby, but the insides of the two are actually quite
similar.
The leavening in this batter is provided entirely by the egg.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
229% (includes the water in the milk, butter, and egg whites)
1.2%
46% (includes the fat in the milk and egg yolks)

3.

Flatbreads

THIS IS EVERYONES FAVORITE CATEGORY, FROM PIZZA, THE ULTIMATE healthful fast food and a meal in

itself, to pitas that inflate like little balloons to make fantastic sandwiches to herbed matzoh, which
bubbles but doesnt rise because it contains no leavening and is fabulous as an appetizer.
Pizza is so important to me I made a pilgrimage to New Haven to sample the renowned Frank
Pepes version and gratefully received some helpful tips from his daughter, who, as luck would have it,
was our waitress. I also had a precious private lesson from Vinny Scotto, who made thousands of pizzas
when working at Al Forno in Providence, Rhode Island, where the American thin-crust pizza craze
began, and continues to make them in his own restaurant, Gonzo, in New Yorks Greenwich Village. All
of this was synthesized into my final favorite version offered here, along with favorite suggested
toppings. One of them, the steamed clams, came from dinners enjoyed at a New Jersey restaurant on the
Delaware River, near our country home, that specialized in steamers and pizza. We would always order
steamers as an appetizer and I would save a few of my plump butter-dipped steamers to set on top of our
main-course pizza. Nowadays anything goes atop a pizza, and Im all for it, as long as it isnt too thick a
layer, because my number one criterion for pizza is that it have a crisp crust.
In the north of Italy, pizza is called focaccia. By either name it can be crisp or soft and chewy,
round, oblong, or rectangular, thick or thin, and lightly adorned with herbs or laden with multiple
toppings. But when I think of pizza, I think of a thin round of dough topped with cheese and other
savory ingredients, whereas when I think of focaccia, at least as I know it in America, I imagine
rectangular doughs of varying thicknesses but always somewhat thicker than pizza, with dimples
containing tiny pools of olive oil and a scattering of herbs and, perhaps, garlic. The focaccia recipes in
this chapter include a range of different types of dough and radically different mixing techniques, which
are responsible for their differing textures, from cake-like to chewy. All have a much higher proportion
of water than most recipes which is responsible for their light texture. The Grilled Focaccia has the
lowest amount of water (69.9 percent) and is mixed the least, resulting in a crisp crust and soft, cakelike interior. The Focaccia Layered with Fresh Herbs contains 78.7 percent water and is vigorously
hand-kneaded, resulting in an exceptionally light and airy crumb, with a layer of fresh herbs just under
the crisp top crust. The Rosemary Focaccia Sheet contains an amazing 113.5 percent water and is beaten
in a stand mixer for twenty minutes. This creates a light but extraordinarily chewy dough.
Pita, the flatbread of the Middle East, which puffs up during baking to form a pocket in the middle,

is, interestingly enough, almost identical to my basic pizza dough or grilled focaccia dough (65 percent
water), but it is made with a higher-protein flour and is kneaded to develop gluten, which enables the
dough to support its rise.
Much as I adore pizza, focaccia, and pita, the flavorful flatbreads of India could have held me
willing captive during my stay in Delhi many years ago. As most Indian homes do not possess a tandoor
oven, tandoori breads (and tandoori chicken) were considered restaurant fare. But every night at the
home of my friends the Puris, a never-ending procession of chapati arrived during the meal. I have
included my favorite Indian flatbread rarely found in this country: a fried paratha, which is like a more
refined, slightly flaky chapati, stuffed with spicy ground meat.
UNDERSTANDING

The proportions of the basic essential ingredients in flatbreads fall into the range of 55.5 to 113.5
percent water, 0 to 4.4 percent instant yeast, and 1.3 to 2.9 percent salt. These percentages are based on
the Bakers Percentage, in which every ingredient is based on the flour which is given the value of 100
percent. Some of these breads also contain from 1.4 to 12.7 percent butterfat or oil.

Perfect Pizza Dough

I have given a great deal of thought to pizza dough because, like the rest of the world, I adore pizza.
When thin-crusted grilled pizza arrived on the scene, I was convinced that it was the answer, but as it
became trendy, and the crust became so thin it became brittle and so grilled it became charred, I realized
that what I like most in a pizza crust is something between a thin, crisp crust and the more bready old
style. After years of handing over my crust edges to my husband, I realized that I had achieved my goal
of crisp, light, and chewy crust when I found myself with an empty plate and no crust edges to offer!
The secret of this special crust is a wet dough that has very little gluten, which keeps it tender. The
secret to a well-shaped but crisp crust without the grittiness of cornmeal was given to me by the
contractor for my country kitchen, Andy Badding, who became a good friend. While going to college in
his hometown of Buffalo, he worked at a pizza parlor where he learned the secret of starting the pizza
on a pan, then, once set, sliding it directly onto the baking stone. This means that no cornmeal is
necessary for the bottom of the dough and the crust is perfectly crunchy.
After trying many flours, I have found that unbleached all-purpose flour produces the most tender
crust, but my number one preference is actually for the Italian-style low-protein flour (see Ingredients)
that makes the dough easier to stretch and gives it slight extra chew without making it tough.
Another important thing I discovered is that unless you have a pizza oven that gets as hot as 600F,

it is better not to add the topping until the last five minutes of baking, so the cheese doesnt become
tough and the other toppings overcooked. Also, though I love the flavor of fresh mozzarella available in
Italian cheese shops, it does not develop the stringiness I enjoy in a pizza topping, so I use a commercial
brand. Keep in mind that tempting as it is to load the dough with delicious things, too much topping
added to a pizza while it is baking makes for a soggy crust.
Pizza makes a casual, friendly, easy-going meal. I include the classic Margherita topping in the
recipe, with my other top favorites as variations, but they are only rough guides. Pizza can be anything
you want it to be: feel free to experiment. Heres one case where exact quanties can be thrown to the
winds. (Bet you never thought to hear me say this!)
One of my favorite pizzas is Arugula Pizza Bianca, consisting simply of mozzarella, ParmigianoReggiano, and ricotta, with arugula and a drizzle of olive oil tossed on after baking. Its kind of like a
salad atop a pizza.
The Alsatian onion pizza came into being when I made my Alsatian Onion Tart for The Pie and
Pastry Bible. That filling was so marvelous that I tried it out on some pizza dough. I ended up preferring
it to the tart crust!
This recipe makes a 10-inch pizza, which I find perfect for two. It can be divided in half to make
two 7-inch pizzas (same 10-minute baking time) or increased to make several 7- or 10-inch pizzas.
Pizza larger than 10 inches makes for unwieldy slices.
TIME SCHEDULE

Minimum Rising Time: 2 hours

Oven Temperature: 475F
Baking Time: 10 to 15 minutes
Makes: 7 ounces/200 grams dough/one 10-inch pizza (or two 7-inch pizzas)
Serves: 2
INGREDIENTS

flour, preferably King Arthur

Italian-style or unbleached
all-purpose flour (use only
Gold Medal, King Arthur, or
Pillsbury)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
sugar
salt
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
olive oil
EQUIPMENT

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

3/4 c plus
1 tbsp

4 oz

113 g

1/2 tsp

--

1.6 g

1/2 tsp
1/2 tsp

---

2 g
3.3 g

1/3 liquid c

2.75 oz

79 g

4 tsp

0.6 oz

18 g

2 smaller pizza pans, about 9 1/2 inches, OR 1 large pizza pan, about 12 1/2 inches, preferably
black steel;
a baking stone

1 > One hour before shaping, or for best flavor development, 8 to 24 hours ahead, mix the dough.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, and sugar. Whisk in the salt (this keeps the yeast
from coming into direct contact with the salt, which would kill it). Make a well in the center and pour in
the water. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gradually stir the flour into the water until all the
flour is moistened and a dough just begins to form, about 20 seconds. It should come away from the
bowl but still stick to it a little, and be a little rough looking, not silky smooth. Do not overmix, as this
will cause the dough to become stickier.
2 > Let the dough rise. Pour the oil into a 2-cup measuring cup (to give the dough room to double in
size) or a small bowl. With oiled fingers or an oiled spatula, place the dough in the oiled cup and turn it
over to coat on all sides with the oil. Cover it tightly. If you want to use it soon, allow it to sit at room
temperature for 1 hour or until doubled. For the best flavor development, make the dough at least 6
hours or up to 24 hours ahead, and allow it to sit at room temperature for only 30 minutes or until
slightly puffy. Then set the dough, still in the measuring cup, in the refrigerator. Remove it 1 hour
before you want to put it in the oven.
3 > Prepare the Margherita topping (see Step 7) or one of the tomato toppings from below.
4 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone on it before preheating.
5 > Shape the pizza and let it rise. With oiled fingers, lift the dough out of the measuring cup or bowl.
Holding the dough in one hand, pour a little of the oil left in the cup or bowl onto the pizza pan(s), and
spread it all over the pan(s) with your fingers. (If making 2 pizzas, divide the dough in half.) Set the
dough on the pan(s) and press it down with your fingers to deflate it gently. Shape it into a smooth
round by tucking under the edges. If there are any holes, knead it very lightly until smooth. Allow the
dough to sit for 15 minutes, covered, to relax it.

Using your fingertips, press the dough from the center to the outer edge to stretch it into a 10-inch
circle (7 inches for the 2 pizzas), leaving the outer 1/2 inch thicker than the rest to form a lip. If the
dough resists stretching (as will happen if you have activated the gluten by overkneading it), cover it
with plastic wrap and let it rest for a few minutes longer before proceeding. Brush the surface of the
dough with any remaining olive oil. Cover it with plastic wrap and allow it to sit for 30 to 45 minutes,
until it becomes light and slightly puffy with air.
6 > Bake the pizza. Set the pizza pan directly on the hot stone and bake for 5 minutes.
7 > Add the toppings.
Pizza Margherita
6 tbsp Pizza Tomato Sauce
3/4 to 1 c (3 to 4 oz/85 to 113 g) coarsely grated mozzarella
Optional: 1/4 c ricotta (2 oz/60 g)
Remove the pan from the oven and spread the tomato sauce on the dough, leaving a narrow boarder.
Strew the mozzarella over the sauce. If desired, drop little blobs of the ricotta on top. Return the pan to
the stone for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust golden; or, for an extra crisp and
browned bottom crust, using a pancake turner or bakers peel, slide the pizza from the pan directly onto
the stone. After 2 minutes, slip a small metal spatula under one edge, and if the bottom is golden, raise
the pizza to a higher shelf.
8 > Serve the pizza. Transfer the pizza to a cutting board and cut with a pizza wheel, sharp knife, or
scissors.
VARIATION

Margherita with Steamed Clams After fully baking the pizza, arrange 12 steamed clams, preferably
steamers or littlenecks, on top of the melted cheese. Its especially delicious if you dip them in melted
butter first. If using canned clams, drain them well and simmer them in a little olive oil with a smashed
garlic clove and light sprinkling of parsley.
TOMATO TOPPINGS

Pizza Tomato Sauce (makes 3/4 cup, enough for two 10-inch pizzas)
1 c (8 oz/230 g), peeled, seeded, and chopped ripe tomatoes, (include any juices) or canned crushed
tomatoes, with their juices
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large garlic clove, chopped
1/4 tsp hot pepper flakes
2 tsp chopped fresh oregano or 1/2 tsp dried
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

In a small saucepan, combine all of the ingredients and simmer, stirring frequently, until reduced to
about 3/4 cup, 10 to 12 minutes. Taste for seasoning, and cool.
I prefer to leave this chunky, but to make a smooth sauce, simply process it for a few seconds in a
food processor.
Oven-Dried Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
With a small sharp paring knife or serrated knife, slice tomatoes horizontally in half and place them cut
side up on a jelly-roll pan or cookie sheet. (You will need about 22 tomatoes [3.5 ounces/100 grams] for
a 10-inch pizza, to replace the tomato sauce.) Sprinkle lightly with salt, a little sugar, and a little olive
oil. Bake in a 250F oven until the tomatoes start to shrivel but are still juicy, about 2 hours. Simply
scatter the tomatoes on top of the mozzarella cheese before the last 5 minutes of baking.
FAVORITE PIZZA VARIATIONS

Arugula Pizza Bianca

1/4 c (2 oz/57 g) ricotta
1 1/2 tbsp grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
3/4 to 1 c (3 to 4 oz/85 to 113 g) coarsely shredded whole-milk mozzarella, preferably Polly-O or
The Mozzarella Company (see Sources)
2 c loosely packed (1 1/2 oz/42 g) trimmed arugula
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Extra virgin olive oil
After the first 5 minutes of baking, remove the pizza pan from the oven and spread the ricotta over
the dough, leaving a narrow border. Sprinkle the Parmesan on top and then the shredded mozzarella.
Return the pan to the stone for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust golden; or, for an
extra crisp and browned bottom crust, using a pancake turner or bakers peel, slide the pizza from the
pan directly onto the stone. After 2 minutes, slip a small metal spatula under one edge, and if the bottom
is golden, raise the pizza to a higher shelf.
Remove the pizza from the oven and top with arugula, salt, pepper, and a sprinkling of extra virgin
olive oil.
Mushroom Pizza Bianca (White Pizza)
2 scant tablespoons olive oil
8 oz (227 g) button mushrooms, sliced (2 1/2 c)
Rounded 1/4 tsp salt
1 large garlic clove, smashed
3/4 to 1 c (3 to 4 oz/85 to 113 g) coarsely shredded whole-milk mozzarella, preferably Polly-O or
The Mozzarella Company (see Sources)
1/4 tsp dried oregano
Hot pepper flakes to taste
In a large saut pan, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the mushrooms in a single layer, sprinkle
with the salt, and add the garlic. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring often, until the liquid has

evaporated and the mushrooms are just beginning to brown. Allow them to cool, and discard any large
pieces of garlic.
After the first 5 minutes of baking, remove the pizza pan from the oven and sprinkle the mozzarella
all over the dough. Top with the mushrooms, leaving a narrow border and spreading them evenly.
Sprinkle with the oregano and hot pepper flakes. Return the pan to the stone for 5 minutes or until the
cheese is melted and the crust golden; or, for an extra crisp and browned bottom crust, using a pancake
turner or bakers peel, slide the pizza from the pan directly onto the stone. After 2 minutes, slip a small
metal spatula under one edge, and if the bottom is golden, raise the pizza to a higher shelf.
Red and Gold Bell Pepper, Onion, and Gorgonzola Dolce
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut lengthwise into strips
1 orange bell pepper, cored, seeded, and cut lengthwise into strips
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3/4 c (3 oz) crumbled sweet Gorgonzola (dolce) or Taleggio
A few leaves of fresh basil, sliced into thin strips (chiffonade)
Optional: 6 anchovy fillets
In a large (12-inch) saut pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and bell pepper
and cook, stirring often, until the peppers are tender when pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes.
Transfer to a plate. Add salt and pepper to taste and let cool, then separate the peppers from the onion.
After the first 5 minutes of baking, remove the pizza pan from the oven and spread the onion evenly
over the surface, leaving a narrow border. Arrange the peppers in a spiral on top of the onions. Strew
little bits of the Gorgonzola or Taleggio on top and sprinkle with the basil. Return the pan to the stone
for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the crust golden; or, for an extra crisp and browned
bottom crust, using a pancake turner or bakers peel, slide the pizza from the pan directly onto the stone.
After 2 minutes, slip a small metal spatula under one edge, and if the bottom is golden, raise the pizza to
a higher shelf. Garnish, if desired, with the anchovy fillets.
Alsatian Onion Pizza
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
3 medium yellow onions, halved, very thinly sliced (use the 1-millimeter slicing disk of a food
processor) (3 1/2 c/1 pound/454 g)
1/8 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 medium garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
2 tbsp (0.25 oz/7 g) loosely packed grated Swiss Gruyre
4 black oil-cured olives, halved and pitted
In a large heavy skillet, heat the oil and butter over low heat until bubbling. Add the onions and
sprinkle with the sugar, salt, and pepper. Cover tightly and cook, without stirring, for about 45 minutes

over the lowest possible heat. The onions will be soft and will have released a little liquid.
Raise the heat to medium and cook uncovered, stirring often, until all liquid has evaporated and the
onions are deep gold in color. Reduce the heat to low, add the garlic and thyme, and cook for 3 minutes,
stirring often. Remove from the heat. (You will have 3/4 cup/6 ounces/172 grams of onion mixture.)
After the first 5 minutes of baking, remove the pizza pan from the oven and spread the onion
mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a narrow border. Sprinkle evenly with the Gruyre and arrange
the olives decoratively on top. Return the pan to the stone for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and
the crust golden; or, for an extra crisp and browned bottom crust, using a pancake turner or bakers peel,
slide the pizza from the pan directly onto the stone. After 2 minutes, slip a small metal spatula under
one edge, and if the bottom is golden, raise the pizza to a higher shelf.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> The pizza dough can be frozen after the first 5 minutes of baking for up to 3 months. When ready to
use, simply add the toppings and bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
> A proof box or plastic box (see Equipment) is great for covering the shaped pizza dough to keep it
from drying. Plastic wrap works well but requires a little care when lifting it off the dough.
> DeMarle (see Equipment) makes a special Silpain pizza mold ideal for individual 7-inch pizzas.
The mold holds 6 pizzas: you can make 6 pizzas if you multiply the recipe by 3, or cut the molds into
individual sizes. After shaping the dough, set the mold(s) on a layer of paper towels to absorb any
excess oil, so that it wont ooze onto the baking stone. The baked pizzas release easily from the mold
after baking; just flex it slightly, and the pizzas pop right out.
> Ovens vary for both top and bottom browning, so adjust accordingly. If your oven reaches 500F
and you use a preheated baking stone, the initial baking of the dough, without the topping, may take
only 2 minutes. If the bottom crust is fully browned before the topping and top crust are baked, simply
transfer it from the stone onto a higher shelf. If the bottom isnt browning enough, slip the pizza from
the pan directly onto the hot stone. Once you gain a sense of the heat of your oven, you can use the
same technique for every pizza.
VARIATION

Grilled Pizza An outdoor gas or charcoal grill is the ideal way to make pizza during hot weather to
avoid heating up the kitchen. A black steel pizza pan (see Equipment) ensures that the heat is perfectly
even and browns the bottom crust impeccably.
Preheat a covered gas grill to 500F according to manufacturers directions. Or, if using a charcoal
grill, build the coals on one side of the grill and light the fire 40 minutes ahead. With any grill, leave all
the vents open.
If using a gas grill, turn one side of it to low. Place the pizza, still on the pan, on the hotter side of
the grill and grill, covered, for 2 minutes. Slide a pancake turner underneath the dough to loosen it and
slip it directly onto the cooler side of grill (use tongs if you have them) for just a few secondsyoull
smell it browning. Lift an edge with the pancake turner to check, and as soon as deep brown grill marks
appear, return the pizza to the pan and transfer it to a heatproof surface (cover the grill to keep in the
heat). Add the toppings and return the pizza, on the pan, to the cooler side of the grill. Cover the grill

and cook for 7 to 8 minutes longer or until the cheese is melted and the crust begins to brown around the
edges.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Oil:

100%
69.9%
1.4%
2.9%
11.9%

Potato Flatbread Pizza

This potato flatbread is actually a pizza dough made softer, moister, and lighter with the addition of
mashed potatoes, egg, and butter. The resulting dough is as soft as a down pillow, the crust crisp on the
outside with just enough chew on the inside. It has become a permanent appetizer on the Grouse
Mountain menu, with daily varying herbed and spicy toppings, cut into squares and presented in an
overlapping circle.
The mushroom/onion topping given here is the one I enjoyed when first introduced to this flatbread.
You could also use any of the toppings from the Perfect Pizza Dough recipe. The instructions here are
for one large 10-inch pizza (or six large pizzas for a crowd), but the basic recipe can also be divided in
half to make 2 smaller pizzas; see the variation.
Special thanks to Rick Kangas, chef at the Grouse Mountain Grill in Beaver Creek, Colorado, for
offering this recipe.
TIME SCHEDULE

Minimum Rising Time: about 2 hours

Oven Temperature: 475F
Baking Time: 5 minutes
Makes: 7 ounces/200 grams dough, One 10-inch flatbread
Serves: 2 as an appetizer, 1 as a main dish
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
sugar
salt

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

3/4 c

3.5 oz

100 g

1/4 tsp

--

0.8 g

2 tsp
3/8 tsp

---

8 g
2.5 g

mashed potato
unsalted butter, softened
water, preferably potato
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
lightly beaten egg
olive or vegetable oil

2 tbsp plus
2 tsp
1/2 tbsp

1.3 oz

38 g

0.25 oz

7 g

3 tbsp

1.5 oz

44 g

1 1/2 tsp
1 tsp

0.3 oz
--

8 g
4.5 g

EQUIPMENT

a pizza pan, about 12 1/2 inches, preferably black steel;

a baking stone

1 > Mix the dough. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and sugar. Then whisk in the salt
(this keeps the yeast from coming in direct contact with the salt, which would kill it). Add the mashed
potato and butter and, with a wooden spoon or rubber scraper, mix just until incorporated in clumpy
bits. Add the water and egg and stir in until blended. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the
dough onto a counter and knead it lightly for about 15 seconds, just to form a smooth dough with a little
elasticity.
2 > Let the dough rise. Pour the oil (1 teaspoon for the smaller batch, 2 tablespoons for the larger batch
into a container (2 cups for the smaller one, 3 quarts for the larger one) and place the dough in it. Turn it
over to coat on both sides with the oil. Cover tightly and allow it to sit at room temperature for 30
minutes or until slightly puffy.
Set the dough, still in the container, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; remove 1 hour before you
are ready to put it in the oven. Or, instead, just let it sit at room temperature for another 30 minutes to 1
hour, until doubled.
3 > Prepare the mushroom/onion topping below (or any of the toppings from the Perfect Pizza

Dough recipe).
4 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone on it before preheating.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. With oiled fingers, lift the dough out of the container. Pour a little
of the oil from the container onto the pizza pan(s), and spread it with your fingers. Press down on the
dough with your fingers to deflate it gently and shape it into a smooth round by tucking under the edges.
(If making the larger batch, cut the dough into 6 equal pieces and shape each into a ball.) Set the dough
on the pizza pan(s) and allow it to sit for 15 minutes, covered, to relax.
Using your fingertips, press each ball of dough out into a 10-inch circle, leaving the outer 1/2 inch
thicker than the rest to form a lip. If the dough resists stretching, cover it and let it rest for a few minutes
longer before proceeding. Sprinkle the surface of the dough with any remaining olive oil. Cover with
plastic wrap and allow to sit for 30 to 45 minutes, until the dough becomes light and slightly puffy with
air.
6 > Bake the flatbread(s). Set the pan(s) with the flatbread directly on the hot stone in batches, as
necessary, and bake for 5 minutes. Remove the pan(s) from the oven and spread with the mascarpone
cheese. Strew with the topping of your choice (reserve the Parmesan cheese). Slip a pancake turner or
bakers peel between the dough and the pan and slide the flatbread directly onto the stone. Bake for 5
minutes or until the crust is golden. After 2 minutes, slip a small metal spatula under one edge, and if
the bottom is golden, raise the flatbread to a higher shelf.
7 > Serve the flatbread(s). Transfer the flatbread to a cutting board. Dust with the Parmesan cheese and
cut with a pizza wheel, sharp knife, or scissors into about 9 squares. Arrange them slightly overlapping,
on a serving plate.
VARIATION

For 2 individual 7-inch flatbreads, divide the smaller amount of dough in half and halve the topping.
The baking time will remain the same.
Mushroom and Onion Topping
FOR ONE 10-INCH FLATBREAD

FOR SIX 10-INCH

FLATBREADS

BACON BITS

1 strip bacon (about 1 oz/28 g)

6 strips (about 6 oz/170 g)

SPINACH AND ONION

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp

2 c (2 oz/56 g) loosely packed small spinach

leaves
1/3 c (1 oz/28 g) thinly sliced red onion
Pinch of salt

4 c (8 oz/226 g)
2 c (6 oz/170 g)
1/4 tsp

Grinding of black pepper

to taste

SPICY MUSHROOMS

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp

2/3 c (2 oz/56 g) sliced cremini mushrooms

4 c (8 oz/226 g)

1 small clove garlic, smashed

Pinch of salt
Grinding of black pepper
Pinch of chopped fresh thyme
Pinch of chopped fresh rosemary
Pinch of red pepper flakes

3 large garlic cloves,

smashed
1/4 tsp
to taste
about 1/4 tsp
about 1/4 tsp
about 1/4 tsp

CHEESE GLAZE AND SPRINKLE

2 tbsp (1 oz/28 g) mascarpone cheese

3/4 c (6 oz/170 g)

1 tbsp (1/4 oz/7 g) grated Parmigiano-Reggiano 6 tbsp (1.5 oz/42 g)

1 > Make the bacon bits. Cut the bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. Fry it until crisp. Drain on a paper towel.
2 > Saut the spinach and onion. In a medium saut pan, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the
spinach and onions and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Saut for about 3 minutes or until the spinach
is wilted and the onions softened. Set aside.
3 > Make the spicy mushrooms. In a medium (large for the larger recipe) saut pan, heat the olive oil
over low heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and the garlic. Sprinkle with the salt, pepper, thyme,
rosemary, and red pepper flakes Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring often, until the liquid has
evaporated and the mushrooms are just beginning to brown. Allow them to cool, and discard any large
pieces of garlic.
VARIATION

Dinner Rolls This flatbread dough also makes excellent dinner rolls. Its simply a matter of different
shaping.
Preheat the oven to 350F 30 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest level and
place an oven stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
Shape the dough into balls, using about 1/4 cup (2 ounces/56 grams) dough for each, and set them
about 3 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with a Silpain or parchment. Cover with a large plastic box,
or cover with plastic wrap greased with cooking spray or oil. Let them rise until doubled, 30 to 60
minutes.
Gently set the baking pan directly on the stone or baking sheet and bake the rolls until golden
brown, 15 to 20 minutes (an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center will register about 212F).
Brush them with melted butter and cool slightly on racks. Serve warm.
To make the flatbread ahead

Bake the flatbread for a total of 7 minutes on the pizza pan. Transfer it to a rack to cool. When ready to
serve, spread it with the mascarpone cheese and strew on the toppings (or use the topping of your
choice). With a pancake turner or bakers peel, set it directly on the preheated oven stone or baking
sheet and bake it in a preheated 475F oven for about 3 minutes or until the crust is golden. Dust it with
the Parmesan cheese and cut it into portions.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> For 1 cup of mashed potatoes, you will need approximately 3 medium potatoes (10 ounces/284
grams). Boil in water to cover for about 25 minutes or until tender. Cool slightly, and press through a
potato ricer or peel and mash them with a fork.
> The flatbread can also be cooked on a grill (see Grilled Pizza) but care must be taken, as the potato
in the dough makes it brown more quickly.
UNDERSTANDING

If you save the water from the boiled potatoes, it makes an excellent replacement for plain water in the
dough because it benefits yeast production while providing more potato flavor. The water is not salted
because salt slows down the yeast activity or, in large amounts, can kill the yeast. Extra salt is added to
the dough to balance the addition of the potato.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Fat:

100% (includes the starch from the potato)

74% (includes the water in the potato, egg white, and butter)
0.74%
2.3%
4.2%

Recipe for Six Potato Flatbreads for a Crowd

Makes: 2 pounds, 10.3 ounces/1210 grams dough

Serves: 12
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
sugar
salt
mashed potatoes
unsalted butter, softened
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
1 large egg, lightly beaten

olive or vegetable oil

4 1/4 c

21 oz

600 g

1/2 tbsp

--

4.8 g

1/4 c
2 1/4 tsp
1 c
3 tbsp plus
1 tsp
1 liquid c plus
2 tbsp
(9 fl oz)
3 tbsp

1.75 oz
0.5 oz
about 8 oz

50 g
15 g
232 g

1.6 oz

47 g

9.3 oz

265 g

2 tbsp

2 oz
56 g
(weighed without the shell)
0.5 oz
27 g

EQUIPMENT

6 pizza pans, about 12 1/2 inches, preferably black steel;

a baking stone;
a stand mixer with dough hook

1 > Mix the dough. In the mixer bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and sugar. Then whisk in the salt
(this keeps the yeast from coming in direct contact with the salt, which would kill it). Add the mashed
potatoes and butter and, with the dough hook on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid), mix just until
incorporated in clumpy bits. With the mixer still on low, add the water and egg and mix just until
blended. Scrape the dough onto a counter and knead it lightly for about 30 seconds, just to form a

smooth dough with a little elasticity.

Proceed as directed in the Potato Flatbread Pizza recipe, starting with step 2.

Rosemary Focaccia Sheet

This intriguing dough presents an apparent contradiction: it is incredibly light yet moist and satisfyingly
chewy. Consider the percentage of water in this dough! In relation to the flour, it has 113.5 percent
water, making it the highest percentage of any dough in this book. Who would have thought it even
possible to make a dough this wet and still produce bread? And that is the secret of its incredible
texture. The exceptionally high amount of water keeps the gluten in the flour from breaking down
during the very long beating process. This enables the dough to develop into long stretchy strands that
hold the air and give a chewy texture. It will remain a soupy batter until toward the very end of the
twenty-minute beating, when it suddenly metamorphoses into a shiny, smooth, incredibly elastic dough.
I adapted this recipe from my favorite neighborhood bakery, the Sullivan Street Bakery in New York
City. I love the dough so much I prefer it as the main feature, simply sprinkled with a little fruity olive
oil and rosemary, sparkling with fleur de sel or sea salt. I also love it with the simple addition of oilpoached garlic cloves (see the variation below).
TIME SCHEDULE

Rising Time: about 5 hours

Oven Temperature: 475F
Baking Time: 13 minutes
Makes: a 16-by-11-by-1-inch-high focaccia
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F.)
sugar
salt

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

2 3/4 c

13.6 oz

390 g

3/8 tsp

--

1.2 g

15.5 oz

442 g

---

3 g
5.2 g

2 liquid c minus
2 tbsp
3/4 tsp
3/4 tsp

extra virgin olive oil

fresh rosemary needles or
dried rosemary
fleur de sel or sea salt

2 tbsp plus
2 tsp, divided
2 tsp
1/2 tsp
1/4 tsp

1.25 oz

36 g

--

--

--

--

EQUIPMENT

a heavy-duty stand mixer with paddle attachment;

a half sheet pan (12 inches by 17 inches);
a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Mix the dough. In the mixer bowl, with the paddle attachment on low speed (#2 if using a
KitchenAid), combine the flour and yeast. With the mixer running, gradually add the water, mixing just
until the dough comes together, about 3 minutes. It will be very soupy. Increase the speed to medium
(#4 KitchenAid) and beat until the dough is transformed into a smooth, shiny ball, about 20 minutes.
Add the sugar and salt and beat until they are well incorporated, about 3 minutes.
2 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 1 1/2-quart
dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. The dough will look like
melted mozzarella. Lightly spray or oil the top of the dough. Cover the container with a lid or plastic
wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where double the height of
the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) for about 4 hours or until it has at
least doubled.
3 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Coat the sheet pan with a heaping tablespoon of the olive oil. Pour
the dough onto itit will be thin enough to pour but very stretchy. Coat your hands with a little of the
remaining olive oil and spread the dough as thin as possible without tearing it. Let it relax for 10
minutes, then spread it to almost fill the entire sheet, trying to maintain the bubbles in the dough. (If the

dough is still very elastic and resists stretching, allow it to rest for another 10 minutes.)
Cover the pan with a large plastic box or greased plastic wrap and allow to rise until double its
original volume, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
4 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
5 > Sprinkle on the toppings and bake the focaccia. Uncover the dough and drizzle the remaining
olive oil evenly over it. With oiled or wet fingertips, deeply dimple the dough (see Shaping a Loaf).
Sprinkle evenly with the rosemary and salt. Place the pan directly on the hot stone or hot baking sheet
and bake for 12 to 13 minutes or until the top is golden. Remove from the oven and drizzle on a little
extra virgin olive oil, if desired. Serve immediately.
VARIATION

Focaccia with Pockets of Garlic If you love garlic, meltingly soft pockets of poached garlic added to
the dough make a welcome addition to the crisp, light bread. Be sure to prepare the garlic ahead so that
you can use the garlic-infused oil for the focaccia.
This method of roasting garlic also makes it milder than the usual oven roasting, as long as you do
not allow it to brown. In early summer, when garlic scapes, the newly forming garlic cloves, are
available at the farmers market. I like to use these tiny tips of pinky-size garlic pearls, which are
exceptionally sweet and mild.
1 large head of garlic (about 2 1/2 inches wide)
About 1 c extra virgin olive oil
1 > Peel the garlic cloves: you should have about 2/3 cup. Place them in a small saucepan and cover
them with the olive oil, adding more if the oil does not cover the garlic completely.
2 > Cover the pan and leave it partially uncovered if the oil starts to bubble. Bring the oil just to a
boil over low heat. Turn down the heat as low as possible (use a heat diffuser if necessary) and poach
the garlic at a bare simmer (if the oil starts to bubble too much, partially uncover the pan) for 20 to 30
minutes, until a cake tester or metal skewer inserted in it goes in fairly easily but not so soft that it turns
to mush. Smaller cloves may take only 15 minutes, so remove them as they are softened. (You can also
poach garlic by placing the partially covered [ovenproof] pan in a preheated 250F oven for the same
amount of time.)
3 > Lift the garlic from the oil with a slotted spoon, and let the oil cool. Use the garlic-infused oil in
place of the olive oil to prepare the focaccia, if desired, and refrigerate the remainder for other uses.
4 > Slice any large garlic cloves lengthwise in half or in thirds. After pouring the dough onto the
sheet pan, make about 32 evenly spaced depressions in the dough with your fingertip (8 rows of 4
across), and gently press a garlic clove into each one. As the dough rises, it will partially enclose the
garlic and protect it from becoming any darker than golden during baking.
UNDERSTANDING

The sugar and salt are added at the end of beating to give the gluten a chance to develop fully so that the
baked focaccia will be nice and chewy.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Oil:

100%
113.5%
0.3%
1.3%
12.7%

Focaccia Layered with Fresh Herbs

This amazingly light bread has a thin crisp top crust hiding a fine layer of bright green herbs beneath it.
Its delicately flavored moist, tender crumb is filled with large holes; its top is golden and sparkling with
crystals of salt. The secrets to this special flavor and texture are durum flour (a golden flour with sweet
wheaty flavor), a very moist dough, and a long slow rise. This bread teaches two very interesting and
useful techniques: working with a very sticky dough by hand with a unique kneading method that can
be used for any similar dough, and laminating herbs into a crust the way you would butter into puff
pastry. It is a craftspersons bread and thoroughly enjoyable to make. It is equally enjoyable to eat, both
on its own, or split and used as a sandwich bread.
Master this recipe, and you will be able to make most any sticky dough from ciabatta to pugliese by
hand. Special thanks to Maggie Glezer, creator of the recipe.
TIME SCHEDULE

Rising Time: about 5 1/2 hours

Oven Temperature: 450F
Baking Time: 15 minutes
Makes: a 14-by-7-by-1 3/4-inch-high focaccia about 17 ounces/486 grams
Serves: 4 to 6
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
durum flour (see Ingredients)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 c plus
1 tbsp

5.3 oz

150 g

1 c

5.3 oz

150 g

1/4 tsp

--

0.8 g

1 liquid c

8.2 oz

236 g

extra virgin olive oil

salt
fresh herb leaves of your
choice (one type, or a
mixture)

1 tbsp
1 tsp

1 scant oz
--

13.5 g
6.6 g

1 c, very
loosely packed

about 0.5
oz

about 13 g

extra virgin olive oil

coarse salt

1 tbsp
1/4 tsp

---

13.5 g
1.7 g

Topping

EQUIPMENT

a large sheet of parchment, floured;

a baking stone OR baking sheet
1 > At least 7 hours and up to 15 hours before eating, make the dough. In a medium bowl, whisk
together the all-purpose flour, durum flour, and yeast. Add the water and oil and, with your fingers or an
oiled rubber spatula, mix just until uniformly combined. The dough will be very sticky. Cover the bowl
tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This rest will make the dough less sticky
and easier to work with.)
2 > Knead the dough. Sprinkle the 1 teaspoon salt onto the dough and mix it in with your fingers.
Scrape the dough onto an unfloured counter and knead it for 10 minutes in the following manner:
Squeeze the dough very firmly between the thumbs and index fingers of both hands, moving down the
length of the dough and squeezing hard enough so that your thumbs and fingers go right through the
dough until they touch each other. When you have reached the end of the dough, flip it over with your
fingers and repeat the squeezing process. Even though the dough will not hold together in one piece
because it is so sticky, do not add any flour. It will gradually become smoother, but it will still be sticky
enough to cling to your hands. Use a bench scraper when necessary to bring the dough together. (It will
become firmer and less sticky with each subsequent deflating, folding, and resting period.)
3 > Let the dough rest. Scrape the dough into an unoiled bowl and cover it tightly with a lid or plastic
wrap. (Depending on how much dough still clings to your fingers, the dough will weigh 17.6 to 18
ounces/500 to 510 grams.) Allow it to sit for 30 minutes to begin rising just a little.
4 > Turn the dough and let it rise. With an oiled dough scraper, transfer the dough to a lightly floured
counter, and lightly flour the top of the dough. Gently flatten it without deflating it completely. Fold in
all four sides to make a tight package. Return it to the bowl, cover it, and allow it to sit for another 30
minutes.
5 > Turn the dough and let it rise again. Repeat the flouring, deflating, and folding process. Return
the dough to the bowl and allow it to sit for 2 to 3 hours, until doubled. It will be full of large bubbles
and should spring back when you press it.

6 > Shape the dough. Transfer the dough to a floured counter and flour it well. With your hands,
without popping the bubbles, tuck in the sides to make a smooth package. Flour the dough, cover it with
plastic wrap, and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes.
With floured hands, gently stretch and press the dough into a 10-by-6-inch rectangle a scant 1 inch
thick. Transfer the dough to the floured parchment and flour the top of the dough. With a slender rolling
pin, roll out one-quarter (1 1/2 inches) of a long side into a thin 4 1/2-inch-wide flap that will be large
enough to cover the thicker unrolled portion of the dough when folded over. Press with the rolling pin
where the thin sheet joins the dough to make a sharp demarcation. If necessary, use more flour to keep
the dough from sticking. Brush off any flour from the thick part of the dough, and brush it lightly with
water.
7 > Add the herbs. Dip the herb leaves in water, shake off excess droplets, and arrange them close
together but not overlapping on the thick portion of the dough. Fold the thin portion of the dough over
the herbs to cover them completely. Pat gently to push out any air bubbles and tuck the edges under all
around. Dust the top of the dough lightly with flour and, starting from a short end, roll over it lightly
and evenly until the herbs come into sharp relief but do not break through the dough, and any trapped
air is expelled. Roll both lengthwise and crosswise to keep the dough as even a rectangle as possible. It
should be about 6 inches wide by 14 inches long and 1/2 inch high.
8 > Let the shaped dough rise. Cover the dough with a large plastic box, or dust it lightly with flour
and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to rise for about 2 hours or until puffy and 1 inch high; when
pressed lightly, the indentation should slowly fill in.
9 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 450F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf in the upper
third of the oven and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a sheet pan on the floor of the oven,
before preheating.
10 > Oil and dimple the dough, and sprinkle it with salt. With a clean dry brush, brush any flour
from the surface of the dough. Gently brush on the 1 tablespoon olive oil (you can use your fingers to
spread the oil, but press very gently so as not to deflate the dough). With your fingers, press dimples all
over the dough, about 1 inch apart, going down to the bottom of the dough without breaking through.
Sprinkle with the coarse salt.
11 > Bake the focaccia. Use a bakers peel or cookie sheet (no sides) to slip the bread, still on the
parchment, onto the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath
and immediately shut the oven door. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the bread from the parchment, turn it
around, and set it directly on the stone or baking sheet. Bake for another 5 minutes or until golden (an
instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 210F).
12 > Cool the focaccia. With a sturdy pancake turner, lift the focaccia from the baking sheet or stone
and transfer the focaccia to a wire rack to cool briefly, until warm.
STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR LAYERING FOCACCIA DOUGH WITH FRESH HERBS:

1> Squeezing the dough with the thumbs and index fingers of both hands

2> Squeezing the entire length of the dough

3> Flipping the dough over with your fingers

4> Stretching and flattening the dough into a rectangle

5> Folding in all four sides to make a tight package

6> Tucking the sides under to make a smooth package

7> Stretching and pressing the dough into a rectangle

8> Rolling out one quarter of one long side into a thin flap

9> Herbs spread across the dough

10> Folding the dough flap over the herbs

11> Rolling until the herbs come into sharp relief

12> Pressing deep dimples into the dough

POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> Choose your favorite herbs or a mixture of three, such as flat-leaf parsley, minced chives, and sage,
or parsley, rosemary, and thyme.
> Discard any tough or woody stems from fresh herbs.

> If desired, you can sprinkle on about 1/4 cup crumbled fresh goat cheese or grated ParmigianoReggiano along with the herbs. The top flap of dough will keep the cheese from drying out.
UNDERSTANDING

Durum flour, which is milled from a very hard wheat flour called durum wheat (see Ingredients), is
sometimes marketed as extra-fancy pasta flour or farina-grade pasta flour. It is used for pasta
because it gives it a desirably firm al dente texture. Avoid semolina, which is also from durum wheat
but is a much coarser grind.
Durum flour offers more delicious flavor and more attractive golden color than white wheat flour. It
is combined with unbleached all-purpose flour for this recipe because the white wheat flour forms
stronger gluten, which lightens the dough, and is more absorbent, resulting in a softer, moister dough as
well.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Oil:

100%
78.7%
0.27%
2.3%
9%

Grilled Focaccia

Focaccia and pizza dough are really the same balance of flour, water, salt, and yeast, but focaccia is
generally shaped thicker than pizza and boasts many small depressions in the top crust that contain little
puddles of olive oil. Because the dough is thicker, baked focaccia has a soft layer inside a crunchy top
and bottom crust. The dough can even be shaped thick enough to split open and use as a sandwich
bread.
Cooking focaccia on the grill gives it that wonderful smoky flavor. The goal is to give it attractive
browned grill marks without charring the bottom crust. The trick is to cook the dough on a baking sheet
for the first 2 minutes, just to set it, so that it can then be slipped onto the grill for a few seconds, just
until it begins to brown. Not only does this give the focaccia a fantastic flavor, it is a great way to avoid
heating up your kitchen in hot weather.
TIME SCHEDULE

Minimum Rising Time: about 2 hours

Gas Grill Temperature: 500F
Grilling Time: 10 minutes
Makes: a 9-by-6-by-1/2-inch-high focaccia
MEASURE

WEIGHT

INGREDIENTS

flour, preferably King Arthur

Italian style, or unbleached
all-purpose flour (use only
Gold Medal, King Arthur, or
Pillsbury)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
sugar
salt
water at room temperature or
warm
olive oil
fresh rosemary needles
fleur de sel or coarse sea salt
black pepper
garlic, coarsely chopped
Optional:
extra virgin olive oil for
sprinkling

volume

ounces

grams

3/4 c plus
1 tbsp

4 oz

113 g

1/2 tsp

--

1.6 g

1/2 tsp
1/2 tsp

---

2 g
3.3 g

1/3 liquid c

2.75 oz

79 g

4 tsp
1 scant tbsp
to taste
to taste
to taste

0.6 oz
-----

18 g
-----

to taste

--

--

EQUIPMENT

a grill;
a baking sheet;
a long pancake turner and/or tongs

1 > Mix the dough. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and sugar. Then whisk in the salt
(this keeps the yeast from coming into direct contact with the salt, which would kill it). Make a well in
the center and pour in the water. Using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, gradually stir the flour into
the water until all the flour is moistened and a dough just begins to form, about 20 seconds. It should
come away from the bowl but still stick to it a little, and be a little rough looking, not silky smooth. Do
not overmix, as this will cause the dough to become stickier.
2 > Let the dough rise. Pour the oil into a 2-cup measuring cup (to give the dough room to double) or a

small bowl. With oiled fingers or an oiled spatula, place the dough in the cup or bowl and turn it over to
coat on all sides with the oil. Cover it tightly and allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or
until slightly puffy.
Set the dough, still in the cup or bowl, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; remove 1 hour before
you are ready to put it in the oven. Or, instead, simply let it sit at room temperature for another 30
minutes to 1 hour, until doubled.
3 > Shape the focaccia and let it rise. With oiled fingers, lift the dough out of the cup or bowl. Holding
the dough in one hand, pour a little of the oil left in the cup or bowl onto the baking sheet and spread it
all over the pan with your fingers. Set the dough on top and press it down with your fingers to deflate it
gently. Shape it into a smooth round by tucking under the edges. If there are any holes, knead very
lightly until smooth. Let the dough rest for 15 minutes, covered, to relax it.
Using your fingertips, press the dough from the center to the outer edge to stretch it into a rectangle
about 9 inches by 6 inches and 1/4 inch high. If the dough resists, cover it with plastic wrap and
continue pressing on it with your fingers. Brush the top of the dough with any oil remaining in the
measuring cup or bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let the dough rise for 20 to 30 minutes more or
until light and spongy looking.
4 > Preheat a covered gas grill to 500F according to manufacturers directions. Or, if using a
charcoal grill, build the coals on one side of the grill and light the fire 40 minutes ahead.
5 > Sprinkle on the toppings and grill the focaccia. Using your fingertips, press deep dimples at 1inch intervals all over the dough. Sprinkle it with the rosemary, salt and pepper.
If using a gas grill, turn one side of it to low. Place the focaccia, still on the baking sheet, on the
hotter side of the gas or charcoal grill and grill, covered, for 2 minutes. Slide a pancake turner
underneath the dough to loosen it and slip it directly onto the cooler side of grill (use tongs if you have
them) for just a few secondsyoull smell it browning. Lift an edge with the pancake turner to check,
and as soon as deep brown grill marks appear, return the focaccia to the baking sheet and slide it over to
the cooler side of the grill. Sprinkle on the garlic, cover the grill, and cook 7 to 8 minutes longer or until
the top begins to brown around the edges.
6 > Serve the focaccia. Slip the pancake turner under the focaccia and transfer it to a cutting board.
Sprinkle it with extra olive oil if desired, cut it into strips with a serrated knife, and serve immediately.
To bake focaccia: Preheat the oven to 475F 30 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
lowest level and place baking stone or heavy baking sheet on it before preheating.
Place the baking sheet with the focaccia on the hot stone or hot baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes.
Add the garlic, if desired, slide a pancake turner underneath the dough to loosen it, and slip it directly
onto the stone. Continue baking for another 5 minutes or until the top begins to brown around the edges.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> If you are planning to use the focaccia as a sandwich bread, double the recipe. Press it into a
rectangle the same size but 1/2 inch high; it will bake to 1 inch high. (Add a few minutes to the grilling
or baking time.)

UNDERSTANDING

Less salt is used in this dough than for most other doughs so that extra salt can be sprinkled on top. It
adds not only an attractive dcor but also a pleasant taste sensation.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast
Salt:
Oil:

100%
69.9%
1.4%
1.4%
11.9%

Sicilian Vegetable Pizza Roll

My friend Angelica Pulvirenti grew up in a tiny village of Ispica, near the ancient town of Ragusa, my
favorite city in Sicily. Most people in those days did not have their own ovens, so, as the only daughter,
it was her proud responsibility to take the family bread to the communal oven in town for baking. She
still remembers how the bread was placed in her mothers bed under the wool covers to rise, as it was
the warmest spot in the house.
This indescribably good filled bread roll is a recipe Angelica has been making every Christmas for
as long as she can remember. Of course, she makes it the way people who have been cooking and
baking all their lives do, without a recipe and without weighing or measuring anythingpurely by
heart. It was fun watching her trying to slow down to contemplate, measure, and re-create it for this
book.
Jerusalem artichokes add an earthy flavor to the garlicky broccoli filling, faintly reminiscent of
globe artichokes. Also called sunchokes, they are available during the cool months of the year starting
around October, but this bread will still be delicious without them.
This dough is really a pizza dough, but it is developed more to make it strong enough to hold the
filling. It is rolled out into a large rectangle, topped with the filling, and then rolled up like a jelly roll to
create a beautiful spiral of vegetables in the dough.
TIME SCHEDULE

Rising Time: 20 minutes

Oven Temperature: 475F, then 400F
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Makes: an 18-by-4 1/2-by-2-inch-high loaf
Serves: 12 to 16
Filling
MEASURE

WEIGHT

INGREDIENTS

volume

ounces

grams

olive oil
broccoli florets, cut into small
pieces (about 3/4 inch)
3 to 4 Jersualem artichokes,
peeled, and thinly sliced
5 large garlic cloves, thinly
sliced and julienned
salt
black pepper

1/3 liquid c

2.5 oz

72 g

8 c (2 bunches)

14.5 oz

412 g

1 rounded c slices

about 4 oz

118 g

1/2 c julienned
1 tsp
to taste

about 1.5
oz
0.2 oz
--

42 g
6.6 g
--

EQUIPMENT

heavy-duty aluminum foil;

a half sheet pan;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Make the filling. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat (Angelica calls it happy
heat). Add the broccoli and saut, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes or just until it starts to change color.
Add the Jerusalem artichokes and garlic and sprinkle with salt. Cover and cook, stirring often, for about
3 minutes or until tender-crisp. (The broccoli will continue cooking slightly during baking.) Sprinkle on
the pepper and cool completely.
Dough
Makes: 27.7 ounces/792 grams
MEASURE

WEIGHT

INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
sugar
salt
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
whole wheat flour (or
unbleached all-purpose flour)
for rolling the dough
olive oil

volume

ounces

grams

3 1/4 c

about 16.5
oz

468 g

2 tsp

--

6.4 g

2 tsp
1 1/2 tsp

---

8.3 g
10 g

1 1/3 liquid c

11 oz

312 g

1/4 c

1.25 oz

35 g

3 tbsp, divided

about 1.5
oz

40 g

2 > Mix the dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, yeast, and sugar. Then whisk in the
salt (this keeps the yeast from coming in direct contact with the salt, which would kill it). Make a well
in the center of the flour, add the water, and, with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir it in until
blended.
Sprinkle the counter with some of the whole wheat (or all-purpose) flour. Using an oiled spatula or
dough scraper, scrape the dough out onto the counter and knead it for 10 minutes or until smooth and
resilient. It will be very sticky during the first 5 minutes of kneading. (If it is still sticky after 5 minutes,
cover it with the inverted bowl and let it rest for 20 minutes.) Add more flour if necessary only after the
first 5 minutes. (The dough can also be made in a stand mixer with a dough hook; mix on medium speed
[#4 if using a KitchenAid] for 7 minutes.)
3 > Let the dough rest. Clean the counter and sprinkle it with more whole wheat (or all-purpose) flour.
Set the dough on top and allow it to sit, covered with plastic wrap, for 20 to 30 minutes to relax before
rolling.
4 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
5 > Shape the dough. Using 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, brush a 4-inch band of oil down the center of
a 20-inch-long piece of heavy-duty foil.
Roll the dough into an 18-by-16-inch rectangle. Strew the filling evenly over the dough. Roll up the
dough from a longer side, using a long plastic ruler to help support the dough as you roll it (slip the
edge of the ruler slightly under the dough and use it to lift up and roll the dough). Pinch the edge of the
dough firmly to make a tight seam. Turn the dough so that the seam is underneath. Pinch the ends of the
dough firmly together and tuck them under.
Roll the loaf onto the foil so that the seam remains underneath, and lift it onto the pan, leaving it on
the foil. Brush the top with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and make 3 small slashes in the top of the
dough.

6 > Bake the bread. Set the baking sheet on the hot stone or hot baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
Lower the heat to 400F and bake for 10 minutes. Rotate the pan and continue baking for 10 minutes or
until the loaf is golden all over.
7 > Brush the loaf with oil and cool it slightly. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and set it on a
wire rack. Brush the top of the loaf with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Allow it to cool for about
10 minutes.
8 > Serve the bread. Transfer it to a carving board and use a serrated knife to cut it into 1/2- to 3/4-inch
slices.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> This bread freezes well, and slices of it reheat to fabulous full flavor in just 10 minutes in a
preheated 350F oven. I like to spread the slices first with duxelles to keep the filling moist, while
crisping the crust. This intense mushroom filling is a fantastic flavor synergy with the Jerusalem
artichokes. Slices are also delicious reheated and then drizzled with a little truffle or extra virgin olive
oil.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Oil:

100%
62%
1.27%
2%
8%

Pita Bread

Once you have tasted homemade pita bread, you will be hooked for life. Not only is it more delicious,
with a softer and moister texture than the commercial variety, it happens to be easy to prepareand the
dough can be made and refrigerated as much as four days ahead of baking. Its also great fun to watch
the pitas puff up like little balloons while baking.
This Middle-Eastern pocket bread is ideal to use for hummus and other dips, and for all manner of
sandwiches. I like to make small 4-inch pitas and cut them into wedges, but for stuffing, the larger size
is best. Simply cut off a small piece from the top and with a knife, gently separate the inside to form a
pocket.
TIME SCHEDULE

Minimum Rising Time: 1 hour

Oven Temperature: 475F
Baking Time: 3 minutes per bread

Makes: twelve 4-inch pitas or eight 6-inch pitas

INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
salt
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
olive oil
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

3 c plus a scant
1/4 c

16 oz

454 g

2 tsp

0.5 oz

13.2 g

2 tsp

--

6.4 g

2 tbsp

1 oz

27 g

1 1/4 liquid c

10.4 oz

295 g

EQUIPMENT

a baking stone OR cast-iron skillet OR a baking sheet

1 > About 1 1/2 hours before shaping, or for best flavor development, 8 hours to 3 days ahead, mix
the dough.
Mixer Method
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine all the ingredients. With the paddle attachment, mix on low speed
(#2 if using a KitchenAid) just until all the flour is moistened, about 20 seconds. Change to the dough
hook, raise the speed to medium (#4 KitchenAid), and knead for 10 minutes. The dough should clean
the bowl and be very soft and smooth and just a little sticky to the touch. Add a little flour or water if
necessary. (The dough will weigh about 27.75 ounces/793 grams.)
Hand Method
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except for a scant 1/4 cup of the flour. With a wooden spoon
or your hand, mix until all the flour is moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together.
Sprinkle a little of the reserved flour onto the counter and scrape the dough onto it. Knead the dough
for 5 minutes, adding as little of the reserved flour as possible. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough
and gather it together as you knead it. At this point it will be very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl
and allow it to rest for 5 to 20 minutes. (This rest will make the dough less sticky and easier to work
with.)

Knead the dough for another 5 to 10 minutes or until it is soft and smooth and just a little sticky to
the touch. Add a little flour or water if necessary. (The dough will weigh about 27.75 ounces/793
grams.)
Both Methods
2 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 2-quart or
larger dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Press the dough down
and lightly spray or oil the top of it. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape,
mark the side of the container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be.
Refrigerate the dough overnight (or up to 3 days), checking every hour for the first 4 hours and pressing
it down if it starts to rise.
3 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone, cast-iron skillet, or baking sheet on it before preheating.
4 > Shape the dough. Cut the dough into 8 or 12 pieces. Work with one piece at a time, keeping the rest
covered with a damp cloth. On a lightly floured counter, with lightly floured hands, shape each piece
into a ball and then flatten it into a disk. Cover the dough with oiled plastic and allow it to rest for 20
minutes at room temperature.
Roll each disk into a circle a little under 1/4 inch thick. Allow them to rest, uncovered, for 10
minutes before baking.
5 > Bake the pita. Quickly place 1 piece of dough directly on the stone or in the skillet or on the baking
sheet, and bake for 3 minutes. The pita should be completely puffed but not beginning to brown. The
dough will not puff well if it is not moist enough. See how the pita puffs, then, if necessary, spray and
knead each remaining piece with water until the dough is soft and moist; allow to rest again and reroll
as before. (However, those that do not puff well are still delicious to eat.) Proceed with the remaining
dough, baking 3 or 4 pieces or a time if using a stone or baking sheet. Using a pancake turner, transfer
the pita breads to a clean towel, to stay soft and warm. Allow the oven to reheat for 5 minutes between
batches. The pitas can be reheated for about 30 seconds in a hot oven before serving.
To cook the pitas on the stovetop
Preheat a griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the surface and cook the
pitas one at a time. Cook for about 20 seconds, then turn the dough and continue cooking for 1 minute
or until big bubbles appear. Turn the dough again and cook until the dough balloons. If the dough begins
to brown, lower the heat. The entire cooking process for each pita should be about 3 minutes.
VARIATION

For a whole wheat version, use half whole wheat, and half white flour. If using regular whole wheat
flour, for best results, grind it very fine or process it in a food processor for 5 minutes to break the bran
into smaller particles. Finely ground 100% whole wheat flour (atta), available in Middle-Eastern food
markets, is the finest grind available. Or, for a milder but wheatier flavor and golden color, try 100%
white whole wheat flour (see Sources). You will need to add 1/4 cup more water, for a total of 1 1/2
cups (12.4 ounces/354 grams).

UNDERSTANDING

This dough is actually the same as my pizza dough, but it is made with a higher-protein flour and is
kneaded to develop enough gluten to support the rise during baking, when the pitas inflate like little
balloons to form the inner pocket.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Oil:

100%
65%
1.4%
2.9%
6.2%

Mediterranean Matzoh

I grew up with store-bought matzoh, munching it with great pleasure every Passover, thickly spread
with sweet butter, sprinkled lightly with salt, or sometimes drizzled with schmaltz (chicken fat). Its
hard to compete with tradition and happy childhood memories, but when I was visiting Tom Cat, the
huge bread bakery in Queens, New York, that supplies so many of New Yorks best restaurants with
rustic breads, head baker James Rath introduced me to a matzoh of a different stripe. It was created by
co-owner Noel Comess. Paper-thin, crackling crisp, with a hint of rosemary and a suspicion of olive oil
I knew I had met a matzoh too good to save only for the Passover table. (Matzoh represents the
unleavened bread made by the Jews during their long exodus from Egypt, when time did not allow for
yeast-raised bread.) In fact, two friends, Anna and Morry Schwartz, were visiting from Australia, and
the four of us went through two huge Tom Cat matzohs as appetizers with Champagne. This matzoh
needs nothing more than one bite for you to want to make it in your kitchen.
Dont expect these matzohs to look like the evenly ridged squares that come out of a box. They are
far more interesting, in a free-form sort of way. They resemble crackers with many beautiful bubbles of
varying sizes.
TIME SCHEDULE

Minimum Resting Time: 40 minutes

Oven Temperature: 450F
Baking Time: 5 to 6 minutes per matzoh

Makes: six 11-inch rounds about 3 ounces/83 grams each

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

2 3/4 c

13.7 oz

390 g

1/4 c

1.25 oz

35 g

1 1/8 tsp

0.25 oz

7.5 g

1 liquid c

8.2 oz

236 g

olive oil

1/4 liquid c (plus a

little extra for
oiling the dough)

about 2 oz

about 54 g

fresh rosemary, finely

chopped

1/2 tbsp

--

2 g

INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
finely ground whole wheat
flour
salt
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

EQUIPMENT

a baking stone and peel OR 2 large baking sheets, lightly dusted with flour or cornmeal

1 > Mix the dough.

Mixer Method
In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk together the flours and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in all
but 1 tablespoon of the water, the olive oil, and rosemary. With the paddle attachment, mix on medium
speed (#4 if using a KitchenAid) until the dough cleans the sides of the bowl. If the dough does not

come together after 1 minute, add the remaining water 1/2 teaspoon at a time. Dont worry if it seems
sticky; adding more flour if necessary will not destroy the texture. Transfer the dough to a counter, and
knead it lightly 1 to 2 minutes, until smooth and satiny. (It will be a round ball that flattens after
relaxing.)
Hand Method
Place the flours on a counter or in a bowl, and sprinkle with the salt. Make a well in the center and add
the olive oil. Add all but 1 tablespoon of the water in three or four additions, using your fingers and a
bench scraper or spatula to work the flour into the liquid until you can form a ball. If necessary, add the
final tablespoon of water. Knead the dough until it is very smooth and elastic and feels like satin, about
5 minutes, adding extra flour only if it is still very sticky after kneading for a few minutes.
Both Methods
2 > Oil the dough and let it rest. Pour about 1 teaspoon olive oil onto a small plate and turn the dough
in it so that it is coated all over. Leave the dough on the plate, cover it with plastic wrap, and allow it to
sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate it overnight.
3 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 450F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
middle level and place a baking stone on it before preheating.
4 > Shape and bake the dough. Cut the dough into 6 equal parts and shape them into balls. Flatten
them into disks, cover, and allow them to sit for about 10 minutes.
Work with one piece of dough at a time, keeping the rest covered. Place a dough disk on a floured
counter and flour the top of it. Roll it into a rough circle 12 to 13 inches in diameter. As you roll, lift the
dough and slide it on the counter at regular intervals, flouring as necessary to prevent sticking.
Slide the dough onto the prepared peel or a baking sheet. If using a peel, slide the dough onto the
hot stone by jiggling the peel as you gradually pull it forward. If using a baking sheet, set the baking
sheet directly on the stone.
Bake for 1 minute, then, with a fork or the tip of a knife, poke any big bubbles that may have
formed. Continue baking for 2 minutes more. Hold a clean pot holder in one hand, and use a large
pancake turner to lift the matzoh and flip it over onto the pot holder. Slide the matzoh back onto the
stone or baking sheet and bake for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the raised bubbles are lightly
browned.
5 > Cool the matzoh. With a pancake turner, remove the matzoh from the oven and set it on a wire rack
to cool completely while you shape and bake the remaining dough. If the matzoh isnt crisp after
cooling, you can return it briefly to the oven. If desired, gently brush off any flour on the surface with a
pastry feather or soft brush.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> While each matzoh is baking, there is just enough time to roll the next one. If the dough is hard to
roll, cover it and let it rest for a minute or so.
UNDERSTANDING

Amazingly, when analyzing the proportion of ingredients, I discovered that, to the gram, the formula for
this recipe is identical to my strudel recipe, containing the same amount of flour, oil, water, and salt!
Strudel, however, is stretched to a transparent thinness, brushed with clarified butter, and wrapped
around moist fillings, producing a crisp, flaky, and tender dough, unlike matzoh, which is baked flat,
unfilled, and unbuttered, resulting in a brittle crisp bread. The olive oil in the matzoh, though not
traditional, provides extra crispness and flavor.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Oil:

100% (all-purpose: 91%, whole wheat: 9%)

55.5%
0%
1.8%
1.4%

Kheema Paratha

The flatbreads of India are many and varied, but of all the flatbreads that do not require a special
tandoor oven, the paratha, which is cooked on a griddle, is my favorite. The dough for this bread
contains less water than pita and, instead of yeast, relies on a special technique of rolling, folding, and
layering with melted butter to make it puff into a tender, almost flaky bread. Parathas are sauted in a
little butter on a disk-like iron pan called a tawa, available in Middle-Eastern and Indian markets, but
they can also be made in a cast-iron skillet. Sauting rather than baking in an oven is what gives the
paratha its crisp exterior.
Paratha is usually served plain to accompany dinner. Torn pieces are used as an edible fork to lift
the food. Paratha is sometimes filled with a mixture of spicy onion and potato or cauliflower, but it was
only when I visited India that I enjoyed kheema paratha, filled with spiced ground meat. On my return, I
found the perfect recipe for the kheema filling in Madhur Jaffreys An Invitation to Indian Cooking. The
optional Middle-Eastern cilantro-based sauce is a terrific accompaniment.
TIME SCHEDULE

Minimum Resting Time: 30 minutes

Sauting Time: about 2 1/2 minutes per bread
Makes: 4 parathas (with enough filling for 8; extra filling can be frozen for as long as 3 months, or used
to fill tacos and tortillas)
Dough
Makes: about 17 ounces/482 grams
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

whole wheat chapati flour

(atta) or half whole wheat and
half unbleached all-purpose
flour (such as Gold Medal or
Pillsbury)
salt
Optional:
dry milk, preferably nonfat (or
replace half the water with
scalded milk that has been
cooled to lukewarm)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

2 c, lightly spooned

10.2 oz

290 g

1 tsp

0.2 oz

6.6 g

1 1/2 tbsp

about 0.5 oz 11.7 g

3/4 liquid c

6.2 oz

177 g

EQUIPMENT

a 9-inch tawa OR cast-iron skillet

1 > Make the dough.

Food Processor Method
In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine the flour(s), salt, and the optional dry milk.
With the motor running, gradually pour in the water. Remove the cover and pinch the dough. If it holds
together and feels moist, continue processing for 45 seconds: the dough should form a ball. If necessary,
pulse in a little more water. The dough should be very smooth and soft and only very slightly tacky
(sticky).
Hand Method
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour(s), salt, and the optional dry milk. Make a well in the center.
Pour about 1/2 cup of the water into the well, stirring it into the flour with your hand or a rubber spatula.
Gradually add only enough of the remaining water as necessary to pick up all the dry flour particles and
form a soft dough.
Transfer the dough to an unfloured countertop and knead it for 10 to 15 minutes; it works best if you
use your knuckles, as the dough tends to stick to your palms. As the dough starts drying slightly, dip
your knuckles into a little warm water and continue kneading. The dough should be very smooth and
soft and only very slightly tacky (sticky).

Both Methods
2 > Let the dough rest. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and spray the top lightly with nonstick
vegetable spray. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a warm spot for a minimum of 30
minutes or up to 3 hours.
Kheema (Ground Meat Filling)
Makes: 2 cups
INGREDIENTS

vegetable oil
1 bay leaf
1 small cinnamon stick
3 whole cloves
1 medium onion, finely
chopped
a 1/2-inch piece of ginger,
peeled and minced
3 medium garlic cloves,
minced
coriander seeds
cumin seeds
ground turmeric
plain yogurt
tomato sauce
ground beef, preferably
chuck
ground mace
nutmeg, preferably freshly
grated
salt
cayenne pepper
water
clarified butter (or ghee)
Optional:
Yemenite Green Sauce

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
2 tbsp
----

ounces
1 oz
----

grams
28 g
----

1 c

5 oz

142 g

4 tsp

--

--

--

--

--

1/2 tbsp
1/2 tbsp
1/2 tsp
1 tbsp
1 tbsp

------

------

--

1 lb

454 g

1/8 tsp

--

--

1/8 tsp

--

--

3/4 tsp
1/4 to 1/2 tsp
1/4 liquid c
1/4 liquid c

---1.75 oz

5 g
--48 g

1 c

8.3 oz

237 g

3 > Make the kheema while the dough is resting (or up to 3 days ahead). In a heavy medium (10inch) skillet, heat the oil over medium heat until hot. Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cloves and
fry for a few minutes, until the bay leaf begins to darken slightly. Lower the heat, add the onion, ginger,
and garlic, and saut, stirring, for 10 minutes or until the onion darkens to medium brown.
Meanwhile, in a small saut pan, dry-roast the coriander and cumin seeds over medium heat, stirring

often, for about 2 minutes or until they smell fragrant. Allow them to cool, then grind them in a spice
mill or coffee grinder.
Add the coriander, cumin, and turmeric to the onion mixture and saut for about 2 minutes, stirring
constantly. Add the yogurt and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Add the tomato sauce and cook,
stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes.
Add the meat and raise the heat to medium. Saut, breaking up lumps with a slotted spoon or
spatula, for 5 to 7 minutes or until the meat is browned.
Stir in the mace, nutmeg, salt, cayenne pepper, and water. Lower the heat to the lowest possible
setting or (use a heat diffuser if you have one), cover, and simmer, stirring about every 10 minutes to
prevent scorching, for 45 minutes. If all the water evaporates before this time, add a few tablespoons
more, but the mixture should be dry at the end of cooking. Taste and add a little more salt, if desired.
Let the filling cool, then remove and discard the bay leaf, cinnamon, and cloves.
4 > Shape the dough. On a floured surface, roll the dough into a long rope. Divide it into 8 even pieces.
Work with one piece of dough at a time, keeping the rest of the dough covered with plastic wrap to
prevent it from drying out. Shape each piece into a ball, dust it lightly with flour, and set on a baking
sheet or counter.
Working with one piece of dough at a time again, keeping the rest covered, flatten a ball of dough
with floured fingers and roll it into a 5-inch circle, flouring the surface and the dough lightly as
necessary to keep it from sticking. Brush off any excess flour and brush the surface of the dough with
clarified butter. Fold the dough in half, dust off the flour, and brush again with clarified butter. Fold it
over one more time and set it aside.
5 > Shape the parathas. When all the dough has been shaped, roll out each triangular piece into a
rough 7-inch round. It helps to use your fingers to stretch the dough gently. The rolled dough rounds can
be stacked if separated by wax paper or plastic wrap.
Work with 2 pieces of dough at a time. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the kheema filling evenly over one
dough round and top with a second round. Fold the edges over about 1/4 inch and press to seal in the
filling.
Turn the paratha seam side down on a lightly floured counter and roll very gently, so that the meat
filling does not come through the dough, to a 7- to 8-inch round; roll firmly over the thicker edges.
6 > Fry the parathas. Heat the tawa or saut pan over medium heat until a drop of water will sizzle on
it. Lower the heat to medium-low and brush the pan with some of the remaining clarified butter. Place a
paratha in the pan and fry until the bottom has brown spots and is golden and crisp, about 1 1/2 minutes.
Brush the surface with a little more of the butter and, using a pancake turner, flip it over and fry the
second side until golden, about 1 minute. The dough will puff up but then deflate once it is removed
from the heat.
7 > Serve the parathas. With a pizza wheel or sharp knife cut the paratha into 4 wedges. Keep them
warm in a low oven, loosely covered with foil, while you cook the remaining breads. (The parathas can
also be reheated in this way for about 10 minutes, or eaten at room temperature.) Serve with the green
sauce if you like.
STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR MAKING PARATHAS:

1> Brushing excess flour off the dough

2> Brushing the dough with clarified butter

3> Brushing the folded dough with clarified butter

4> Paratha folded over a second time

5> Rolling folded dough into a rough circle

STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR FILLING A PARATHA:

1> Stretching the dough into a round

2> Kheema filling scattered over the top

3> Placing a second round of dough over the filling

4> Pressing the edges to seal in the filling

5> Folding the edges over and pressing down to seal

6> Rolling the turned-over dough into an 8-inch round

7> Brushing the paratha while it is frying on the tawa

8> Flipping the paratha over with a pancake turner

Yemenite Green Sauce (Schug)

My friend Meera Freeman gave me the recipe for this spicy sauce.
Makes: 1 cup (8.3 ounces/237 grams)
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

volume
cardamom seed (from 6 pods) 1/4 tsp

WEIGHT

ounces
--

grams
--

1 small clove
cumin seeds, lightly toasted
salt
black pepper
2 garlic cloves
3 small hot green chiles, seeds
and ribs removed
3 mild green chiles, seeds and
ribs removed
1 large bunch cilantro, leaves
and fine stems only
olive oil

-1/2 tsp
1/2 tsp
1/4 tsp
--

------

------

1/4 c

about 1 oz

31 g

1/4 c

about 1 oz

31 g

2 c
1/4 liquid c

about 1.5
oz
2 oz

42 g
56 g

Grind the spices, salt, and pepper together in a mortar or a small spice or coffee grinder. Combine
with the remaining ingredients in a food processor fitted with the metal blade and process until the
consistency of a sauce, stopping to scrape down the sides two or three times.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> The whole wheat flour must be fresh (see Freshness), or it will not form as strong a dough and the
meat filling will break through it.
> Use the higher amount of cayenne pepper if you want a little fire in the filling. The smaller amount
is barely perceptible.
UNDERSTANDING

Using 100% finely ground whole durum wheat flour (atta), available in Indian or Middle-Eastern food
markets, you can make the most delicate and deliciously wheaty dough. If using ordinary whole wheat
flour, it is necessary to use one-third to one-half unbleached all-purpose flour to provide the necessary
elasticity. If using regular whole wheat flour, process it in a food processor for several minutes to reduce
the size of the bran and germ, then sift it to remove any coarse particles. The resulting dough will be
more chewy than the 100% whole wheat dough. Using half milk and half water instead of all water
results in a more supple dough. I like to use lard in place of the clarified butter because its flavor is so
compatible with the filling.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:

100%
61%
0%
2.3%

4.

Soft Sandwich Loaves & Dinner Rolls

DESPITE THE GROWING APPEAL OF FULL-FLAVORED, CRUSTY, AND CHEWY artisan breads, there will always

be a place in our hearts for soft white sandwich bread. Just as when the French think of bread, a
baguette surely pops into mind, when we think of bread, it is a soft white loaf. Theres nothing to be
ashamed of: the manufacture and standardization of the commercial loaf of sliced white bread at an
affordable price is one of the miracles of American technology, and we love our soft, squishy white
commercial sandwich bread. It sets the standard for the all-American peanut butter and jelly sandwich,
or for warm cinnamon-raisin spiral toast with butter. It was my goal in developing a base recipe for this
type of bread to achieve the ultimate in softness and lightness but with the integrity of a full homemade
flavor, in contrast to the relatively bland commercial variety that serves as a mere vehicle for a filling.
As for the texture, though many enjoy this type of bread freshly baked, at its absolute squishiest, I enjoy
it still more lightly toasted, which emphasizes its airiness rather then its softness.
Although I find the basic soft sandwich recipe I developed to be nearly perfect just the way it is, I
came up with several other fun and delicious versions by adding banana, potato, sweet potato or yam,
Cheddar cheese, ricotta, and cottage cheese. These additions change the flavor, color, and texture,
usually in subtle but sometimes more apparent, and always interesting ways.
All of these soft bread doughs are also wonderful for making classic dinner rolls. Make them for
dinner parties, special occasions, and holidays. Of course they will also make the best hot dog and
hamburger buns.
In addition to the basic soft white bread, I have included two soft sandwich loaves made partly with
whole-grain wheat, Cracked Wheat Loaf and Flaxseed Loaf. They are not as soft as the sandwich loaves
made with white flour, but you will enjoy the extra texture and wheatiness provided by these flavorful
grains.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS FOR MAKING SOFT BREADS

> It is fine to use bread flour instead of unbleached all-purpose flour for these breads, but the flours
suggested will result in the softest texture.
> Adding 1 to 3 percent whole wheat flour will contribute significant wheaty flavor without affecting
the texture of the bread.
> Soft breads need to be baked long enough so that the crust is strong enough to support the high rise
and not cave in at the sides after baking.
> These loaves must not be cut when still hot, or they will collapse.
> Cut these soft breads with an electric knife or a serrated knife.
UNDERSTANDING

The secrets to the soft texture of these breads are unbleached all-purpose white flour, a high percentage
of liquid, and a high proportion of butter. The airiness of texture is due to the high percentage of liquid
and the milk, which strengthen the gluten (protein) structure of the bread. I think of this type of bread as
an eggless brioche. Because it has no egg, it stays soft even on the second day after baking. And it
freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. A higher amount of pre-ferment (sponge dough starter) gives a
fuller flavor to this 100 percent white wheat flour bread, so almost 50 percent of the total amount of
flour is used in the sponge compared to the usual 30 percent.
The proportion of basic essential ingredients in soft white sandwich breads falls into the range of
63.9 to 74.4 percent water, 0.74 to 1.64 percent instant yeast, 1.9 to 2.3 percent salt, and 4.4 to 17.9
percent butterfat. These percentages are based on the Bakers Percentage, in which every ingredient is
based on the flour, which is given the value of 100 percent. The water and fat percentages include what
is contained in any of the added ingredients.
Basic Soft White Sandwich Loaf

This is my best white bread for sandwiches, dinner rolls, cinnamon swirl or herb swirl breads, and toast.
I developed it to match my childhood memory of my favorite bread, Silvercup, a soft, light, and airy
bread like todays Wonder Bread, which made the best toast. This homemade version has the same
texture but has a more yeasty and fuller flavor. In fact, this bread is like a brioche, with less butter and
no egg. It has an even yet open crumb but is softer and lighter in texture. Part of the secret of its light
texture is that, like brioche, it is made from an exceptionally moist dough. Lightly toasted and topped
with soft scrambled eggs, it is nothing short of ambrosial. Michael Batterberry, publisher of Food Arts
magazine, tasted this bread and said, Mmmm. This is what Wonder Bread, in its soul, really always
wanted to be!
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 hour, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 4 hours
Oven Temperature: 350F

Baking Time: 50 minutes

Makes: two 8-by-4-by-4 1/2-inch-high loaves 1 1/4 pounds/581 grams
Dough Starter (Sponge)
MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

2 1/4 c plus
2 1/2 tbsp

12 oz

341 g

scant 1 3/4 liquid c

14.3 oz

405 g

honey

2 tbsp plus
1 tsp

1.5 oz

45 g

instant yeast (see Ingredients

for brands)

3/4 tsp

--

2.4 g

INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

EQUIPMENT

two 8 1/2-in-4 1/2-inch loaf pans, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Make the sponge. In a mixer bowl or other large bowl, combine the flour, water, honey, and instant
yeast. Whisk until very smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The sponge will be the consistency
of a thick batter, Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and cover with plastic wrap.
Flour Mixture and Dough
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
dry milk, preferably nonfat
instant yeast
unsalted butter, softened

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

2 c plus
3 tbsp

about 11 oz 311 g

1/4 c
3/4 tsp
9 tbsp

1.5 oz
-4.5 oz

grams

40 g
2.4 g
128 g

salt
Optional:
melted butter

2 1/4 tsp

--

15 g

1 tbsp

0.5 oz

14 g

2 > Make the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour
(reserve 1/4 cup if mixing by hand), dry milk, and instant yeast. Sprinkle this on top of the sponge and
cover tightly with plastic wrap. Allow it to ferment for 1 to 4 hours at room temperature. (During this
time, the sponge will bubble through the flour blanket in places: this is fine.)
3 > Mix the dough.
Mixer Method
Add the butter to the bowl and mix with the dough hook on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) for 1
minute or until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Scrape down any bits of dough.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 7 to 10 minutes. It
will not come away from the bowl until the last minute or so of kneading; it will be smooth and shiny
and stick to your fingers. With an oiled spatula, scrape down any dough clinging to the sides of the
bowl. If the dough is not stiff, knead in a little flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray it with a little water
and knead it in. (The dough will weigh about 44.25 ounces/1258 grams.)
Hand Method
Add the salt and butter to the bowl and, with a wooden spoon or your hand, stir until all the flour is
moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured
counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding as little
of the reserved flour as possible to keep the dough from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the
dough and gather it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the
inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and
easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should still be tacky
(sticky) enough to cling slightly to your fingers a little. If the dough is still very sticky, however, add
some of the remaining reserved flour, or a little extra. (The dough will weigh about 44.25 ounces/1258
grams.)
Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 4-quart doughrising container or bowl, lightly oiled with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly spray
or oil the surface. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of
the container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise
(ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough onto a floured counter and press down on
it gently to form a rectangle. It will be full of air and resilient. Try to maintain as many of the air
bubbles as possible. Pull out and fold the dough over from all four sides into a tight package, or give it 2
business letter turns and set it back in the container. Again oil the surface, cover, and mark where double

the height would now be. (It will fill the container fuller than before because it is puffier with air.)
Allow the dough to rise for 1 to 2 hours or until it reaches the mark.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and cut it in half.
Shape each piece into a loaf: begin by gently pressing the dough (or lightly rolling it with a rolling pin)
into a wide rectangle; the exact size is not important at this point. (A long side of the dough should be
facing toward you.) Dimple the dough with your fingertips to deflate any large bubbles. Fold over the
right side of the dough to a little past the center. Fold over the left side of the dough to overlap it
slightly. Press the center overlap section with the side of your hand to seal the dough. (If you have a lot
of experience shaping, you may prefer at this point to rotate the dough 90 degreesa quarter turn.)
Starting at the top edge of the dough, roll it over three or four times, until it reaches the bottom edge of
the dough: with each roll, press with your thumbs to seal it and at the same time push it away from you
slightly to tighten the outer skin. As you roll and press, the dough will become wider. If it is not as long
as the pan, place both hands close together on top of the dough and, rolling back and forth, gradually
work your way toward the ends, gently stretching the dough. For the most even shape, it is important to
keep a tight skin on the surface of the dough and not to tear it. If you want the edges of the loaf to be
smooth, tuck the sides under.
Place the loaves in the prepared loaf pans; the dough will be about 1/2 inch from the top of the pans.
Cover them with a large container, or cover them loosely with oiled plastic wrap, and allow to rise until
the center is about 1 inch above the sides of the pan, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. When the dough is pressed with a
fingertip, the depression will very slowly fill in.
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350F 45 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
lowest level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the
floor of the oven, before preheating.
7 > Bake the bread. Quickly but gently set the pans on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet. Toss
1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 50 minutes or until
medium golden brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read
thermometer inserted into the center will read about 210F). Halfway through baking, turn the pans
around for even baking.
8 > Glaze and cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Brush the top
of the bread with the optional melted butter. Unmold and cool top side up on a wire rack until barely
warm, about 1 hour.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 2, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature
and then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. If using the hand mixing method, remove it from the
refrigerator about 1 hour before mixing the dough.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> If not using the dry milk, you can replace 1 cup of the water with 1 cup milk, preferably nonfat,
scalded (brought to the boiling point) and cooled to lukewarm.

UNDERSTANDING

A greater amount of sponge dough starter (pre-ferment) offers a fuller flavor in this plain bread, so
almost 50 percent of total amount of flour is used in the sponge, compared to the usual 30 percent of
hearth breads.
If using liquid milk, it is scalded to deactivate the enzyme in it that could make the dough sticky.
Baking the bread at too high a temperature, would result in too thin a crust, which would cause
keyholing, or caving in at the sides of the loaf. Therefore, this bread is baked at 350F. It is also
important for the bread to be thoroughly baked so that the crust is firm enough to prevent it from
compressing. The loaves should not be cut until completely cool for the same reason.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Butterfat:

100%
66.3% (includes the water in the butter and honey)
0.74%
2.3%
15.9%

Butter-Dipped Dinner Rolls

When I was growing up, it was unthinkable to have dinner without bread on the table. Sliced rye was
the usual fare for weekday suppers, but at my refined great-aunt Pollys, where dining was an occasion,
it was always dinner rolls. To my mind, they represented the elegance of a bygone era. I still remember
how she firmly taught me to break off a piece politely rather than to bite into it as my natural impulse
dictated! When I grew up and started eating out at fine restaurants, I discovered that dinner rolls are a
part of formal dining and was grateful for the lesson in manners.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 hour, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 4 hours
Oven Temperature: 400F
Baking Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Makes: 12 rolls
Dough Starter (Sponge)
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
water, at room temperature

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 c plus
3 tbsp

6 oz

170 g

3/4 liquid c plus

(70 to 90F)

2 tbsp

7 oz

202 g

honey

1 tbsp plus
1/2 tsp

0.7 oz

22 g

instant yeast (see Ingredients

for brands)

1/4 tsp

--

0.8 g

EQUIPMENT

a baking stone OR baking sheet;

an 8-inch square pan OR 9-inch round pan (baked in the square pan, each roll resembles a
perfectly shaped little loaf, 2 inches by 2 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches high [1.6 ounces/46.7 grams])

1 > Make the sponge. In a mixer bowl or other large bowl, combine the flour, water, honey, and instant
yeast. Whisk until very smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The sponge will be the consistency
of a thick batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
Flour Mixture and Dough
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
dry milk, preferably nonfat
instant yeast
unsalted butter, softened
salt
unsalted butter, melted and
cooled

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 c plus
1 1/2 tbsp

5.5 oz

156 g

2 tbsp
1/2 tsp
4 1/2 tbsp
1 1/8 tsp

0.7 oz
-2.2 oz
--

20 g
1.6 g
64 g
7.5 g

4 tbsp

2 oz

56 g

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a medium bowl, whisk
together the flour (reserve 1/4 cup if mixing by hand), dry milk, and instant yeast. Sprinkle this on top
of the sponge and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Allow it to ferment for 1 to 4 hours at room
temperature. (During this time the sponge will bubble through the flour blanket in places: this is fine.)

3 > Mix the dough.

Mixer Method
Add the butter to the bowl and mix with the dough hook on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) for 1
minute or until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Scrape down any bits of dough.
Cover the top of the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 7 to 10 minutes. It
will not come away from the bowl until toward the last minute or so of kneading; it will be smooth and
shiny and stick to your fingers. With an oiled spatula, scrape down any dough clinging to the sides of
the bowl. If the dough is not stiff, knead in a little flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray it with a little
water and knead it in. (It will weigh about 22 ounces/629 grams.)
Hand Method
Add the salt and butter to the bowl and, with a wooden spoon or your hand, stir until all the flour is
moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured
counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding as little
of the reserved flour as possible to keep the dough from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the
dough and gather it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the
inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and
easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should still be tacky
(sticky) enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If the dough is still very sticky, however, add some of
the remaining reserved flour, or a little extra. (The dough will weigh about 22 ounces/629 grams.)
Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 2-quart doughrising container or bowl, lightly oiled with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly spray
or oil the surface. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of
the container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise
(ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough onto a floured counter and press it gently
into a rectangle. It will be full of air and resilient. Try to maintain as many of the air bubbles as possible.
Pull out and fold the dough over from all four sides into a tight package, or give it 2 business letter turns
and set it back in the container. Again oil the surface, cover, and mark where double the height would
now be. (It will fill the container fuller than before because it is puffier with air.) Allow the dough to
rise for 1 to 2 hours or until it reaches the mark.
5 > Shape the rolls, glaze them, and let them rise. You need to cut the dough into 12 even pieces: the
easiest way to do this is first to roll the dough gently into a long log and cut it into 4 equal pieces, then
cut each piece into 3 equal pieces (each one should weigh 1 3/4 ounces/50 grams). Work with one piece
at a time, keeping the remaining dough covered.
If the dough is sticky, flour your handbut not the counter, so that the dough has a little resistance
to help shape it. Roll each piece of dough, cupping your hand over it, to make a smooth ball. Seal the
small indentation that forms in the bottom by pinching it tightly. This will help to make a tight skin on

the outside of the roll, which will give it an even shape during baking.
Pour the butter into a small bowl. Dip each dough ball into the melted butter and coat all sides, using
a pastry feather or brush as necessary, then place it pinched side down in the pan, making 3 rows of 4
rolls each. (The rows of 4 will be touching each other but the rows of 3 will have spaces around them.
Because of the spaces, the dough will elongate into loaf shapes.)
Cover the pans with a large container, or cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap, and allow the rolls to
rise for about 1 1/2 hours, until doubled; the center of the tops will almost reach the top of the pan.
When the dough is pressed with a fingertip, the indentation will remain.
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 400F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place an oven stone or baking sheet on it, and a sheet pan or cast, iron skillet on the floor of
the oven, before preheating.
7 > Bake the rolls. Quickly but gently set the pans on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet, and toss
1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath. Immediately shut the door, and bake for 20 minutes or until
medium golden brown (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 212F). If
planning to reheat the rolls to serve later, bake them only for 15 minutes or until pale golden (about
180F).
8 > Cool the rolls. Remove the rolls from the oven. Unmold and cool them top side up on wire racks
until just warm, about 20 minutes, then pull apart.
NOTE To reheat the rolls, set them on a baking sheet and heat for about 5 minutes in a preheated 375F

oven.
A SELECTION OF SHAPES FOR DINNER ROLLS
Little Round Rolls (Makes 18)
EQUIPMENT

a large baking sheet, greased or lined with a Silpain or parchment

Cut the dough into 18 pieces: each should be about 2 tablespoons in volume and weigh about a little
over 1 ounce/33 grams; this will result in 1 1/2-inch balls of dough (about the size of golf balls). Work
with one piece at a time, keeping the remaining dough covered. Roll each piece into a ball between the
palms of your hands, dip it in the butter, and place the rolls about 1 1/2 inches apart on the prepared
baking sheet, staggering the rows.
Cover the pan with a large plastic container or cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap. Allow the rolls
to rise for about 1 1/2 hours, until doubled. When the dough is pressed with a fingertip, the indentation
will remain.
Proceed with Step 6, but bake for about 5 minutes less, as these rolls are a little smaller.
Parker House Rolls (Makes 18)
EQUIPMENT

a large baking sheet, greased or lined with a Silpain or parchment

Cut the dough into 18 pieces: each should be about 2 tablespoons in volume and weigh about a little
over 1 ounce/33 grams; this will result in 1 1/2-inch balls of dough (about the size of golf balls). Work
with one piece at a time, keeping the remaining dough covered.
Roll each piece into a ball between the palms of your hands, then flatten to a 1/4-inch-thick disk, 2
1/2 inches in diameter. Brush with melted butter and fold in half, pressing lightly on the fold. Set the
rolls 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet and brush them with melted butter again.
Cover the pan with a large container, or cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap. Allow the rolls to rise
for about 1 1/2 hours, until doubled. When the dough is pressed with a fingertip, the indentation will
remain.
Proceed with Step 6, but bake for about 5 minutes less, as these rolls are a little smaller.

Folding the dough round in half for Parker House Rolls

Cloverleaf Rolls (Makes 18)
EQUIPMENT

muffin tins or 6-ounce custard cups, greased

Cut the dough into 18 pieces: each should be about 2 tablespoons in volume and weigh about a little
over 1 ounce/33 grams; this will result in 1 1/2-inch balls of dough (about the size of golf balls). Work
with one piece at a time, keeping the remaining dough covered.
Roll each piece into a ball between the palms of your hands, then cut into 3 equal pieces. Shape
these into balls by rolling them between the palms of your hands, and place a set of 3 balls in each
greased muffin cup or custard cup. Brush them with the melted butter.
Cover the pans or cups with a large container, or cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap. Let the
dough rise until almost doubled, 30 to 45 minutes. The rolls should be 2 inches wide by 1 inch high.
Brush with any remaining melted butter.
Proceed with Step 6, but bake for about 5 minutes less, as these rolls are a little smaller.

Cloverleaf Rolls
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 2, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature
and then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. If using the hand mixing method, remove it from the
refrigerator about 1 hour before mixing the dough.
VARIATIONS

Rosy Red Bread The water leftover from boiling beets is a wonderful natural food color. Used in place
of water in the dough, it adds a very subtle indefinable flavor and an absolutely gorgeous color. (The
natual acidity of bread dough sets the color.) For a paler pink color, cut the beet liquid by half with
water. What little girl could resist her own little pink loaf! When lightly toasted and spread with a little
butter and garnet-colored raspberry jam, the interplay of colors adds unexpected pleasure to every bite.
Lagniappe: Little Oyster Loaves My absolute favorite use for these Butter-Dipped Mini Loaves is
adapted from an idea in M. F. K. Fishers book The Art of Eating. It makes a quick and easy lunch or
brunch dish. Simply cut off the top of a roll (reserve this lid) and hollow out the center. Brush the
inside of the lid and the inside of the loaf with melted butter and toast in a preheated 400F oven for 3
minutes or just until lightly crisp, not golden. Meanwhile, dust 3 medium oysters with cornmeal and
saut them quickly in butter. The object is to crisp the outsides and heat the insides without really
cooking them much. Stuff them into the loaf and drizzle with more butter, and a little heavy cream, if
desired. Top with the lid and serve. Prepare for bliss!
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> If not using the dry milk, you can replace the water with an equal volume of milk, preferably
nonfat, scalded (brought to the boiling point) and cooled to lukewarm. (It is scalded to deactivate the
protease enzyme in it, which would slow down yeast production and can cause breakdown of the
protein in the flour, resulting in a sticky and weakened dough.)
> I learned the technique of dipping shaped balls of dough (before they rise) in clarified or strained
butter at George Langs restaurant, Gundel, in Budapest, Hungary. This process infuses the entire crust
with a delicious buttery flavor.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Butterfat:

100%
66.3% (includes the water in the butter and honey)
0.74%
2.3%
15.9%

Pullman Loaf Sandwich Bread (Pain de Mie)

Pain de mie is the basic white sandwich bread of France. This bread has a minimum of crust, the result
of baking the loaf in a special straight-sided covered pan. The cover is what prevents a full rise and
produces the fine, compact crumb.
The ratio of ingredients for this recipe is very similar to the Basic Soft White Sandwich Bread
recipe, but it is one of the quickest and easiest yeast breads to make. It is made without a dough starter
and uses a larger than usual amount of yeast so that it only takes an hour to rise. It is a bread with which
to start your yeast bread baking adventures.
TIME SCHEDULE

Starter: straight dough method

Rising Time: 1 to 1 1/2 hours
Oven Temperature: 425F
Baking Time: 1 hour
Makes: a 15-by-4-by-3 1/4-inch-high loaf 35.7 ounces/1015 grams
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
dry whole milk
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
unsalted butter, softened
water at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
honey
salt

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

4 c

20.5 oz

585 g

1/4 c

1.5 oz

40 g

1 tbsp

--

9.6 g

6 tbsp

3 oz

85 g

1 1/2 liquid c

12.5 oz

354 g

2 tbsp
2 tsp

1.5 oz
--

40 g
13.2 g

EQUIPMENT

a Pullman loaf pan (16 inches by 4 inches by 4 inches), lightly greased with cooking spray or oil

1 > Mix the dough.

Mixer Method
In a large mixer bowl, whisk together the flour, dry milk, and yeast. Add the butter and mix with the
dough hook on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid), then add the water, honey, and salt. When all the
flour is moistened, raise the speed to medium (#4 KitchenAid) and beat for 7 minutes. The dough will
be smooth, shiny, and slightly sticky to the touch. If the dough is not stiff, knead in a little flour. If it is
not at all sticky, spray it with a little water and knead it in. (It will weigh about 38.5 ounces/1102
grams.)
Hand Method
In a large bowl, whisk together all but 1/4 cup of the flour, the dry milk, and yeast. Add the butter and,
with a wooden spoon or your hand, stir in the water, honey, and salt until the flour is moistened. Knead
the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured counter. Knead for 5
minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding as little of the reserved flour as possible
to keep the dough from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and gather it together as you
knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20
minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should still be tacky
(sticky) enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If the dough is still very sticky, however, add some of
the remaining reserved flour, or a little extra. (It will weigh about 38.5 ounces/1102 grams.)
Both Methods
2 > Shape the dough and let it rise. On a lightly floured counter, shape the dough into a football. Flour
the top and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to relax for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove the plastic wrap
and gently deflate the dough, using your fingertips to spread it into a rectangle about 10 inches by 8
inches. Flour the counter as necessary to keep it from sticking.
Give the dough one business-letter turn, then press or roll it out again to about 12 inches by 5 inches
and shape it into a 16-inch-long loaf (see Illustrations for Shaping a Torpedo). Set it in the prepared pan.
Grease the top of the pan and slide it into place, leaving it a few inches ajar so that you can gauge the
progress of the rising dough (be sure to insert the lid starting with the curved end farthest from you
down, so that when you slide the lid open, it does not scrape across the bread!). Cover the exposed area
with plastic wrap if not using a proof box. Cover the pan with a large container or set it in a warm area,
and allow it to rise until it is about 1/2 inch below the top of the lid, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. When the dough is

pressed with a fingertip, the depression will very slowly fill in.
3 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 425F 30 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
lowest level. (Do NOT use an oven stone.)
4 > Bake the bread. Gently place the pan in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. Quickly slide off the lid,
turn the pan around, for even baking, and continue baking for about 30 minutes until deeply brown. If
the bread starts getting too dark after 20 minutes, tent it loosely with foil.
5 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and unmold it onto a large wire rack. Cool it top
side up until barely warm, about 1 hour.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> Instead of purchasing this special pan, however, you can make a covered pan by using a heavy
baking sheet topped with a metal weight, though, of course, if the pan is tapered, the loaf will not make
perfectly square slices like traditional pain de mie.
> If not using the dry milk, you can replace 1 cup of the water with 1 cup milk, scalded (brought just
under the boil) and cooled to lukewarm.
UNDERSTANDING

This bread is not given a resting time (autolyse) before adding the salt, because the object is to create a
slightly weak dough. A more developed strong dough would have larger holes and tend to keyhole (cave
in) at the sides as well as the top.
It is essential to bake this bread for the full baking time, as a dark firm crust will keep it from caving
in or collapsing: even so, the center still tends to dip about 1/2 inch. However, if one-third of the recipe
is baked in a 5 1/3- to 6-cup pan, it will dip only about 1/8 inch. Baking time is 40 to 50 minutesno
need to tent with foil.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Butterfat:

100%
63.9% (includes the water in the butter and honey)
1.64%
2.3%
11.8%

Cinnamon Raisin Loaf

Soft white raisin bread spiraled with cinnamon sugar is one of Americas most popular breads. I love
the sweetness and moistness the raisins contribute to the crumb but have to accept the fact that not
everyone is a raisin lover. So if you must, omit the raisinsyou will still have a terrific bread.
Of course, if you are a raisin lover, you can instead occasionally omit the cinnamon spiral for a more
versatile raisin bread that makes fantastic sandwiches, from ham to grilled cheese. And, to have it both
ways, you can easily convert the raisin bread into cinnamon toast by brushing it with melted butter and
sprinkling it with a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon or more of cinnamon to 1 tablespoon of sugar.
Gaps in the spiral are common in a spiraled bread. To minimize the gaps, for this bread, I add the
raisins to the dough rather than to the cinnamon sugar.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 hour, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 3 1/2 hours
Oven Temperature: 350F
Baking Time: 50 minutes
Makes: two 8-by-4-by-4 1/2-inch-high loaves, about 1 1/2 pounds/700 grams with raisins; 1 1/4
pounds/581 grams without
Dough Starter (Sponge)
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
honey

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

2 1/4 c plus
2 1/2 tbsp

12 oz

341 g

scant 1 3/4 liquid c

14.3 oz

405 g

2 tbsp plus
1 tsp

1.5 oz

45 g

instant yeast (see Ingredients

for brands)

3/4 tsp

--

2.4 g

EQUIPMENT

two 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch loaf pans, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Make the sponge. In a mixer bowl or other large bowl, combine the flour, water, honey, and instant
yeast. Whisk until very smooth to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The sponge will be the consistency
of a thick batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.
Flour Mixture and Dough
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
dry milk, preferably nonfat
instant yeast
unsalted butter, softened
salt
Optional:
melted butter

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

2 c plus
3 tbsp

about 11 oz 311 g

1/4 c
3/4 tsp
9 tbsp
2 1/4 tsp

1.5 oz
-4.5 oz
--

40 g
2.4 g
128 g
15 g

1 tbsp

0.5 oz

14 g

grams

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a medium bowl, whisk
together the flour (reserve 1/4 cup if mixing by hand), dry milk, and instant yeast. Sprinkle this on top
of the sponge and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Allow it to ferment for 1 to 4 hours at room
temperature. (During this time the sponge will bubble through the flour blanket in places: this is fine.)
Raisins
INGREDIENTS

raisins

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 c

ounces
5 oz

grams
144 g

3 > Mix the dough.

Mixer Method
Add the butter to the bowl and mix on low speed with the dough hook (#2 if using a KitchenAid) for 1
minute or until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Scrape down any bits of dough.
Cover the top of the bowl with plastic and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 7 to 10 minutes. It
will not come away from the bowl until toward the last minute or so of kneading; it will be smooth and
shiny and stick to your fingers. With an oiled spatula, scrape down any dough clinging to the sides of
the bowl. If the dough is not stiff, knead in a little flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray it with a little
water and knead it in. (It will weigh about 44.25 ounces/1258 grams.) Cover the bowl with plastic wrap
and allow the dough to relax for 10 minutes.
Add the raisins and mix on low speed (#2 KitchenAid) for about 2 minutes to incorporate them
evenly. But dont worry too much about how well they distribute, because deflating and folding the
dough after the first rise will distribute them more evenly.
Hand Method
Add the salt and butter to the bowl and, with a wooden spoon or your hand, stir until all the flour is
moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured
counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding as little
of the reserved flour as possible to keep it from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and
gather it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl
and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and easier to work
with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should still be tacky
(sticky) enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If the dough is still very sticky, however, add some of
the remaining reserved flour, or a little extra. (The dough will weigh about 44.25 ounces/1258 grams.)
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to relax for 10 minutes.
Add the raisins and, with an oiled wooden spoon or your hand, mix in the raisins to incorporate
them evenly. But dont worry too much about how well they distribute, because deflating and folding
the dough after the first rise will distribute them more evenly.
Both Methods
5 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 4-quart doughrising container or bowl, lightly oiled with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly spray
or oil the surface. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of
the container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise
(ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a floured counter and press down on
it gently to form a rectangle. It will be full of air and resilient. Try to maintain as many of the air
bubbles as possible. Give the dough 1 business letter turn and set it back in the container. Oil the surface
again, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm the dough for rolling.
Cinnamon Sugar Spiral Filling (optional)

INGREDIENTS

sugar
cinnamon
lightly beaten egg

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/4 c plus
2 tbsp
4 tsp
2 tbsp

ounces

grams

2.6 oz

75 g

0.3 oz
about 1 oz

9 g
32 g

6 > Make the optional cinnamon sugar spiral filling. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar and
cinnamon.
7 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and cut it in half.
Keep one piece of dough covered while you work with the other piece.
To make raisin bread without the cinnamon spiral: Shape each piece into a loaf and place the
dough in the prepared loaf pans; it will be about 1/2 inch from the top of the pans.
To make a spiral bread: You may want to refrigerate half the dough so that you dont have to
rush the shaping of the first piece.
On a lightly floured counter, roll out one piece of dough to a rectangle 7 1/2 inches wide by 14
inches long and about 1/4 inch thick. Using your fingertips, gently press (dimple) the dough all over to
deflate air bubbles that result in gaps in the spiral. Brush the dough with the lightly beaten egg (about 1
tablespoon per loaf) leaving a 3/4-inch margin all around.
Sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar evenly over the dough, leaving a 3/4-inch margin on all sides.
Starting from the short end closest to you, roll the dough up tightly, as you would a jelly roll; brush the
top of the dough with egg and squeeze the dough gently all along the length of the roll with each roll so
that it will adhere well to the filling. If necessary, use your hands to push in the ends of the roll so that it
does not get larger than 7 1/2 inches long. When you come to the end, make a seam by tightly pinching
the edge of the dough to seal in the filling. Push in any inner coils of dough on the sides that may have
worked their way out and pinch the ends of the dough tightly together to seal. Tuck them under so that
the loaf will fit into the pan.
Place the roll seam side down in a prepared pan; it will be about 1/2 inch from the top of the pan.
Repeat for the second loaf.
Cover the pans with a large container, or cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap. Allow to rise about 1
to 2 hours or until the center is 1 1/2 inches above the sides of the pan. When the dough is pressed
lightly with your fingertip, the indentation will remain.
8 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350F 45 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
lowest level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
9 > Bake the bread. Quickly but gently set the pans on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet, and
immediately shut the door. Bake for 50 minutes or until the bread is medium golden brown and a
skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will
read about 211F). Halfway through baking, turn the pans around for even baking.
10 > Glaze and cool the bread. Remove the pans from the oven and set them on a wire rack. Brush the
tops of the breads with melted butter. Unmold and cool top side up on a wire rack until barely warm,
about 1 hour.

VARIATION

Herb Spiral Loaves In place of the cinnamon sugar, use 2/3 cup (1 ounce/28 grams) minced parsley, 2/3
cup (1.25 ounces/32 grams) minced scallions (white and green parts) or chives, and 2 pinches of salt.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development of the dough, in Step 2, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room
temperature and then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. (If using the hand mixing method, remove it from
the refrigerator about 1 hour before mixing the dough.)
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> If not using the dry milk, you can replace 1 cup of the water with 1 cup milk, preferably nonfat,
scalded (brought to just under the boiling point) and cooled to lukewarm. (The milk is scalded to
deactivate the protease enzyme in it, which would slow down yeast production and can cause
breakdown of the protein in the flour, resulting in a sticky and weakened dough.)
> I find that a whole egg wash works best to prevent gaps in a spiraled dough.
> When chilling the dough before shaping, you can refrigerate it for as long as 24 hours.
UNDERSTANDING

Using unsoaked raisins keeps the crumb from darkening. The raisins soften from the liquid in this moist
dough.
Shelling, the separation of the top layer, resulting in a large gap, is a potential problem with
spiraled bread. It can be caused by underproofing (not allowing the shaped dough to rise fully, resulting
in an increased oven spring that could cause this separation). Allowing the shaped dough to rise longer
before baking will help to prevent it from having gaps because there will be less sudden oven spring.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Butterfat:

100%
66.3% (includes the water in the butter and honey)
0.74%
2.3%
15.9%

Potato Sandwich Loaf

The addition of potato to the basic soft white bread recipe produces a slightly heavier and denser bread.
The potato contributes moisture and an earthy undertone, and toasting concentrates this appealing
flavor. This bread is a wonderful accompaniment to all manner of fillings from pot roast to gravlax, and
it also makes lovely cucumber and dill tea sandwiches.

TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 hour, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 4 hours
Oven Temperature: 475F, then 375F
Baking Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Makes: an 8-by-4-by-4 1/2- to 5-inch-high loaf 18.7 ounces/531 grams
Dough Starter (Sponge)
INGREDIENTS

1 medium potato, washed but

not peeled
unbleached all-purpose flour
(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
Water, from boiling the
potato, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
honey
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

6 oz

170 g

3/4 c plus
1 tbsp

4 oz

117 g

1/2 liquid c minus

1 tbsp

3.5 oz

100 g

1 tbsp

0.75 oz

20 g

1/4 tsp

--

0.8 g

EQUIPMENT

an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch loaf pan, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Boil the potato and make the sponge. Boil the potato in unsalted water for 20 to 30 minutes or
until tender. Drain, reserving the potato water, and let cool slightly. Measure out 1/2 cup minus 1
tablespoon of potato water and let it cool to lukewarm. Peel the potato and put it through it a ricer or
strainer, or mash it gently to make a smooth puree; measure or weigh out 1/2 cup (4.5 ounces/128
grams).
In a mixer bowl or other large bowl, combine the flour, potato water, honey, and yeast. Whisk until
very smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The sponge will be the consistency of a thick batter.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.

Flour Mixture and Dough

INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
dry milk, preferably nonfat
instant yeast
unsalted butter, softened
riced or mashed potato (from
above)
salt
Optional:
melted butter

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 1/4 c

6.3 oz

180 g

2 tbsp
3/4 tsp
4 tsp

0.5 oz
-0.6 oz

16 g
2.4 g
18.5 g

1/2 c

4.5 oz

126 g

1 tsp

--

6.6 g

1/2 tbsp

0.25 oz

7 g

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a medium bowl, whisk
together flour (reserve 2 tablespoons if mixing by hand), the dry milk, and yeast. Sprinkle this on top of
the sponge and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Allow it to ferment for 1 to 4 hours at room temperature.
(During this time the sponge will bubble through the flour blanket in places: this is fine.)
3 > Mix the dough.
Mixer Method
Add the butter and mashed potato to the bowl and mix with the dough hook on low speed (#2 if using a
KitchenAid) for 1 minute or until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Scrape down
any bits of dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 7 to 10 minutes. It
will be smooth, shiny, and tacky (sticky) enough to stick to your fingers. With an oiled spatula, scrape
down any dough clinging to the sides of the bowl. If the dough is not stiff, knead in a little flour. If it is
not at all sticky, spray with and knead it in a little water. (The dough will weigh about 20.5 ounces/583
grams.)
Hand Method
Add the salt, butter, and mashed potato to the bowl and, with a wooden spoon or your hand, stir until all
the flour is moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly
floured counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, just to begin to develop the gluten structure, adding as
little of the reserved flour as possible. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and gather it together as
you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl and allow it to rest for
20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should still be tacky
(sticky) enough to cling slightly to your fingers a little. If the dough is still very sticky, however, add
some of the remaining reserved flour, or a little extra. (The dough will weigh about 20.5 ounces/583
grams.)

Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 2-quart doughrising container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly
spray or oil the top. Cover the container with a lid or plastic. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the
container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise
(ideally at 75 to 80F) until it has doubled, 1 to 2 hours.
Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough onto a floured counter and gently press it
down to form a rectangle. It will be full of air and resilient. Try to maintain as many of the air bubbles
as possible. Pull out and fold the dough over from all 4 sides into a tight package, or give it 2 business
letter turns, and set it back in the container. Again oil the surface, cover, and mark where double the
height would now be. (It will fill the container fuller than before because it is puffier with air.) Allow it
to rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until doubled. When the dough is pressed with a fingertip, the depression
will very slowly fill in.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured counter and shape it into a
loaf (see Illustrations for Shaping a Rectangular Loaf). Place in the prepared loaf pan; it should be no
higher than 1/2 inch from the top of the pan. Cover with a large container, or cover loosely with oiled
plastic wrap, and allow to rise until the center is about 1 1/2 inches above the sides of the pan, 1 1/2 to 2
hours.
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of
the oven, before preheating.
7 > Bake the bread. Quickly but gently set the pan on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet. Toss
1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 5 minutes. Lower the
heat to 375F and continue baking for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bread is medium golden brown and
a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center
will read about 190F). Halfway through baking, turn the pans around for even baking.
8 > Glaze and cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Brush the top
of the bread with the melted butter, if using. Unmold and cool it top side up on a wire rack until barely,
warm, about 1 hour.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 3, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature
and then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. If using the hand mixing method, remove it from the
refrigerator about 1 hour before mixing the dough.
VARIATION

Purple Potato Bread Using mashed purple potatoes produces amazing results. The baked bread has a
lovely mauve crumb, whose color disappears entirely on freezing. On toasting, however, the color
magically reappears. This would obviously make a great hit with children.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> You can replace the potato water and the dry milk with scalded milk that has been cooled to
lukewarm.
> To replace the mashed potato with potato flour, add 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon (1 scant
ounce/25.5 grams) potato flour to the flour mixture and, just before mixing the dough, add 1/2 cup
minus a scant 1 tablespoon (3.7 ounces/105 grams) water. Although this is an exact equivalent and will
result in essentially the same texture and flavor in the bread, the dough usually rises a little more using
potato flour because it is incorporated more evenly into the dough.
UNDERSTANDING

The amount of potato used in this bread is only about half of that used in the Potato Buttermilk Bread,
so the potato flavor is very subtle (its more apparent if using the potato boiling water).
Less butter is used here than in the Basic Soft White Sandwich Loaf because the potato enriches it
with moisture and flavor.
The oven starts at a high temperature because this produces the highest possible rise for this bread.
This bread can bake at a higher temperature than the Soft White Sandwich Loaf because the potato
gives it more structure, so it does not require as thick a crust.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Butterfat:

100% (includes the starch in the potato)

63.2% (includes the water in the butter, honey, and potato)
1%
2.2%
4.6%

Banana Feather Loaf

No, this is not a cake-like banana bread. This is a real bread, very similar to the Potato Sandwich Loaf,

with the same base. It is equally moist, without being at all chewy, and it is much lighter and softer. In
fact, this is the lightest of all my breads. It becomes firmer on the second day but retains its moistness
and lightness. I love it with lemon curd and also with peanut butter. The flavor of banana is subtle and
becomes more assertive when toasted.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 hour, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 4 hours
Oven Temperature: 425F, then 375F
Baking Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Makes: an 8-by-4-by-4 1/2-inch-high loaf 18 ounces/528 grams
Dough Starter (Sponge)
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
honey
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

1/2 c plus
1 tbsp

about 2.75 oz 80 g

scant 1/2 liquid c

(3 1/2 fl oz)
1 tbsp
1/4 tsp

grams

3.6 oz

103 g

0.75 oz

20 g

--

0.8 g

EQUIPMENT

an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch loaf pan, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Make the sponge. In a mixer bowl or other large bowl, combine the flour, water, honey, and yeast.
Whisk until very smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The sponge will be the consistency of a
thick batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.
Flour Mixture and Dough

INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast
dry milk, preferably nonfat
unsalted butter, softened
1 very ripe medium banana,
lightly mashed
salt
Optional:
melted butter

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

about 1 1/2 c

7.25 oz

207 g

3/4 tsp
2 tbsp
4 tsp

-0.7 oz
0.6 oz

2.4 g
20 g
18.5 g

1/2 c

4 oz

113 g

1 tsp

--

6.6 g

1/2 tbsp

0.25 oz

7 g

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a medium bowl, whisk
together the flour (reserve 1/4 cup if mixing by hand), yeast, and dry milk. Sprinkle this on top of the
sponge and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Allow it to ferment for 1 to 4 hours at room temperature.
(During this time the sponge will bubble through the flour blanket in places: this is fine.)
3 > Mix the dough.
Mixer Method
Add the butter and mashed banana to the bowl and mix with the dough hook on low speed (#2 if using a
KitchenAid) for 1 minute or until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Scrape down
any bits of dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 7 to 10 minutes. It
will be smooth and shiny and tacky enough to stick to your fingers. With an oiled spatula or dough
scraper, scrape down any dough clinging to the sides of the bowl. If the dough is not stiff, knead in a
little flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray with a little water and knead it in. (The dough will weigh about
19.5 ounces/559 grams.)
Hand Method
Add the butter, mashed banana, and salt to the bowl and, with a wooden spoon or your hand, stir until
all the flour is moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a
lightly floured counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little,
adding as little of the reserved flour as possible to keep it from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape
the dough and gather it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the
inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and
easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should still be tacky
(sticky) enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If the dough is still very sticky, however, add some of
the remaining reserved flour, or a little extra. (The dough will weigh about 19.5 ounces/559 grams.)
Both Methods

4 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 1 1/2-quart
dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and
lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the
side of the container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough
to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until it has doubled.
Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough onto a floured counter and press down on
it gently to form a rectangle. It will be full of air and resilient. Try to maintain as many of the air
bubbles as possible. Fold the dough from all four sides into a tight package, or give it 2 business letter
turns, and set it back in the container. Again oil the surface, cover, and mark where double the height
would now be. (It will fill the container fuller than before because it is puffier with air.) Allow the
dough to rise for 1 to 2 hours or until doubled.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured counter and shape it into a
loaf (see Illustrations for Shaping a Rectangular Loaf). Place it in the prepared loaf pan; it will be about
1/2 inch from the top of the pan. Cover it with a large container or cover it loosely with oiled plastic
wrap, and allow it to rise until the center is about 1 inch above the sides of the pan, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. If
the dough is pressed with a fingertip the depression will very slowly fill in.
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of
the oven, before preheating.
7 > Bake the bread. Quickly but gently set the pan on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet. Toss
1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 5 minutes. Turn the
heat down to 375F and bake for 15 minutes. Turn the heat down to 350F and continue baking for 10
minutes or until the bread is medium golden brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean
(an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 190F). Halfway through baking,
turn the pans around for even baking.
8 > Glaze and cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Brush it with
the optional melted butter. Unmold and cool it top side up on a wire rack until barely warm, about 1
hour.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 2, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature
and then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. If using the hand mixing method, remove it from the
refrigerator about 1 hour before mixing the dough.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> If not using the dry milk, you can replace the 1/2 cup of water with 1/2 cup milk, preferably nonfat.
UNDERSTANDING

Less butter is used here than in the Basic Soft White Sandwich Loaf because the banana enriches it with
moisture and flavor.

Potato boiled in its skin has 79.8 percent water and banana has 75 percent, so the 1/2 cup of potato
in the Potato Sandwich Loaf is replaced with 1/2 cup of banana and a little water. The banana causes the
crust to brown a little faster so the heat is turned down toward the end of baking.
For calculation purposes if making this bread in larger quantity, it is useful to know that the banana
peel represents about 25 percent of the weight of a banana.
This bread can initially bake at a higher temperature than the Soft White Sandwich Loaf because the
banana gives it more structure, so it does not require as thick a crust.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Butterfat:

100% (includes the starch in the banana)

62.3% (includes the water in the butter, honey, and banana)
1 %
2.1%
4.8%

Sweet Potato Loaf

The flavor in this bread is so subtle youd never know it contains a sweet potato. But the color is an
orangey gold and the texture moist and soft without the slight chewiness that regular potato contributes.
Yam and sweet potato are interchangeable. Less butter is needed than in the Basic Soft White Sandwich
Loaf because the potato keeps the bread soft and moist.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 hour, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 4 1/2 hours
Oven Temperature: 475F
Baking Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Makes: an 8-by-4-by-4 1/2-inch-high loaf/19.5 ounces/555 grams
Dough Starter (Sponge)
INGREDIENTS

1 medium sweet potato or

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

--

6 oz

170 g

yam, washed but not peeled

Unbleached all-purpose flour
(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
honey
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)

3/4 c plus
1 tbsp
1/2 c plus
1 tbsp
2 tsp
1/4 tsp

4 oz

117 g

4.6 oz

132 g

0.5 oz

13 g

--

0.8 g

EQUIPMENT

an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch loaf pan, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Bake the potato and make the sponge. Preheat the oven to 375F.
Bake the potato for 50 minutes or until tender. Cool slightly, then peel and put it through a ricer or
strainer, or mash it. Measure or weigh out 1/2 cup (4.5 ounces).
In a mixer bowl or other large bowl, combine the flour, water, honey, and yeast. Whisk until very
smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The sponge will be the consistency of a thick batter. Scrape
down the sides of the bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.
Flour Mixture
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
dry milk, preferably nonfat
instant yeast
unsalted butter, softened
riced or mashed sweet potato
or yam (from above)
salt
Optional:
melted butter

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 1/4 c

6.3 oz

180 g

2 tbsp
3/4 tsp
4 tsp

0.7 oz
-0.6 oz

20 g
2.4 g
18.5 g

1/2 c

4.5 oz

126 g

1 tsp

--

6.6 g

1/2 tbsp

0.25 oz

7 g

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a medium bowl, whisk
together the flour (reserve 2 tablespoons if mixing by hand), dry milk, and yeast. Sprinkle this on top of
the sponge and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Allow it to ferment for 1 to 4 hours at room temperature.
(During this time the sponge will bubble through the flour blanket in places: this is fine.)
3 > Mix the dough.
Mixer Method
Add the butter and mashed potato to the bowl. Mix with the dough hook on low speed (#2 if using a
KitchenAid) for 1 minute or until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Scrape down
any bits of dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt. Knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 7 to 10 minutes. It will
be smooth, shiny, and tacky (slightly sticky) to the touch. With an oiled spatula, scrape down any dough
clinging to the sides of the bowl. If the dough is not stiff, knead in a little flour. If it is not at all sticky,
spray it with a little water and knead it in. (The dough will weigh about 21 ounces/600 grams.)
Hand Method
Add the butter, mashed potato, and salt to the bowl and, with a wooden spoon or your hand, stir until all
the flour is moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly
floured counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding
as little of the reserved flour as possible to keep it from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the
dough and gather it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the
inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and
easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should still be tacky
(sticky) enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If the dough is still very sticky, however, add some of
the remaining reserved flour, or a little extra. (The dough will weigh about 19.5 ounces/559 grams.)
Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 2-quart doughrising container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly
spray or oil the top. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of
the container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise
(ideally at 75 to 80F) until it has doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough onto a floured counter and gently press it
down to form a rectangle. It will be full of air and resilient. Try to maintain as many of the air bubbles
as possible. Pull out and fold the dough over from all four sides into a tight package, or give it 2
business letter turns, and set it back in the container. Again oil the surface, cover, and mark where
double the height would now be. (It will fill the container fuller than before because it is puffier with
air.) Allow the dough to rise for 1 1/2 to 2 hours or until doubled.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured counter and shape it into a
loaf (see Illustrations for Shaping a Rectangular Loaf). Place it in the prepared loaf pan; it will be about
1/2 inch from the top of the pan. Cover it with a large container, or cover it loosely with oiled plastic

wrap, and allow it to rise until the center is about 1 inch above the sides of the pan, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. If
the dough is pressed with a fingertip, the depression will very slowly fill in.
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place an oven stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of the
oven, before preheating.
7 > Bake the bread. Quickly but gently set the pan on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet. Toss
1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 5 minutes. Lower the
heat to 375F and continue baking for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bread is medium golden brown and
a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center
will read about 190F). Halfway through baking, turn the pans around for even baking.
8 > Glaze and cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Brush the
bread with the optional melted butter. Unmold and cool it top side up on a wire rack until barely warm,
about 1 hour.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 3, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature
and then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. If using the hand mixing method, remove it from the
refrigerator about 1 hour before mixing the dough.
VARIATION

Golden Hamburger or Hot Dog Buns For the best shape, use the special pans with indentations for 6
hamburger or 8 hot dog buns. For hamburger buns, divide the dough into 6 equal pieces and shape into
balls. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes. Place them into the indentations of the pan and flatten each to 1
inch thick by 4 inches in diameter. Brush with milk and sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon of sesame
seeds. For hot dog buns, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape into little tapered logs. Allow
them to rest for 5 minutes. Place them into the indentations of the pan and flatten each to 1 inch thick by
5 1/2 inches long. Bake the buns 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. After the first 10 minutes of
baking, rotate the pans halfway for even baking.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> If not using the dry milk, you can replace the water with 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk, preferably
nonfat, scalded and cooled to lukewarm.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Butterfat:

100% (includes the starch contained in the sweet potato or yam)

64.1% (includes the water contained in the butter, honey, and sweet
potato or yam)
0.94%
1.9%
4.4%

Cheddar Loaf

This bread is based on the Basic Soft White Sandwich Loaf recipe, so it has a light even crumb. The
cheese gives the crust a dark golden brown color, and if you use orange Cheddar, the crumb will be an
attractive orange gold. This bread makes the most fantastic ham sandwiches imaginable, spread with
mayonnaise and sprinkled with a few fresh thyme leaves. It is also wonderful toasted and buttered, or
for grilled cheese sandwiches as a double cheese sensation! The addition of cayenne pepper and
mustard in the dough perks up the cheese flavor and leaves an enticing aftertaste to encourage the next
bite.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 hour, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 4 hours
Oven Temperature: 350F
Baking Time: 45 to 50 minutes
Makes: an 8-by-4-by-4-inch-high loaf/22 ounces/628 grams
EQUIPMENT

an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch loaf pan, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Dough Starter (Sponge)

INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose
flour (use only Gold Medal,
King Arthur, or Pillsbury)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 c plus
3 tbsp

6 oz

170 g

7.2 oz

206 g

0.3 oz
0.7 oz
0.5 oz

9.3 g
21 g
12.5 g

3/4 liquid c plus

water, at room temperature
2 tbsp
(70 to 90F)
(7 fl oz )
malt powder or
1 tbsp
barley malt syrup or honey or 1 tbsp
sugar
1 tbsp

instant yeast (see

Ingredients for brands)

3/8 tsp

--

1.2 g

1 > Make the sponge. In a mixer bowl or other large bowl, combine the flour, water, malt, honey, or
sugar, and yeast. Whisk until very smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The sponge will be the
consistency of a thick batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.
Flour Mixture and Dough
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
dry milk, preferably nonfat
instant yeast
sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
unsalted butter, softened
Dijon mustard
cayenne pepper
salt
Optional:
melted butter

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 c plus
2 tbsp

5.7 oz

160 g

2 tbsp
3/8 tsp
1 3/4 c
2 tbsp
2 tsp
1/8 tsp
1 1/8 tsp

0.7 oz
-4 oz
1 oz
scant 0.5 oz
---

20 g
1.2 g
113 g
28 g
12 g
-7.4 g

1/2 tbsp

0.25 oz

7 g

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a medium bowl, whisk
together the flour (reserve 2 tablespoons if mixing by hand), dry milk, and yeast. Sprinkle this on top of
the sponge to cover it completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to ferment for 1 to 4
hours at room temperature. (During this time the sponge will bubble through the flour blanket in places:
this is fine.)
3 > Mix the dough.
Mixer Method
Add the Cheddar, butter, mustard, and cayenne pepper to the bowl and mix with the dough hook on low
speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Scrape
down any bits of dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 7 to 10 minutes. It
will be smooth and shiny and stick slightly to the bottom of the bowl but not feel sticky to the touch. If
the dough is not stiff, knead in a little flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray on a little water and knead it
in. (The dough will weigh about 24 ounces/684 grams.)
Hand Method
Add the Cheddar, butter, mustard, cayenne pepper, and salt to the bowl and, with a wooden spoon or
your hand, stir until all the flour is moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then

scrape it onto a lightly floured counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten
structure a little, adding as little of the reserved flour as possible. Use a bench scraper to scrape the
dough and gather it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the
inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and
easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should be soft but not
stick to your fingers. If the dough is sticky, add some of the remaining reserved flour, or a little extra.
(The dough will weigh about 24 ounces/684 grams.)
Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 2-quart doughrising container or bowl, lightly oiled with cooking spray or oil. Press down the dough and lightly spray
or oil the top. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the
container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise
(ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and press down on it gently to form a rectangle. It
will be full of air and resilient. Try to maintain as many of the air bubbles as possible. Pull out and fold
the dough over from all four sides into a tight package, or give it 2 business letter turns, and set it back
in the container. Again oil the top, cover, and mark where double the height of the dough would now be.
(It will fill the container fuller than before because it is puffier with air.) Allow it to rise a second time
until doubled, 1 to 2 hours.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and shape it into
a loaf (see Illustrations for Shaping a Rectangular Loaf). Place it in the prepared loaf pan; it will be
about 1/2 inch from the top of the pan. Cover with a large container, or cover it loosely with oiled
plastic wrap, and allow it to rise until the center is about 1 inch above the sides of the pan, 1 1/2 to 2
hours. If the dough is pressed with a fingertip, the depression will very slowly fill in.
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of
the oven, before preheating.
7 > Bake the bread. Quickly but gently set the pan on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet. Toss
1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or
until the bread is medium golden brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an
instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 211F). Halfway through baking, turn
the pan around for even baking.
8 > Glaze and cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Brush the top
of the bread with the optional melted butter. Unmold and cool it on a wire rack, top side up, until barely
warm, about 1 hour.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 2, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature
and then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. If using the hand mixing method, remove it from the

refrigerator about 1 hour before mixing the dough.

POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> If not using the dry milk, you can replace 1/2 cup of water with 1/2 cup milk, preferably nonfat.
UNDERSTANDING

Cheddar cheese contains 32.2 percent fat and 37 percent water, so the amount of water and butter in the
Basic Soft White Sandwich Loaf recipe has been reduced to compensate.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
76% (includes the water in the butter and cheese)
0.73%
2.2%
17.9% (includes the fat contained in the butter and
cheese)

Ricotta Loaf

Soft curd cheeses make delicate and delicious breads. Both the Ricotta Loaf and the Cottage Dill Loaf
variation are quick and easy to mix and reward you with a soft, moist crumb and lovely flavor. The
ricotta bread dough is soft to the touch. It is firm enough to bake free-form into two 6 1/2-by-2 1/2-inchhigh round loaves. It bakes into a pale yellow and can be sliced very thin.
The cottage dill bread dough, however, is sticky to the touch, and bakes into a softer, moister, lighter
loaf because it uses less than half the cheese, deriving the equivalent moisture from the onion and
additional water, without the extra structure provided by the milk solids. Lightly toasted, its flavor
provides the ideal complement to smoked salmon. When my husband tasted this bread, he exclaimed
that it was one he had made many years ago. Until that moment I didnt know he had ever made bread.
Life is full of pleasant surprises!
TIME SCHEDULE

Starter: straight dough method

Rising Time: about 3 hours
Oven Temperature: 375F

Baking Time: 40 to 50 minutes

Makes: an 8 1/2-by-5-by-4 1/2-inch-high loaf/34.2 ounces/970 grams
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
sugar
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

3 1/2 c

17.5 oz

500 g

2 tbsp

1 scant oz

25 g

1/2 tbsp

--

4.8 g

8.75 oz

250 g

unsalted butter, softened

1 large egg, cold

salt

1 c plus
1 1/2 tbsp
7 tbsp
3 tbsp plus
1/2 tsp
1/2 tbsp

water, cold

1/2 liquid c

Optional:
melted butter

1 tbsp

whole-milk ricotta, cold

3.5 oz
2 oz

100 g
57 g
(in the shell)
-10 g
about 4.2
118 g
oz
0.5 oz

14 g

EQUIPMENT

a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil;

a baking stone OR baking sheet
1 > Mix the dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and yeast. Transfer to a food
processor fitted with the dough blade. Add the ricotta, butter, egg, and salt and pulse about 15 times.
With the motor running, add the cold water. Process for 60 to 80 seconds; be careful not to allow the
dough to get hot. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it is not soft, spray it with a little water and
pulse it in. If it is sticky, transfer it to the counter and knead in a little flour at a time. After the first rise,
it will become firmer and will be difficult to shape if it is not soft at this point. (The dough will weigh
about 2 pounds, 5 ounces/1048 grams.)
2 > Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a 4-quart dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased
with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container
with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where
double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled,
1 1/2 to 2 hours.
3 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest

level and place an oven stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of the
oven, before preheating.
4 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and shape into a
loaf (see Illustrations for Shaping a Rectangular Loaf). Place it in the prepared loaf pan; it should be no
higher than 1/2 inch from the top of the pan.
Cover the dough with a large container, or cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap, and allow it to rise
until almost doubled, 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. The center will be 1 inch higher than the
sides of the pan, and when the dough is pressed gently with a fingertip, the depression will very slowly
fill in.
5 > Slash and bake the bread. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make a long 1/2-inchdeep slash down the middle of the bread. Mist the dough with water and quickly but gently set the pan
on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and
immediately shut the door. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until the bread is golden and a skewer inserted
in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about
200F). Halfway through baking, turn the pan around for even baking. After the first 30 minutes of
baking, tent loosely with foil to prevent overbrowning.
6 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Brush it with the
optional melted butter, unmold it, and cool it top side up on the wire rack, until barely warm, at least 1
1/2 hours.
NOTE If you prefer to use a mixer, proceed as above but use room-temperature water. Mix with the

dough hook on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid), and gradually add the water. When the flour is
moistened, raise the speed to medium low (#3 KitchenAid) and knead for 10 minutes.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VERSION

If desired, in Step 4, after the dough has been shaped and placed in the loaf pan, it can be covered with
oiled plastic wrap, placed in a 2-gallon freezer-weight plastic bag, and refrigerated for up to 2 days. It
will develop more flavor, but it will take an extra 45 minutes to 1 hour to double in size before baking.
FREE-FORM VERSION

Makes two 6 1/2-by-2 1/2-inch-high round loaves 15.2 ounces/433 grams each For a lighter, slightly
more open crumb, shape the dough into two round loaves instead of one rectangular loaf. The total
baked weight will be less because free-form bread loses more moisture than one baked in a loaf pan.
To shape (Step 4), divide the dough in half. Preshape each piece into a round by pulling the edges to
the top. Without flipping the dough over, use a bench scraper to move each round to a lightly floured
counter. Cover them with oiled plastic wrap and allow to sit for about 20 minutes or until extensible
(when you pull the dough gently it stretches without tearing). Shape each piece into a 4 1/2-by-2 3/4inch-high-ball (see Illustrations for Shaping a Round Loaf). Set them 3 inches apart on a baking sheet
lined with Silpain or parchment or sprinkled with cornmeal. Cover, and allow them to rise until almost
double, about 1 hour. When the dough is pressed gently with a fingertip, the depression will very slowly
fill in. They will be about 6 by 3 1/4 inches high.
For Step 5, make a single cross slash in the top of each loaf (see Illustrations for Making Decorative

Slashes). Mist the dough and steam the oven. Halfway through baking, rotate the pan for even baking.
Baking will take only 35 to 40 minutes. Proceed to Step 6. These smaller loaves will take only about an
hour to cool.
Cottage Dill Loaf Variation
Makes: a 9-by-5-by-5-inch-high loaf/2 pounds, 0.7 ounces/934 grams
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

bread flour

volume
3 cups

grams
468 g

dry whole milk

1 1/2 tbsps

sugar

2 tbsps

ounces
16.5 oz
about 0.5
ounce
1 scant
ounce

1/2 tbsp

--

4.8 g

1/2 cup
3 tbsps

2.5 oz
0.3 ounce

70 g
10 g

full 3/4 cup

3.5 oz

100 g

1/2 tbsp

0.3 ounce

10 g

3/4 liquid cup

6.2 oz

177 g

instant yeast (see Ingredients

for brands)
onion, chopped
fresh dill, minced
small-curd cottage cheese
(not low-fat)
salt
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

13.5 g
25 g

EQUIPMENT

a 9-by-5-inch (7-cup) loaf pan will work, but the ideal size pan for this amount of dough would be
an 8 1/2-to-10-cup loaf pan such as the T-Fal pan (see Equipment). To prevent it from rising
lopsidedly, make a slash down the center of the dough.
1 > Mix the dough. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, dry milk, sugar, yeast, chopped onion,
and minced dill. Transfer to a food processor fitted with the dough blade. Add the cottage cheese and
salt and pulse about 15 times. With the motor running, add the water. The dough should still be tacky
(sticky) enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If it is still very sticky, knead in a little flour. If it is not
at all sticky, sprinkle it with a little water and knead it in. (The dough will weigh about 2 pounds, 3
ounces/1003 grams.)
Proceed to steps 2 through 6 as for the Ricotta Loaf.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> Have everything but the butter as cold as possible to prevent a buildup of heat in the processor. If
the butter is not softened, the processor is likely to stall. Freezing the flour/sugar/yeast mixture for 15

minutes, or as long as you want, would help but is not absolutely necessary.
UNDERSTANDING

The instant yeast will not be killed by the cold water because the mixture heats up from the friction of
the food processor blades within seconds.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
70.2% (includes the water in the cheese and egg white)
0.96%
2%
17.5% (includes the fat in the cheese and egg yolk)

Cracked Wheat Loaf

For many years, Pepperidge Farm cracked wheat bread was my standard sandwich loaf, so I was
disappointed when one day it was no longer on the shelf. I set out to create a replacement and
eventually arrived at this one, which I find is more than its equal.
This bread is wheaty with an earthy sweetness, yet mildly sour, moist, soft, light, and golden with
the subtle crackle of bulgur, steamed cracked wheat. The crust is velvety soft and especially delicious.
This is perfect as sandwich bread, spread with butter, or toasted. And it makes a great open-faced quick
lunch: toast it, top with a slice of muenster cheese, sprinkle with roughly crushed dried mild chile
peppers and a little black pepper, and broil for a few seconds to melt the cheese.
If you love the flavor of whole wheat but prefer a softer, lighter loaf, this is the bread for you. Use
the lecithin (available in health food stores and through the King Arthur catalogue) if you want to keep
its soft moist texture for up to 3 days after baking.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 4 hours, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 2 1/4 hours
Oven Temperature: 350F
Baking Time: 45 to 55 minutes
Makes: an 8 1/2-by-5-by-5-inch-high loaf/30.5 ounces/875 grams
Dough Starter (Sponge)
INGREDIENTS

bread flour

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/2 c

ounces
2.75 oz

grams
78 g

whole wheat flour

instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
sugar
dry milk, preferably nonfat
honey
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

1/2 c

2.5 oz

72 g

3/4 tsp

--

2.4 g

1/2 tbsp
1 tbsp
1 tbsp
1 liquid c plus
2 tbsp

--0.7 oz

6.2 g
8 g
21 g

9.3 oz

266 g

EQUIPMENT

a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil;

a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Make the sponge. In a mixer bowl or other large bowl, combine the bread flour, whole wheat flour,
yeast, sugar, dried milk, honey, and water. Whisk until very smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes.
The sponge will be the consistency of a thick batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and cover it with
plastic wrap.
Flour Mixture
INGREDIENTS

bread flour
sugar
instant yeast

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
2 c
1/2 tbsp
1/4 tsp

ounces
11 oz
---

grams
312 g
6.2 g
0.8 g

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a medium bowl, whisk
together the flour (reserve 1/4 cup if mixing by hand), sugar, and yeast. Sprinkle this on top of the
sponge to cover it completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to ferment for 1 to 4 hours at
room temperature. During this time, the sponge will bubble through the flour mixture in places: this is
fine.
Bulgur and Finishing Ingredients
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

extra-coarse (#4) or coarse

(#3) bulgur
boiling water
granular lecithin or
vegetable oil
salt
melted butter, preferably
clarified

1/2 c

3 oz

85 g

1/2 to 2/3 liquid c

1 tbsp
1 tbsp
1 3/4 tsp

4 to 5.5 oz
--
---

118154 g
6.4 g
13.5 g
11.5 g

1 tbsp

0.5 oz

14 g

3 > Meanwhile, soak the bulgur. Place the bulgur in a small bowl and pour the boiling water over it;
use the smaller amount if a little crunch is desired. With the larger amount, the bulgur will be firm but
not crunchy. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit until all the water is absorbed, about 1 hour, then
refrigerate until ready to use.
4 > Mix the dough.
Mixer Method
Add the bulgur and optional lecithin or oil (if you want the bread to stay soft for up to 3 days) to the
bowl. Mix with the dough hook on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) for about 1 minute, until the
flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the
dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 10 minutes. (Drape
plastic wrap over the top of the bowl to keep any of the bulgur from jumping out of the bowl before it
gets a chance to be fully incorporated into the dough.) The dough should be very elastic and jump back
when pressed with a fingertip, but still moist enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If it is still very
sticky, knead in a little flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray it with a little water and knead it in. (The
dough will weigh about 2 pounds, 1 3/4 ounces/964 grams.)
Hand Method
Add the bulgur, optional lecithin or oil, and salt to the bowl and, with a wooden spoon or your hand, stir
until all the flour is moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto
a lightly floured counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, just to begin to develop the gluten structure,
adding as little of the reserved flour as possible. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and gather it
together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl and allow it
to rest for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and easier to work with.)
Knead the dough until it is very smooth and elastic, another 10 minutes. It should still be tacky
(sticky) enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If the dough is very sticky, add some of the remaining
reserved flour, or a little extra. (The dough will weigh about 2 pounds, 1 3/4 ounces/964 grams.)
Both Methods
5 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 2-quart doughrising container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Lightly spray or oil the top and cover
it with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where
double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled,

45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.

Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough out onto a floured counter and press down
on it gently to form a rectangle. Give it a business letter turn, round the edges, and return it to the
container. Oil the surface again, cover, and mark where double the height would now be. (It will fill the
container fuller than before because it is puffier with air.) Allow the dough to rise until doubled, about
45 minutes to 1 hour. It will still be a little tacky (sticky).
6 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter. Shape into a
loaf (see Illustrations for Shaping a Rectangular Loaf). Place it in the loaf pan; it will be about 1/2 inch
from the top of the pan. Cover it with a large container, or cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap. Let the
dough rise until almost doubled in bulk, 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours. (The center will be about 1 1/4
inches higher than the sides of the pan.) When the dough is pressed gently with a fingertip, the
depression will very slowly fill in.
7 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place an oven stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of the
oven, before preheating.
8 > Slash, glaze, and bake the bread. Brush the top of the dough with some of the melted butter. With
a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make a 1/2-inch-deep lengthwise slash down the top of the
dough.
Quickly but gently set the pan on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes
into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until the bread is pale
golden brown and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer
inserted into the center will read about 210F).
9 > Glaze and cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Brush it with
the remaining melted butter. Unmold it and cool it completely top side up on the wire rack.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 2, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature
and then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. If using the hand mixing method, remove it from the
refrigerator about 1 hour before mixing the dough.
VARIATION

Buckwheat Loaf Replace the whole wheat flour with buckwheat flour and the bulgur with coarse kasha.
Use only 1/2 cup boiling water to soak the kasha.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> Brushing the dough with melted butter before baking produces a browner and more handsome
crust.
UNDERSTANDING

Bulgur is steamed cracked wheat and needs only soaking to soften it. Cracked wheat must be cooked
first or it will never soften adequately. A coarse grain is desirable because it provides more texture.
A high-protein bread flour gives the crumb a slightly chewier consistency which balances well with
the slight crunch of the bulgur.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Optional lecithin or oil:

100% (bread: 71.3%, whole wheat: 13.2%, cracked

wheat: 15.5%)
70% to 77%
0.59%
2.1%
2.4%

Flaxseed Loaf

Flax, a shiny dark brown oval seed, is an extraordinarily healthful grain, high in anti-oxidants. In bread,
it contributes an appealing chewiness and, together with the honey and pumpernickel flour, extra flavor,
making a pre-ferment (sponge) unnecessary.
This is an excellent sandwich bread and still more delicious lightly toasted, which brings out its
flavor. Another virtue of this hearty bread is that it stays fresh for 3 days.
TIME SCHEDULE

Starter: straight dough method

Minimum Rising Time: about 1 3/4 hours
Oven Temperature: 375F
Baking Time: 40 to 50 minutes
Makes: an 8 1/2-by-5-by-4 1/2-inch-high loaf/2 pounds 4.2 ounces/1027 grams
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
whole wheat flour
pumpernickel flour (coarse
rye)
flaxseed
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
honey

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

2 2/3 c

13 oz

374 g

1 c

5 oz

144 g

about 1/2 c

2.5 oz

71 g

1/2 c

2 oz

58 g

1 1/4 tsp

--

4 g

2 tbsp

--

40 g

water, warm (110 to 115F)

salt
Optional:
melted butter

1 3/4 liquid c
2 tsp

14.6 oz
--

414 g
13.2 g

1 tbsp

0.5 oz

14 g

EQUIPMENT

a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil;

a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Mix the dough.

Mixer Method
In the mixer bowl, whisk together the three flours, flaxseed, and yeast. Make a well in the center and
add the honey. With the dough hook, on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid), gradually add the water.
Continue mixing for about 1 minute or until all the dry ingredients are moistened enough to form a
rough dough. Scrape down any bits of dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to
rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead for 7 minutes on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid). The dough should
be very elastic and jump back when pressed with a fingertip, but still moist enough to cling slightly to
your fingers. If it is still very sticky, knead in a little flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray it with a little
water and knead it in. (The dough will weigh about 2 pounds, 7 ounces/1103 grams.)
Hand Method
In a medium mixing bowl, with a wooden spoon or your hand, stir together the water, honey, flaxseed,
pumpernickel flour, and yeast. Then stir in the salt, whole wheat flour, and all-purpose flour until the
flour is moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly
floured counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding
as little of the reserved flour as possible to keep it from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the
dough and gather it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the
inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and
easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should still be moist
enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If the dough is very sticky, add some of the remaining reserved
flour, or a little extra. (The dough will weigh about 2 pounds, 7 ounces/1103 grams.)
Both Methods

2 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 4-quart doughrising container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly
spray or oil the top. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of
the container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise
(ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled, about 1 hour.
3 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and press down
on it to flatten it slightly. Shape the dough it into a loaf (see Illustrations for Shaping a Rectangular
Loaf). Set it in the prepared loaf pan; it will be about 1/2 inch from the top of the pan. Cover it with a
large container, or cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap, and allow it to rise until the center is about 1
inch higher than the sides of the pan, 45 to 60 minutes. When the dough is pressed gently with a
fingertip, the depression will very slowly fill in.
4 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place an oven stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of the
oven, before preheating.
5 > Slash and bake the dough. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make a 1/2-inch-deep
slash lengthwise down the top of the dough.
Quickly but gently set the pan on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes
into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until the bread is
golden brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer
inserted into the center will read about 190F). Halfway through baking, turn the pan around for even
baking.
6 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and unmold it onto a wire rack. Turn top side up,
brush it with melted butter, if desired, and allow it to cool until barely warm, about 2 hours.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> Ground flaxseed can be substituted for the cracked flaxseed, but it will provide a less crunchy
texture.
> If you want to make the dough ahead, refrigerate it overnight before shaping it. Be sure to press it
down after the first 30 to 60 minutes in the refrigerator and then two or three more times until it chills
enough to cause the yeast to become dormant (this can take up to 4 hours), as this is a very lively
dough!
UNDERSTANDING

Whole flaxseed isnt readily digested, so it is desirable to coarsely grind it in a wheat mill or blender to
crack it. As flaxseed can become rancid very quickly, it is best to do this yourself rather than purchasing
ground flaxseed.
This bread contains lower than the usual amount of yeast because the pumpernickel and whole
wheat flours increase yeast activity.
Warm water is used in the dough because it helps to soften the whole-grain flours.

THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:

100% (all-purpose: 57.8%, whole wheat: 22.2%, coarse rye: 11%,

flaxseed: 9%)
64.8% (including the water in the honey)
0.62%
2%

5.

Hearth Breads

THE BREADS IN THIS CHAPTER ARE THE VARIETY THAT COME TO MIND WHEN one hears the term artisan

bread. They have a chewy crumb, crunchy crust, and mostly rustic appearance. All of these breads are
firm enough to be baked free-form on a baking stone or baking sheet, although most conform well to
being baked in a more confined loaf shape if desired, such as the Basic Hearth Bread.
When bakers use the term hearth, they are referring to a wood-burning oven in which the bread is
baked directly on its floor. A baking stone, preheated in a gas or electric oven, or a La Cloche clay bread
baker simulates an artisans hearth oven. I have given instructions for baking many of these breads in a
clay baker and have also included special baking pan recommendations that will enable the home baker
to produce artisan-quality baguettes.
The breads in this chapter are all yeast breads, but they are not at all difficult to make. Most peoples
greatest fear of bread making is the all-too-real possibility of killing the yeast with water that is too hot
or using water that is too cold to activate it. But now that instant yeast, which can be mixed in with the
flour without the need to wake it up with water of the proper temperature, is readily available, there is
nothing left to fear. Just be sure to use the kind of flour specified in the recipe.
The yeast, flour, and water are all critical to the successful outcome of a yeast bread, but flour is the
single most important ingredientyet it is often taken for granted. The type of flour you use will
determine both the flavor and the texture of your bread. It is fun to experiment with different flours, but
when you are making rustic breads for the first time, it is best to use the flour recommended in the
recipe. It is also essential that the flour be fresh (see Freshness). Old flour may not look old, other
than that it tends to lighten in color as it ages. And it may not smell bad. But it will have lost its ability
to stretch (extensibility) and will not produce a good crumb. It may also have a rancid or other
unpleasant flavor.
As far as weather is concerned, I work in an apartment with air conditioning, in a living room that is
usually around 70F and a kitchen that is almost always 80F, and Ive noticed little variation in the way
my bread doughs behave. On a cold winter day, when the temperature in my kitchen may drop 5
degrees, I sometimes use hot water in my homemade plastic proof box, but that is the only adjustment I
normally make. When I make bread in my country house in the summer, however, I usually reduce the
yeast a little to compensate for the higher temperature. And in winter I have sometimes put bread dough

near the fireplace to speed its rise.

Commercial bakers find a variation in 10 percent of the amount of water needed to be added to the
dough (referred to as the hydration factor) because of variations in different crops of wheat used for
flour, but that is not perceptible in small batches such as mine. Perhaps it is also because I make very
wet doughs to begin with, and if the flour has a little more moisture, I may add a little more flour on the
final shaping. I suspect that when people find there is a great variation in the amount of flour they use in
different batches of the same recipe, it is because they are measuring with cups rather than weighing.
When I weigh everything, I find that my doughs are the same each time by within a few grams. But the
great thing about bread is that you can be creative, adding different ingredients or making a softer or
stiffer dough by changing the amount of flour or water, and it will still be delicious. You can customize
your bread by adding vital wheat gluten to make it more chewy, or by changing the proportion of types
of flour, or by varying the design of the slash in the crust.
Many of these rustic breads involve making a dough starter, called a pre-ferment. This easy
technique allows the initial amount of flour, water, and yeast to ferment and develop more flavor before
adding it to the rest of the dough. Making a simple pre-ferment ahead enables you to make an
exceptionally flavorful rustic bread in just a few hours when you are ready to bake. And it gives the
bread not only more depth of flavor, but also moistness and improved texture.
There are two basic pre-ferments using commercial yeast in this chapter: the sponge and the
biga. Both are quicker, easier, and more reliable than the classic sourdough starter used in the
following chapter.
A sponge is made simply by mixing all of the water in the recipe with equal parts flour (by volume)
and half the yeast, then allowing it to ferment over a period of several hours to develop complexity and
depth of flavor. If necessary, the fermenting time can be shortened to even just 1 hour and the bread will
still be excellent. The longer refrigerated sponge is worth trying over a weekend or when you can be
around for two days. The actual work involved is minimal and its satisfying to know, as you go about
other activities, that there is a bread starter rising and developing all sorts of wonderful flavors in the
background.
A biga, which is simply a mini dough made with flour, yeast, and water that is mixed at least 6
hours before making the dough, is more practical for weekday baking, because it takes only minutes to
put together and then can be refrigerated for up to 3 days until you are ready to bake. In these recipes,
the biga is mixed by hand because it is too small a quantity for a stand mixer, but if you are making
larger batches, its fine to use a mixer with a paddle attachment.
The essential difference between a bread made with a sponge and one made with a biga is the
amount of water used. Generally, a sponge, which is like a thick pancake batter, is considered to be
sweeter but more acidic, while a biga is more mellow and nutty, but this flavor difference is highly
subjective. It is really more a matter of personal preference which technique you choose.
There are also some breads in this chapter that are made without a sponge or a biga, but instead by
what is known to professional bakers as the straight dough method. This means that all the ingredients
for the dough are mixed together at one time. Breads that derive their primary flavors from added
ingredients, such as the Prosciutto Ring bread or the Mantovana Olive Oil Bread, usually call for the
straight dough method because they dont require the added flavor development offered by a dough
starter.
One of the great challenges of making rustic loaves is producing the type that boasts big holes, such
as the baguette, ciabatta, and pugliese. I have found that what produces this desirable crumb is:

> An acid dough (use of a dough starter and long cool rising)
> Underdeveloped gluten (from less mixing time)
> A high water percentage, to create a very wet dough
> A slow rise
> Gentle shaping
> An overnight rise of the shaped dough in the refrigerator
Some of the breads included in this chapter are made with the addition of whole or cracked grains,
seeds, nuts, or dried fruits. A basic rustic bread dough can accommodate added grains, seeds, and nuts
in a proportion of up to as much as 60 percent of the flour without becoming crumbly; my preference is
between 10 and 33 percent. Seeds and grains will add excellent flavor and texture as well as fiber. When
I sample a new bread that I find irresistible and would willingly forgo the rest of the meal in favor of it,
invariably it contains seeds. Both seeds and nuts benefit from light toasting to bring out the flavor.
Seeds, however, also require an overnight soaking to soften them so that they integrate better into the
bread dough. I cant think of a single seed bread that is not enhanced by being spread with a little butter
to temper the slight bitterness of the seeds. This natural bitterness is a great flavor accentbut the
bitterness of rancidity is unpalatable. Because seeds, cracked grains, and nuts are extremely prone to
rancidity, it is essential that they be fresh when purchased and then be stored in the refrigerator or
freezer.
As a dessert lover, I find breads made with the dried fruit and nuts to be among the most appealing
because they contains so many favorable elements: wheatiness from the flour, crunch from the nuts, and
bright tart-sweetness from the dried fruit. And these breads, such as the Cranberry Walnut Bread and the
New Zealand Almond and Fig Bread, are showstoppersthe perfect house gift when visiting friends.
Almost all homemade bread is best eaten the day it is baked, and that is why most of my recipes
make just one loaf. For longer storage, I find that freezing and reheating is as close as one can get to
fresh baked. If you have a large family, or are making bread for a party, by all means double the recipe
if your mixer is large enough.
Keep in mind how fortunate you are. Most people will never know the simple but profound pleasure
of eating a bread within hours after it comes out of the oven. It is the greatest reward of bread baking
and a wonderful tradition and experience to share with your family.
UNDERSTANDING

The proportion of basic essential ingredients in hearth breads falls into the range of 47 to 89.2 percent
water, 0.25 to 2 percent instant yeast, and 1.3 to 2.8 percent salt. These percentages are based on the
Bakers Percentage, in which every ingredient is based on the flour, which is given the value of 100
percent. Some of these breads also contain between 0 and 22.9 percent fat.
Basic Hearth Bread

This rustic bread is the soul of simplicity, containing only flour, water, yeast, and salt, with the addition
of honey for a little sweetness and a golden crust. It has a fairly chewy crumb and a wheaty flavor with
the aroma and freshness of a summer day. It is one of the first breads I ever developed, and the secret to
its wonderful flavor came from my editor at Food & Wine magazine, Susan Wyler, who told me that a
small proportion of whole wheat flour makes a big contribution to the taste of white bread.
When I want a substantial sandwich loaf, I bake this bread in a loaf pan rather than free-form. And if
you want to experiment with additions to bread, this is the one to use as your launching pad.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 hour, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 3 hours
Oven Temperature: 475F, then 425F
Baking Time: 30 to 40 minutes
Makes: a 7 1/2-by-4-inch-high free-form loaf or a 9-by-4 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch-high loaf 1 pound, 10
ounces/745 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or parchment, or sprinkled with flour
or cornmeal, OR a 10-by-5-inch loaf pan, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Dough Starter (Sponge)

INGREDIENTS

bread flour
whole wheat flour or kamut
flour
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
honey
water, at room temperature

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 c

ounces
5.5 oz

grams
156 g

1/4 c

1.25 oz

36 g

3/8 tsp

--

1.25 g

1 1/4 tsp

--

9 g

(70 to 90F)

about 1 1/3 liquid c

11.2 oz

322 g

1 > Make the sponge. In a mixer bowl or other large bowl, place the bread flour, kamut or whole wheat
flour, yeast, honey, and water. Whisk until very smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The sponge
should be the consistency of a thick batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Set aside, covered with
plastic wrap, while you make the flour mixture.
Flour Mixture
INGREDIENTS

bread flour
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
salt

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 3/4 c plus
2 tbsp

ounces

grams

10.3 oz

292 g

1/2 tsp

--

1.6 g

1 1/2 tsp

0.4 oz

10 g

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a medium bowl, whisk
together the bread flour (reserve 2 tablespoons if mixing by hand) and the instant yeast. Gently scoop it
onto the sponge to cover it completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and allow to ferment for 1 to 4
hours at room temperature. (During this time, the sponge will bubble through the flour mixture in
places; this is fine.)
3 > Mix the dough.
Mixer Method
With the dough hook, mix on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) for about 1 minute, until the flour is
moistened enough to form a rough dough. Scrape down any bits of dough. Cover the top with plastic
wrap and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for about 7 minutes.
The dough should be very elastic, smooth, and sticky enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If it is still
very sticky, knead in a little flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray it with a little water and knead it in. (The
dough will weigh about 28.5 ounces/810 grams.)
Hand Method
Add the salt and, with a wooden spoon or your hand, mix until the flour is moistened. Knead the dough
in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it out onto a lightly floured counter. Knead the dough for
5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding as little of the reserved 2 tablespoons
of flour as possible to keep it from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and gather it
together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl and allow it
to rest for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 to 10 minutes, until it is very smooth and elastic. It should be barely
tacky (sticky) to the touch. If the dough is still very sticky, add some of the remaining reserved flour.
(The dough will weigh about 28.5 ounces/810 grams.)

Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into an 2-quart
dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and
lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the
side at where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F)
until doubled, about 1 hour.
Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough onto a floured counter and press down on
it gently to form a rectangle. Give it 1 business letter turn, round the edges, and return it to the
container. Oil the surface again, cover, and mark where double the height of the dough would now be. It
will fill the container fuller than before because it is puffier with air. Allow to rise until doubled, 45
minutes to 1 hour.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and press it
down to flatten it slightly. It will still be sticky, but use only as much flour during shaping as absolutely
necessary. To make a free-form round loaf, round the dough into a ball about 6 inches by 2 1/2 inches
high and set it on the prepared baking sheet or shape the dough into a rectangular loaf (see Illustrations
for Shaping a Rectangular Loaf), and place it in the prepared loaf pan (it will come to about 1/2 inch
from the top of the pan).
Cover the shaped dough with a large container or oiled plastic wrap and allow it to rise until almost
doubled, 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. The free-form loaf will be about 8 inches by 3 inches
high. In the loaf pan, the center should be 1 inch higher than the sides of the pan. When the dough is
pressed gently with a fingertip, the depression will very slowly fill in.
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of
the oven, before preheating.
7 > Slash and bake the bread. If making a free-form loaf, with a sharp knife or single-edged razor
blade, make several 1/2-inch-deep slashes in the top of the dough (see Illustrations for Making
Decorative Slashes). (If baking the loaf in a bread pan, either make one long slash down the middle or
leave it unslashed. Mist the dough with water and quickly but gently set the baking sheet or pan on the
hot stone or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the
oven door. Bake for 10 minutes. Lower the temperature to 425F and continue baking for 20 to 30
minutes or until the bread is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an
instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 200F). Halfway through baking, turn
the pan around for even baking. To give a free-form loaf an extra crisp crust, transfer it from the baking
sheet to the stone and leave it in the oven for an extra 5 to 10 minutes, with the door propped ajar.
8 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. If using a pan,
unmold the bread and turn top side up on the rack. Allow to cool completely.
VARIATIONS

Slightly Sour Artisan Loaf (my personal favorite) Replace the 3/8 teaspoon instant yeast in the sponge
with 1/8 teaspoon Lalvain Pain de Campagne starter. Increase the instant yeast in the flour mixture to
3/4 teaspoon. In Step 2, allow the sponge to sit at room temperature for at least 8 hours, or up to 12

hours, before mixing.

Velvety Buckwheat Bread In the dough starter (sponge), omit the whole wheat flour and use a total of
1 1/4 cups (6.7 ounces/192 grams) bread flour. Increase the yeast from 3/8 teaspoon to 1/2 teaspoon and
replace 2/3 cup of the water with 3/4 cup (6.5 ounces/182 grams) sour cream. In the flour mixture, use
only 1 1/4 cups (6.7 ounces/192 grams) bread flour and add 3/4 cup (3.5 ounces/100 grams) buckwheat
flour. Bake at a lower temperature: 450F for 5 minutes; then 400F for 25 to 35 minutes or until the
bread is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 2, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature,
then refrigerate for 8 to 24 hours. If using the hand method, remove it from the refrigerator about 1 hour
before mixing the dough. For even more flavor, refrigerate the finished dough overnight; take it out 1
hour before shaping it.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> Its fine to use a national brand unbleached all-purpose flour, such as Gold Medal, Heckers, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury, instead of bread flour, but these will produce a less chewy, slightly softer texture.
The weight of the flour will be the same but you will need to add about 1/3 cup more if measuring by
volume.
> If working with a sticky dough alarms you, decrease the water from 1 1/2 cups to 1 1/4 cups and
you will still have an excellent bread that will be firmer and a little smaller: 6 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches
high free-form or, if baking it in a pan, use an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch pan; the baked loaf will be 8 inches
by 4 inches by 5 inches high. The weight of the dough will be about 24.5 ounces/700 grams.
UNDERSTANDING

The small amount of whole wheat flour (7.4 percent) adds a delicious flavor and lovely color to the
bread without coarsening the texture. Kamut (see Ingredients), an ancient predecessor of wheat, is a
suitable substitution for the whole wheat because it has less bitterness and will contribute a nutty
sweetness. You can also use as much as 22.3 percent kamut (3/4 cup/3.75 ounces/108 grams) and only
about 1/2 cup (3 ounces/84 grams) of bread flour in the sponge, but the bread will be slightly denser and
much chewier because of the higher protein content (as high as 16 percent).
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Heart of Wheat Bread

100% (bread: 92.6%, whole wheat: 7.4%)

66.6%
0.57%
2.1%

This has become my signature bread. I created it after essentially finishing the bookafter putting
together all the theory. It grew out of everything I understand about flour and bread baking and it is
everything I want a bread to be, with a crisp chewy crust and a wheaty light but chewy crumb, cream
colored and flecked with nutty sweet little bits of the germ. It was the one last idea I had to try after my
husband had gently suggested that I slow down my bread production, as every crevice of our huge
freezer was stuffed with bread, enough to last a good six months. The thought of making this bread
inspires me to sing America the Beautiful while picturing the vast prairies of golden waves of wheat.
But eating it inspires absolute and reverential silence!
If you love the fresh wholesome wheatiness of 100 percent whole wheat bread but dislike the bitter
undertone and dense texture, heres how to have your wheat and eat it too: all you need to do is
eliminate the bran. By using unbleached bread flour or all-purpose flour, which is whole wheat flour
minus the germ and bran, and adding the same amount of germ that would be in whole wheat flour
(about 2.5 percent), you get the exact equivalent of whole wheat flour minus the bitter bran. (Please
note that a small amount of bran is not a bad thingit can serve as an accent and has its place in some
breads.)
You can start this bread as late as 11:00 A.M. on a weekend morningit takes only 10 minutes to
mixand then leave it to ferment and develop wonderful flavors for 4 hours while you play tennis or
go shopping. Then mix and knead it and let it rise once or twice: it takes only 45 minutes to an hour to
double because of all the enzymatic activity from that lovely sweet wheaty germ. Shape it, let it rise for
another hour, and bake it 30 minutes. Cool it for 1 hour, and its ready for dinner. The whole process
from beginning to end takes about 8 hours but the actual work involved is less than 1 hour. And its
equally wonderful if made ahead and stored uncut overnight in a brown paper bag, then reheated for 10
minutes in a 400F oven for Sunday dinner. (In fact, the crust becomes perfectly crisp all around when
treated this way.)
Theres only one wine to consider as the perfect partner for this bread: a great burgundy, its equal in
blending earthiness with the ethereal.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): 4 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 3 hours
Oven Temperature: 475F, then 425F
Baking Time: 30 to 40 minutes
Makes: an 8-inch-by 3 3/4-inch-high free-form loaf/1 pound, 10 ounces/745 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or parchment, or sprinkled with flour
or cornmeal;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Dough Starter (Sponge)

INGREDIENTS

bread flour
fresh (not toasted) wheat
germ (see Ingredients)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
honey
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 c

ounces
5.5 oz

grams
158 g

3 tbsp

0.5 oz

14 g

3/8 tsp

--

1.25 g

1 1/4 tsp

--

9 g

about 1 1/3 liquid c

11.2 oz

322 g

1 > Make the sponge. In a mixer bowl or other large bowl, place the bread flour, wheat germ, yeast,
honey, and water. Whisk until very smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The sponge should be
the consistency of a medium batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Set aside, covered with plastic
wrap, while you make the flour mixture.
Flour Mixture
INGREDIENTS

bread flour
instant yeast
salt

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
2 c
1/2 tsp
1 1/2 tsp

ounces
11 oz
-0.4 oz

grams
312 g
1.6 g
10 g

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a medium bowl, whisk
together the bread flour (reserve 2 tablespoons if mixing by hand) and yeast. Gently scoop it onto the
sponge to cover it completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and allow it to ferment for 4 hours at
room temperature. (During this time, the sponge will bubble through the flour mixture in places; this is
fine.)
3 > Mix the dough.

Mixer Method
With the dough hook, mix on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) for about 1 minute, until the flour is
moistened enough to form a rough dough. Scrape down any bits of dough. Cover the bowl with plastic
wrap and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for about 7 minutes.
The dough should be very elastic, smooth, and sticky enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If it is still
very sticky, knead in a little flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray it with a little water and knead it in. (The
dough will weigh about 28.5 ounces/810 grams.)
Hand Method
Add the salt and, with a wooden spoon or your hand, mix until the flour is moistened. Knead the dough
in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured counter. Knead the dough for 5
minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding as little of the reserved 2 tablespoons
flour as possible to keep it from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and gather it together
as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl and allow it to rest
for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 to 10 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should be
sticky enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If the dough is very sticky, add some of the remaining
reserved flour. (The dough will weigh about 28.5 ounces/810 grams.)
Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a 3-quart dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased
with cooking spray or oil. Press down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container
with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side at where double the height of the dough
would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough onto a floured counter and press down on
it gently to form a rectangle. Give it 1 business letter turn, round the edges, and return it to the bowl. Oil
the surface again, cover, and mark where double the height of the dough would now be. It will fill the
container fuller than before because it is puffier with air. Allow to rise until doubled, about 45 minutes
to 1 hour.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a floured counter and press down on it
gently to flatten it slightly. It will be sticky, but use only as much flour during shaping as absolutely
necessary. Round the dough into a ball about 6 inches by 2 1/2 inches high (see Illustrations for Shaping
a Round Loaf) and set it on the prepared baking sheet. Cover it with a large container or oiled plastic
wrap and allow it to rise until almost doubled, 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. The dough will be
about 8 inches by 3 inches high, and when it is pressed gently with a fingertip, the depression will very
slowly fill in.
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of
the oven, before preheating.
7 > Slash and bake the bread. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make a 1/4-inch-deep
cross in the top of the dough (see Illustrations for Making Decorative Slashes). Mist the dough with

water and quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of
ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 10 minutes. Lower the
temperature to 425F and continue baking for 20 to 30 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and a
skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will
read about 200F). Halfway through baking, with a heavy pancake turner, lift the bread from the pan
and set it directly on the stone, turning it halfway around as you do so for even baking. For an extra
crisp crust, leave the bread in the oven for an extra 5 or 10 minutes with the door propped ajar.
8 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> Its fine to use a national-brand unbleached all-purpose flour such as Gold Medal, or Pillsbury
instead of bread flour, but these will produce a less chewy, slightly softer texture. The weight of the
flour will be the same, but you will need to add about 1/3 cup more flour if measuring by volume. A
small amount of bran can add depth of flavor without bitterness. Add 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon
with the germ. (Reduced wheat flour would be the equivalent of double the amount of bran.)
> Purchase the wheat germ at a health food store that does a brisk business so that it is fresh, and
store it in the freezer.
VARIATION

For a denser 100 percent whole wheat loaf that is milder in flavor than traditional whole wheat, use
white wheat flour such as Prarie Gold from Montana Flour and Grains (see Sources) instead of bread
flour. Replace the germ in the starter with 3 tablespoons of white wheat flour and also add 3 tablespoons
to the 2 cups in the flour mixture.
UNDERSTANDING

This bread is based on the Basic Hearth Bread, in which the total amount of flour is 484 grams. The
amount of germ contained in whole wheat flour is 2.5 percent, equal in that case to 12.1 grams, so all I
needed to do was to add 12 grams wheat germ and subtract 12 grams from the total amount of flour
(while eliminating the whole wheat flour). To make it easier for those who prefer measuring to
weighing, Ive rounded off the wheat germ to 3 tablespoons (14 grams/1 ounce), which comes to 2.9
percent germ.
This bread is 8 inches by 3 3/4 inches high instead of 7 1/2 inches by 4 inches high, as the Basic
Hearth Bread is, because the wheat germ has a softening effect on the gluten. I give this dough a 4-hour
room-temperature fermentation to develop a mellow flavor rather than an overnight refrigerator rise, as
I want the bread to taste of sweet wheaty tones without any underlying sourness.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Wheat germ:
Water:
Yeast:

100%
2.9%
66.6%
0.57%

Salt:

2.1%

Sacaduros

All of the wonderful bread at Restaurant Daniel in New York City is made in their pastry/bread kitchen
by chef-boulanger Mark Fiorentino and baker Eli Cordeiro, who comes from Brazil. These unusual little
rolls are my very favorite. They are called sacaduros, from the Portuguese saca, which means to take
out, and duro, which means hard, referring to taking them out of the oven when they have a crisp hard
crust. The buns were created by Eli based on a technique he learned in Brazil. Each is filled with a tiny
cube of butter and fleur de sel, then the dough is pinched and folded six times to form a tidy little
bundle. Each little bun is inverted into a bed of flour, and during baking, the dough unfolds a little,
forming irregular petals and a beautiful contrast of golden dough against the powdery white sections
where the flour has adhered. The crust is crunchy, the crumb soft and moist, and in the center is the tiny
treat of a special filling.
These three-star-restaurant dinner rolls will delight the craftsperson.
TIME SCHEDULE

Rising Time: none

Oven Temperature: 475F, then 400F
Baking Time: 15 to 20 minutes
Makes: fourteen 2-by-2-inch-high buns
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

about 1 lb

467 g

about 1 lb
about 1 oz

about 454 g
24 g

3/4 recipe Basic Hearth Bread

-dough
flour for the shaped buns
about 3 c
butter and fleur de sel
14 1/2-inch cubes
EQUIPMENT:

a half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or parchment, or sprinkled with flour
or cornmeal;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Divide the dough. One at a time, pinch off 2-tablespoon (generous 1-ounce/33-gram) pieces of
dough, keeping the remaining dough covered with a kitchen towel, and shape each one into a 1 1/2-inch
ball (see Illustrations for Making a Sacaduro). Flour your fingers if the dough is sticky, and cover the
dough balls as you shape them.
2 > Prepare the flour bed. Fill a 13-by-9-inch baking pan about 1/2 inch deep with flour.
3 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 45 minutes before baking time. Have an oven shelf at
the lowest level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the
floor of the oven, before preheating.
4 > Fill and shape the buns. Working with one piece of dough at a time, on a lightly floured counter,
gently flatten the dough into a 2-inch disk. Place a butter cube and a pinch of fleur de sel in the center.
Gently but firmly pull 2 opposite edges of the dough, fold them over the center of the filling, and press
down in the center just enough to seal the dough. The object is to seal the folded-over dough as you
complete the shaping, but not to seal it so securely as to prevent it from opening up during baking. Pull
the two other sides of the dough out and fold them over in the center, pressing as before to secure the
dough. Repeat the process one more time, for a total of 6 pulls (three times); for the last two pulls, take
only little pinches of dough. Turn the roll upside down and set it in the flour pan. Continue with the
remaining dough. It should not take more than 30 minutes to shape the buns. If you are working more
slowly, bake the ones you have finished after 30 minutes and pat the remaining dough balls down to
keep them from overrising, then shape and bake them.
5 > Bake the buns. Lift each ball of dough out of the flour bed and, without dusting it off, set it flour
side up on the prepared baking pan. Quickly but gently set the pan on the hot baking stone or hot baking
sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 5 minutes.
Lower the heat to 400F and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes or until the rolls are golden (an
instant-read thermometer inserted in the center of a roll should read at least 190F). Halfway through
baking, turn the pan around for even baking.
6 > Cool the buns. Remove the buns from the oven and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR MAKING A SACADURO:

1> Butter cube placed on the dough

2> Pulling out two opposite sides of the dough

3> Pressing with your index finger to seal the folded dough

4> Pulling out the two other opposite sides of the dough

5> Folded dough

6> Rotated dough package, with a pointed side facing you

7> Pulling out the pointed sides of the dough

8> Dough with pointed sides folded over

9> Pulling out the opposite pointed sides

10> The opposite pointed sides, ends folded over

11> Dough package inverted and placed in flour pan

12> A baked sacaduro

Potato Buttermilk Bread

I so loved the direct, wholesome simplicity of this bread on first taste that I immediately e-mailed its
author, chef Rick Kangas, in Beaver Creek, Colorado, to tell him that it would become a part of my
regular repertoire.
This bread uses the equivalent of twice the potato of the Potato Sandwich Loaf, so the earthy potato
flavor really comes through. The sugar in the potato causes the crust to brown easily, contributing to the
earthy quality. The slight sweetness also helps to mellow and balance the tangy, sort of cheese-like
flavor from the dough starter and the buttermilk. The crumb has both a velvety moist quality from the
potato and a chewy crustiness from the added vital wheat gluten, but rather than being dense it is light
and airy. Because this bread loses most of its special flavor qualities on freezing, it is best eaten the day
it is baked.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Biga): minimum 6 hours, maximum 3 days

Minimum Rising Time: about 2 1/2 hours
Oven Temperature: 475F then 375F
Baking Time: 30 to 40 minutes
Makes: a 7 1/2-by-4-inch-high round loaf/ 1 pound, 8.6 ounces/642 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or parchment, or sprinkled with flour
or cornmeal;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Dough Starter (Biga)

Makes: a scant 1/2 cup/4.7 ounces/134 grams
INGREDIENTS

bread flour
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
Optional:
malt powder
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/2 c

ounces
2.6 oz

grams
75 g

1/16 tsp

--

0.4 g

1/2 tsp

--

1.6 g

1/4 liquid c

2 oz

59 g

1 > Six hours or up to 3 days ahead, make the biga. In a small bowl, combine all the biga ingredients
and stir with a wooden spoon for 3 to 5 minutes or until very smooth. The biga should still be tacky
(sticky) enough to cling slightly to your fingers. Cover the bowl tightly with greased plastic wrap (or
place it in a 2-cup food storage container with a lid) and set it aside until tripled and filled with bubbles.
At room temperature, this will take about 6 hours. Stir it down and use it, or refrigerate it for up to 3
days before baking.
Dough
INGREDIENTS

bread flour
potato flour
vital wheat gluten
sugar
instant yeast
biga (from above)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
buttermilk
salt

MEASURE

volume
1 3/4 c
1/3 c plus 1 tsp
1/2 tbsp
1 tsp
3/4 tsp
scant 1/2 c
1/2 liquid c
1/2 liquid c
1 1/2 tsp

WEIGHT

ounces
10 oz
2.2 oz
--- 4.7 oz
about 4.2
oz
4.2 oz
--

grams
284 g
61 g
4.7 g
4 g
2.4 g
134 g
118 g
121 g
10 g

2 > Mix the dough.

Machine Method
In the mixer bowl place the bread flour, potato flour, vital wheat gluten, sugar, yeast, and biga. With the
dough hook, mix on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) while gradually adding the water and
buttermilk, mixing until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Scrape down any bits of
dough.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on low speed for 10 minutes (on a higher speed, the dough
will climb out of the bowl). The dough will be fairly stiff and barely cling to your fingers. If it is not
stiff enough, add a little flour. If it is too stiff, spray it with a little water and knead it in. (The dough will
weigh about 25.7 ounces/731 grams.)
Hand Method
Remove the biga from the refrigerator about 1 hour before mixing the dough.
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups (8.2 ounces/234 grams) of the bread flour, the potato
flour, vital wheat gluten, sugar, and yeast. Then whisk in the salt (this keeps the yeast from coming in
direct contact with the salt, which would kill it). With a wooden spoon or your hand, stir in the biga.
Gradually stir in the water and buttermilk until the flour is moistened.
Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured counter.
Knead the dough for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding as little of the
reserved 1/4 cup flour as possible to keep it from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and
gather it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl
and allow it to rest 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and easier to work
with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic, adding some of the
remaining reserved flour, or a little extra, if it is sticky. The dough will be fairly stiff and should barely
stick to your fingers. If it is not stiff enough, add a little flour. (It will weigh about 26.3 ounces/746
grams.)
Both Methods
3 > Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a 2-quart dough-rising container, or bowl lightly greased
with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container
with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where
double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75F to 80F) until
doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
4 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and press down
on it gently to flatten it slightly. Round the dough into a ball about 5 inches by 2 1/2 inches high and set
it on the prepared baking sheet. Cover it with a large container or oiled plastic wrap. Allow the dough
rise until almost doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. It will be about 7 inches by 3 1/2 inches high and when
it is pressed gently with a fingertip, the depression will very slowly fill in.
5 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest

level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of
the oven, before preheating.
6 > Slash and bake the bread. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make a 1/2-inch-deep
slash across the top of the dough.
Mist the dough with water and quickly but gently set the sheet on the hot baking stone or hot baking
sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 5 minutes.
Lower the heat to 375F and continue baking for 25 to 35 minutes or until the crust is deeply golden
brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into
the center will read about 212F). Halfway through baking, with a heavy pancake turner, lift the bread
from the pan and set it directly on the stone, turning it around as you do so for even baking.
7 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
VARIATIONS

Potato Dill Bread Add 2 tablespoons minced fresh dill (about 0.25 ounce/7 grams) to the dough when
mixing it.
Tangy Cornbread When corn flour or cornmeal is used instead of potato flour, it results in a bread with
a pale yellow crumb and a subtle flavor that melds magnificently with a gilding of sweet butter. Replace
the potato flour with an equal weight of cornflour (1/2 cup minus 1 tablespoon) or cornmeal (1/2 cup
minus 2 teaspoons).
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 1, allow the biga to ferment in a cool area (55 to 65F) for 12
to 24 hours. After 12 hours, the starter will have tripled and be filled with bubbles; it will not deflate
even after 24 hours at this cool temperature. (A wine cellar provides an ideal spot.)
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> If time does not allow for a 1 1/2-to 2-hour rise, increase the instant yeast to 1 teaspoon.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:

100% (bread: 84.5%, potato: 14.4%, vital wheat gluten: 1.1%)

67%
0.6%
2.3%

Levys Real Jewish Rye Bread

Both of my parents were raised in the Bronx, but we lived in Manhattan when I was growing up.
Whenever my father had an excuse to return to the Bronx, hed never come back without a freshly
baked loaf from his favorite bakery. I liked the rye bread, studded with constellations of caraway seeds,
best. My grandmother, who lived with us, would serve it to me spread thickly with unsalted butter, the
top paved with rounds of sliced red radishes, lightly sprinkled with kosher salt, crushed between her
thumb and index finger. This is the way I prefer to eat rye bread even to this day. It has taken me years
to get my rye bread to taste and feel just right. I like a wheaty flavor with not so much rye that it
becomes bitter, and a chewy texture that is not so dense it becomes pasty. I love using La Cloche, the
large unglazed earthenware platter with a dome-shaped top, especially for a double recipe, as, during
baking, the bread rises to fill the dome, which gives it a lovely shape, moist texture, and very crunchy
top. Of course, the bread is still delicious and beautiful made free-form.
For a 12-inch by 6-inch-high bread, double the recipe, but you will need to make the dough by hand
or in a Bosch, Magic Mill, or commercial-sized mixer, as it is too much dough for the average stand
mixer to handle.
For added depth of flavor and the longest shelf life, make the sourdough version.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 hour, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 3 1/4 hours
Oven Temperature: 450F, then 400F
Baking Time: 45 to 55 minutes
Makes: a 7 3/4-by-4-inch-high round loaf/1 3/4 pounds/794 grams
EQUIPMENT:

La Cloche Bread Baker OR a half sheet pan, either one sprinkled with cornmeal;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Dough Starter (Sponge)

INGREDIENTS

bread flour
rye flour
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
sugar
malt powder or
barley malt syrup or honey, or
sugar
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
3/4 c
3/4 c

ounces
about 4 oz
3.3 oz

grams
117 g
95 g

1/2 tsp

--

1.6 g

1 1/2 tbsp

0.6 oz

1/2 tbsp

--

18.7 g
4.6 g
10.5 g
6.2 g

1 1/2 liquid c

12.5 oz

354 g

1 > Make the sponge. In a mixer bowl or other large bowl, place the bread flour, rye flour, yeast, sugar,
malt (or honey or sugar), and water. Whisk until very smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The
starter will be the consistency of a thick batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Set it aside covered
with plastic wrap while you make the flour mixture.
Flour Mixture
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces
about 12.5
oz

grams

--

2 g

bread flour

2 1/4 c

instant yeast

1/2 plus

351 g

caraway seeds
salt
vegetable oil

1/8 tsp
2 tbsp
1/2 tbsp
1/2 tbsp

cornmeal for sprinkling

about 2 tsp

Optional, for serving:

unsalted butter, softened
fresh radishes, sliced
fleur de sel or kosher salt

--

0.5 oz
0.3 oz
0.25 oz
about 0.5
oz

14 g
10.5 g
6.7 g

--

--

about 16 g

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a large bowl, whisk
together the bread flour (reserve 1/4 cup if mixing by hand), yeast, caraway seeds, and salt. Gently
scoop it onto the sponge to cover it completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to ferment
for 1 to 4 hours at room temperature. (During this time, the sponge will bubble through the flour
mixture in places; this is fine.)
3 > Mix the dough.
Mixer Method
Add the oil and mix with the dough hook on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) for about 1 minute,
until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Raise the speed to medium (#4 KitchenAid)
and mix for 10 minutes. The dough should be very smooth and elastic, and it should jump back when
pressed with a fingertip. If the dough is at all sticky, turn it out onto a counter and knead in a little extra
flour. (The dough will weigh about 2 pounds 1.7 ounces/965 grams.)
Hand Method
Add the oil and, with a wooden spoon or your hand, stir until the flour is moistened. Knead the dough in
the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured counter. Knead the dough for 5
minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding as little of the reserved flour as possible
to keep it from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and gather it together as you knead it.
At this point, it will be a little sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes.
(This resting time will make the dough less sticky and easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 to 10 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. If the dough is
sticky, add some of the remaining reserved flour, or a little extra. (The dough will weigh 2 pounds 1.7
ounces/965 grams.)
Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a 2-quart dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased
with cooking spray or oil. Press down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container
with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where
double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled,
1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough out onto a floured counter and press down

on it gently to form a rectangle. Give it 1 business letter turn. Oil the surface again, cover, and mark
where double the height would now be. The dough will fill the container fuller than before because it is
puffier with air. Allow rise a second time until doubled, about 45 minutes.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and press it
down to flatten it slightly. Round the dough into a ball about 5 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches high (see
Illustrations for Shaping a Round Loaf) and set it on the cornmeal sprinkled baking sheet, or La Cloche
bottom. Cover it with a large container or oiled plastic wrap. Let the dough rise until almost doubled,
about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. It will be about 7 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches high, and when it is
pressed gently with a fingertip the depression will very slowly fill in.
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 450F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating. If not using La Cloche, place a
cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of the oven to preheat. If using La Cloche, preheat the dome
along with the oven.
7 > Slash and bake the bread. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make 1/4- to 1/2-inchdeep slashes in the top of the dough (I like to make 2 slashes about 6 inches apart in one direction and a
second 2 slashes perpendicular to them). If using La Cloche, carefully place the hot top on the base and
quickly but gently set it on the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Alternatively, mist the dough with water
and quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice
cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 15 minutes. Then lower the
temperature to 400F and continue baking for 30 to 40 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and a
skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center
will read about 190F). If not using La Cloche, halfway through baking, with a heavy pancake turner,
lift the bread from the pan and set it directly on the stone, turning it around as you do so for even
baking. If using La Cloche, remove the dome for the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking.
8 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven, and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 2, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature,
then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. If using the hand mixing method, remove it from the refrigerator
about 1 hour before mixing the dough.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> For a double recipe, you will need to bake the bread for 50 to 65 minutes after lowering the
temperature to 400F.
UNDERSTANDING

I prefer bread flour to unbleached all-purpose flour for this bread because it results in a chewier texture.
I do not use the autolyse technique (allowing the dough to rest and hydrateabsorb the water)
before adding the salt, because I am not concerned with keeping the dough as moist as possible. I want a
relatively stiff dough, which results in a dense texture.

I use cornmeal for the bottom of the bread simply out of deference to tradition.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Sugar:
Yeast:
Caraway seeds:
Salt:
Oil:

100% (bread: 83.1%, rye: 16.9%)

62.9%
3.3%
0.64%
2.5%
1.9%
1.2%

Authentic Pumpernickel Bread

This bread recipe has been evolving for years. It was a challenging recipe to develop. I did it for my
father, who longed for the pumpernickel of yesteryear, no longer to be found, but I was working at a
disadvantage because I had never really liked pumpernickel bread. I found it too dense and bitter, and
Id always assumed it was the pumpernickel flour responsible for these qualities. To my surprise, I
learned that pumpernickel flour is merely coarsely ground rye and that the bitterness in many recipes
comes from the molasses. I played with the quantities of molasses, coffee, cocoa, and caramel powder
to get the desirable dark color and flavor without too much bitterness, and I added both vital wheat
gluten, to get the characteristic chew, and a higher proportion of bread flour, to make it less dense. I also
discovered that the old bakers tradition of adding altes brot, or a small quantity of stale
pumpernickel bread soaked in water and squeezed dry, does indeed contribute significant depth of
flavor, though you can still make an excellent version without it. And, as usual, when you create a
recipe you end up making it to your own taste and yes, loving it. So does Dad, probably because its
mine.
For added depth of flavor and the longest shelf life, make the sourdough version.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 3 hours, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 3 hours
Oven Temperature: 400F, then 375F
Baking Time: 35 to 40 minutes
Makes: a 7 1/2-by-4-inch-high round loaf/1 pound, 10.5 ounces/755 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a half sheet pan OR La Cloche Bread Baker, either one lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain
or parchment, or sprinkled with flour or cornmeal;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Dough Starter (Sponge)

INGREDIENTS

bread flour
pumpernickel flour
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
caraway seeds
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
cider vinegar
malt powder or
barley malt syrup or honey, or
sugar
molasses

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/2 c
1/2 c

ounces
2.75 oz
2.5 oz

grams
78 g
71 g

3/4 tsp

--

2.4 g

1/2 tbsp
1 liquid c plus
2 tbsp
(9 fl oz)
1 tbsp

--

3.5 g

9.25 oz

265.5 g

0.5 oz
0.3 oz
0.7 oz
0.5 oz
0.7 oz

15 g
9.3 g
21 g
12.5 g
22 g

1 tbsp
1 tbsp

1 > Make the sponge. In a mixer bowl or other large bowl, whisk together the bread flour,
pumpernickel flour, yeast, and caraway seeds. Whisk in the water, vinegar, malt, honey, or sugar, and
molasses until very smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The sponge will be the consistency of a
thick batter. Set it aside, covered with plastic wrap, while you make the flour mixture.
Flour Mixture
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

bread flour
pumpernickel flour
instant yeast
vital wheat gluten
caramel powder (see
Ingredients)
cocoa
sugar
instant espresso powder
vegetable oil
salt

volume
1 1/2 c
1/2 c
3/8 tsp
2 tbsp

ounces
8.2 oz
2.5 oz
-0.6 oz

grams
234 g
71 g
1.2 g
18 g

2 tbsp

0.6 oz

18 g

2 tbsp
1 tbsp
1 tsp
1/2 tbsp
1 3/4 tsp plus
1/8 tsp

scant 0.5 oz
scant 0.5 oz
-0.25 oz

12 g
12.5 g
1.5 g
6.7 g

--

12.3 g

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a medium bowl, whisk
together the bread flour (reserve 1/4 cup if mixing by hand), pumpernickel flour, yeast, vital wheat
gluten, caramel powder, cocoa, sugar, and instant espresso. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the
sponge. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to ferment for 1 hour to 4 hours at room
temperature. (During this time the sponge will bubble up through the flour mixture in places; this is
fine.)
3 > Mix the dough.
Mixer Method
Add the oil and mix with the dough hook on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) for 5 minutes. The
dough will pull away from the bowl but cling to your fingers. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and
allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed to (#4 KitchenAid) for 2 more minutes.
Empty the dough onto a lightly floured counter and knead it, adding a little extra flour only if necessary
to keep it from sticking. The dough should be a little tacky (slightly sticky) but not cling to your fingers.
Adding too much flour, however, will make it drier and heavier (this is especially true of pumpernickel
bread). (The dough will weigh about 1 pound, 13 ounces/820 grams.)
Hand Method
Add the oil and salt, and, with a wooden spoon or your hand, stir until all of the flour is moistened.
Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured counter. Knead
the dough for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding as little of the reserved
1/4 cup of flour as possible to keep it from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and gather
it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl and allow
it to rest for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. The dough should be a
little tacky (slightly sticky) but not cling to your fingers. If the dough is sticky, add some of the
remaining reserved flour, or a little extra. Adding too much flour, however, will make it drier and

heavier (this is especially true of pumpernickel bread). (The dough will weigh about 1 pound, 13
ounces/820 grams.)
Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a 2-quart dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased
with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container
with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where
double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled,
1 to 2 hours.
Scrape the dough out onto a floured counter and press down on it gently to form a rectangle. Give it
1 business letter turn, round the edges, and set it back in the container. Oil the surface again, cover, and
mark where double the height would now be. (It will fill the container fuller than before because it is
puffier with air.) Allow the dough to rise until doubled, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and press it
down to flatten it slightly. Shape it into an 5-inch by 3-inch-high ball (see Illustrations for Shaping a
Round Loaf). Set the dough on the prepared baking sheet or La Cloche bottom. Cover it with a large
container or oiled plastic wrap. Let the dough rise until almost doubled, about 1 hour. (It will be 7
inches by 4 inches high), and when it is pressed gently with a fingertip, the depression will very slowly
fill in.
Optional Shiny Glaze
Makes: a generous 1/4 cup (enough for 2 loaves)
INGREDIENTS

water
cornstarch
Optional:
sesame seeds, preferably raw

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/4 c plus
2 tbsp, divided
1/2 tbsp

ounces

grams

--

--

--

--

1/2 tbsp

--

--

6 > Prepare the optional glaze (for a high gloss). In a small saucepan, bring the 1/4 cup of water to a
boil. Meanwhile, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons water and the cornstarch. When the water
is boiling, whisk in the cornstarch mixture. Return it to a boil, whisking constantly, and boil, whisking,
until it thickens and turns translucent. Remove from the heat. (The glaze can be made ahead and set
aside, covered; reheat before using.
7 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 400F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating. If not using La Cloche, place a
cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of the oven to preheat. If using La Cloche, preheat the dome
along with the oven.
8 > Glaze, slash, and bake the bread. If using the glaze, brush it over the entire surface of the bread.

With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make several 1/4- to 1/2-inch-deep slashes in the top of
the dough. (I like to make 2 slashes about 2 1/2 inches apart in one direction and a second slash
perpendicular to them). Sprinkle with the sesame seeds, if desired.
Quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice
cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 15 minutes. Lower the temperature
to 375F and continue baking for 20 to 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out
clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 204F). Halfway through
baking, turn the pan around for even baking.
Alternatively, if using La Cloche, carefully place the hot top on the base and quickly but gently set it
on the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Lower the temperature to 400F and continue
baking for 30 to 35 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean (an instant-read
thermometer inserted in the center will read about 204F).
9 > Glaze and cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Rewarm
the glaze and brush the bread with a second coat, if desired. Allow the bread to cool completely.
VARIATIONS

Denser Pumpernickel Replace 1 cup (5.5 ounces/156 grams) of the bread flour with 1 cup (5
ounces/144 grams) whole wheat flour.
Raisin Pumpernickel Place 1 cup (5 ounces/144 grams) of raisins in a small bowl and add 1/3 cup hot
water. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit until softened, stirring once, for 30 minutes. (Dont soak
longer, or the raisins will lose their texture.) Drain the raisins, reserving the liquid. Use 1/4 cup of the
raisin water to replace 1/4 cup of the water in the recipe.
After the dough is mixed, allow it to rest, covered, for 10 minutes to relax the gluten. Then press or
roll it into a rectangle about 10 inches by 15 inches. Sprinkle it with the raisins and, starting from a
short end, roll it up. Knead it for a few minutes to incorporate the raisins evenly.
Altes Brot The addition of old bread provides an extra flavor dimension and slightly moister crumb.
The shaped dough and bread will be slightly larger (5 1/2 inch by 3 inches high for the dough, 8 inches
by 4 1/2 inches high for the baked bread); it will weigh about 32.5 ounces/924 grams. If you use old
bread you need to add more extra flour to balance the added liquid.)
For about 1/2 cup (4.2 ounces/120 grams) old bread, use about 1 slice crustless (2.25 ounces/63
grams) pumpernickel bread (stale, even several days old, is fine). Tear it into pieces and soak it
overnight at room temperature in about 1/4 cup of water. When ready to mix the dough, squeeze out any
excess moisture, and add the bread when adding the oil. You will probably need to add about 2 1/2
tablespoons (1 ounce/28 grams) flour.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 2, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature,
then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. If using the hand mixing method, remove it from the refrigerator
about 1 hour before mixing the dough.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Vital wheat gluten:
Caraway seeds:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Oil:

Flour: 100% (bread: 66.1%, coarse

rye: 30.1%)
3.8%
0.7%
60.5% (includes the vinegar)
0.76%
2.6%
1.4%

Baguette

The baguette is the definitive fingerprint of the bread baker. And as I worked on this book, it served for
me as the basis of all bread baking (the way the pound cake did in The Cake Bible). No bread could be
more simple or, conversely, more difficult to perfect. All the dough contains is flour, water, yeast, and
salt. And so its all about those few ingredients, plus temperature, and timing, and gentle but firm
shaping, and baking.
I wasnt planning to include baguettes in this book for two reasons: I didnt think they could be
made successfully in a home oven, and I can buy wonderful ones within five minutes of my home. But
people who did not live in areas where they could find good baguettes pleaded with me to come up with
a good recipe.
My goal was a light crumb with large holes and a splinteringly crisp but tender crust. It took me
over twenty-five tries to get right, but the result was the lightest, crispest, and best baguette Ive ever
had. I took a loaf to Michael Batterberry when I was visiting Food Arts magazine, and when we broke
off a piece, it showered crumbs all over the papers on his desk. I didnt know whether to be horrified or
triumphant, but when I saw the look of delighted comprehension in his eyes, I was reassured as to my
choice! We both knew that this was the real thing. And now the baguette seems like one of the easiest of
all doughs.
The secret to the big holes and fine crust: the right kind of flour (and not over three months old), a
very wet dough, a slow rise, maintaining the bubbles during shaping, and overnight retarding in the
refrigerator after shaping.
I tried many recipes. My final recipe was inspired by the recipe from Acme Bakery in Maggie
Glezers wonderful book, Artisan Bread. Most baguette recipes use the straight-dough technique,
avoiding dough starters. But that recipe uses two different starters, a scrap dough, or pte fermente (the
French equivalent of the Italian biga), and a poolish (a thin sponge) for great depth of flavor. Maggie
came up with a very clever and useful technique of diluting the yeast in order to measure the very small
quantity needed.
Plan to start this dough the night before. If you start at 8:00 P.M., you will be able to go to sleep by
11:00 and the poolish will be ready to use by 7:30 to 8:00 the next morning. (For a different schedule,
use 4 teaspoons of the yeast mixture for the poolishthere will be enoughand it will be ready in just
5 to 5 1/2 hours.) Timing is for a room temperature of 75F. (See schedule.) If you have leftover day-old
baguette, it makes wonderful bread pudding.
(A note on the color photograph of the baguettes: The week we took the photographs for this
book was the coldest week of the New York winter (January 2003). It was so cold in the studio that

none of the breads was rising fast enough to catch the fading winter light. For this reason, we had to call
The French Culinary Institute for an emergency delivery of freshly baked baguettes. Your baguettes will
be as beautiful, but they will not have the exact appearance or length of one baked in a commercial deck
oven.)
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (scrap dough and poolish): minimum 11 1/2 hours, maximum 16 hours
Minimum Rising Time: 4 hours
Oven Temperature: 450F
Baking Time: 30 minutes (plus 5 minutes with oven off)
Makes: two 14-inch-long baguettes, 2 1/4 inches wide by 2 inches high, about 7 ounces/200 grams each
EQUIPMENT:

a heavy-duty stand mixer with dough hook attachment;

two-section baguette pan, nonstick or greased lightly with cooking oil or spray OR a baking stone
or baking sheet

Scrap Dough (Pte Fermente)

Makes: about 3.5 ounces/100 grams
INGREDIENTS

water, at warm room

temperature (75 to 90F)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
unbleached all-purpose flour,
preferably King Arthur
European-style artisan flour,
or Gold Medal or Pillsbury
salt

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1/4 liquid c

2 oz

59 g

1/8 tsp

--

0.4 g

1/4 c plus 2 1/2 tbsp 2 oz

57.5 g

3/16 tsp

1.2 g

--

1 > A day ahead, make the scrap dough (pte fermente). Place the water in a small bowl and stir in

the yeast. Stir again before using.

In a small bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Add 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of the yeast
water. Reserve the rest for the poolish (starter).
Stir this very soft and sticky dough until it is smooth and comes away from the sides of the bowl,
about 5 minutes. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let it ferment at room temperature for about 3
hours, then refrigerate it until the next morning.
Dough Starter (Poolish)
Makes: about 5.3 ounces/150 grams
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour,

preferably King Arthur
European-style artisan flour,
or Gold Medal or Pillsbury
instant yeast mixture (from
above)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1/2 c plus
1/2 tbsp

2.6 oz

75 g

1/2 tbsp

0.26 oz

7.5 g

1/4 liquid c plus

1 1/2 tbsp

2.4 oz

67.5 g

2 > Meanwhile, make the poolish. Place the flour in a 2-cup measure and add 1/2 tablespoon of the
reserved yeast water to the flour (discard the little that remains). Add the room-temperature water and
stir until incorporated. The poolish will be a very gloppy batter. Cover with plastic wrap and let ferment
for 11 1/2 to 16 hours, depending on the room temperature, or until there are a lot of bubbles on the top,
some of which are beginning to pop, and the poolish is just beginning to sink. It will have slightly more
than tripled. (You could also let it rise in a Ball jar or other small (2-cup capacity) container, marking
with tape how high it should rise; it will start off at 1/2 cup and rise to 1 2/3 cups.)
Dough
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour,

preferably King Arthur
European-style artisan flour,
or Gold Medal or Pillsbury
instant yeast
water, room temperature (70
to 90F)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 c plus
3 tbsp

6 oz

170 g

--

0.4 g

about 3 oz

90 g

1/8 tsp
3 fl oz
(6 tbsp)

poolish (from above)

--

scrap dough (from above)

--

about 5.3
oz
about 3.5

150 g
about 100 g

salt

1 tsp

oz
--

6.6 g

3 > Make the dough. In the mixer bowl, whisk together the flour and yeast. Stir the water into the
poolish to loosen it, and add this to the flour mixture. With a wooden spoon, mix just until well
combined, 2 to 3 minutes. The dough will be very rough and sticky but it will pull away from the bowl.
Cover with plastic wrap and allow it to rest for 20 minutes.
With oiled fingers, tear the scrap dough into a few pieces, and add it and the salt to the dough.
Knead on medium speed (#4 if using a KitchenAid) for about 7 minutes. The dough should be tacky
(sticky) enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If it is still very sticky, knead in a little flour. If it is not
at all sticky, spray with a little water and knead it in. (The dough will weigh about 17.6 ounces/500
grams.)
4 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 2-quart doughrising container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly
spray or oil the top. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of
the container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise
(ideally at 75 to 80F) until it has doubled, 2 to 3 hours. During the first hour, give the dough a gentle
business letter turn every 20 minutes, for a total of three times, to redistribute the yeast and gently
strengthen the gluten. Then leave the dough undisturbed for the remaining fermentation so that it
becomes light and airy.
Please see Illustrations for Shaping a Baguette.
5 > Preshape the dough and let it rest. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and cut it in
half. (Dont worry if each one is not exactly the same size; patching would make the dough stretchy and
hard to shape without losing air bubbles.) Gently pat each piece into a rectangle, they shape it into a
stubby log by rolling the top edge down to the middle, then pushing it back slightly with your thumbs.
Repeat this rolling motion two more times, ending with the seam at the bottom edge of the dough (see
illustrations for more detail). Use a bench scraper to move each loaf to a lightly floured counter, seam
side down. Cover with oiled plastic wrap and allow to sit for about 30 minutes or until relaxed and
extensible (when you pull the dough gently, it stretches without tearing).
6 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Working with one piece of dough at a time, gently pat and stretch
it into an 8-by-5-inch rectangle. Fold the bottom over, a little past the center and fold the top down to
the center. With the side of your hand, seal the dough in the center, creating a trough. Then bring the top
down to the bottom and seal using the heel of your hand or your thumbs, pressing only on the seam to
maintain as much air as possible in the rest of the dough. Try to keep the length at about 8 inches. Allow
the loaves to rest covered (or place in a couche) for 30 to 45 minutes, until very light and soft enough to
stretch.
Gently stretch each piece of dough to 14 inches and set each one into a baguette pan depression or
place in the Steam Master. Cover with oiled plastic wrap (if not using Saran original brand, then set in a
large clean garbage bag) and refrigerate for 5 to 14 hours.
About 1 1/2 hours before you are ready to bake the baguettes, remove them from the refrigerator
and let them sit until almost doubled, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. When the dough is pressed gently with a
fingertip, the depression will very slowly fill in. In a baguette pan, the top of the dough will not quite

reach the plastic wrap if is stretched taut over the sides of the mold. When the dough has risen, remove
the plastic wrap and allow the surface to dry for 5 minutes, for easier slashing.
7 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 450F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating. If not using a Steam Master, put a
cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of the oven to preheat.
8 > Slash and bake the bread. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make about three long
1/4- to 1/2-inch-deep diagonal slashes down the length of each loaf. Mist with water and quickly but
gently set the pan on the baking stone or baking sheet. If using the Steam Master, add water to the pan;
if not, toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath. Immediately shut the door, and bake for 30
minutes. Halfway through baking, turn the pan around for even baking. If the crust is not deeply golden
after 30 minutes, remove the baguettes from the pan and set them on the stone or the baking sheet. Turn
the oven up to 475F and bake for 5 minutes or until golden. Turn off the oven, prop the door slightly
ajar with a wooden spoon, and allow the bread to sit for another 5 minutes to allow the steam to escape
and a crisp side crust to form.
9 > Cool the bread. Remove the breads from the oven and transfer them to wire racks to cool for 10
minutes.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> If using Gold Medal or Pillsbury flour, you can replace 1 to 3 percent of the flour with whole wheat
flour (1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon/3 to 9 grams) to approximate the lovely flavor the King Arthur
European-style flour gives.
> If the shaped baguette dough sits refrigerated for 5 hours or longer, it will develop larger holes and
a crisper, more blistery crust. If desired, however, you can omit the refrigeration and bake the baguettes
after about an hour at room temperature after shaping, when they have almost doubled.
UNDERSTANDING

The curved baguette pans produce bread with the prettiest rounded shape.
The flour in the scrap dough and the poolish is 78 percent of the total flour used in the rest of the
dough.
One of the secrets to large holes in the baguette crumb is to shape it into a loaf about half the desired
finished size and let it proof 30 minutes, then very gently pull it to full length. This opens and stretches
the holes. Be very gentle when shaping, though, so as to keep in as much air as possible!

SUGGESTED TIME SCHEDULE FOR DINNER BAGUETTES

7:30 to 8:00 a.m.: mix the dough

8:00 to 8:20: autolyse
8:20 to 8:35: machine mix
8:35 to 11:30: let rise, with 3 turns in the first hour
11:30 to 12:00: divide, preshape, and let rest
12:00 to 12:15: final shaping
12:15 to 12:45: rest, and pull to lengthen the dough
12:45 to 5:45: refrigerate (5 hours, or refrigerate longer, up to 1 3/4 hours before dinner)
5:45 to 6:45: let sit at room temperature
6:45 to 7:15: bake

VARIATION

Baguettes au Chocolat When he was teaching at the Baking Center in Minneapolis, master baker Didier
Rosada made a wonderful breakfast treat for his students: ficelles (thin baguettes) with butter and grated
flakes of chocolate. Regular baguettes will work as well.
Cut each warm baguette into 2 pieces, and split each one lengthwise in half. Spread each piece with
2 teaspoons (9.2 grams) unsalted butter and grate about 4 grams (about a tablespoon) of milk chocolate
on top, using a mellon baller or a peeler. The thin flurries of chololate will melt immediately on contact.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Instant yeast:
Salt:

100%
67.5%
0.25%
2.2%

Spicy Herbed Bread Sticks

Zoes, my favorite New York City neighborhood restaurant, makes the most delicious bread sticks
(grissini in Italian). Skinny as twigs, crisp, spicy and herby, they are displayed towering above the tall
glasses that hold them at the bar. This is their special recipe.
TIME SCHEDULE

Starter: straight dough method

Resting Time: 6 to 12 hours

Oven Temperature: 375F

Baking Time: 12 to 16 minutes per batch
Makes: about 68 bread sticks/13 ounces/376 grams
INGREDIENTS

bread flour
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
salt
black pepper
white pepper
garlic powder
grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
herbs, such as chives,
rosemary, thyme, sage, and/or
marjoram, minced
Tabasco
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
cornmeal for dusting
fine sea salt

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
2 1/4 c

ounces
12.25 oz

grams
351 g

1/2 tbsp

--

1.6 g

1 1/8 tbsp
1 tbsp
1/2 tbsp
1/2 tbsp
1/2 c
loosely packed

-----

7.4 g
----

0.75 oz

20 g

2 tbsp

0.25 oz

7 g

1/2 tbsp

--

--

1 liquid c

8.4 oz

236 g

---

---

---

EQUIPMENT:

3 half sheet pans lined with Silpat or parchment and sprinkled with cornmeal (if you have only 2
pans, work with one batch of dough at a time)

1 > Mix the dough 6 to 12 hours ahead.

Mixer Method
In the mixer bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, grated

cheese, minced herbs, and Tabasco. With the dough hook, on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid),
gradually add the water, then continue mixing just until the dough pulls away from the bowl; do not
overmix. Transfer the dough to a floured counter and knead it lightly, adding extra flour if the dough is
at all sticky. (The dough will weigh about 21.75 ounces/625 grams.)
Hand Method
In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, grated cheese,
minced herbs, and Tabasco. Mixing with a wooden spoon or your hand, gradually add the water, then
continue mixing just until the dough cleans the sides of the bowl; do not overmix. Transfer the dough to
a floured counter and knead it lightly, adding extra flour if the dough is at all sticky. (The dough will
weigh about 21.75 ounces/625 grams.)
Both Methods
2 > Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a 1-quart or larger dough-rising container or bowl, lightly
greased with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. With a piece of
tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be.
Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6 to 12 hours. After the first hour or
two, gently deflate the dough; check again after a few hours and deflate it again if the dough is rising to
more than double, or place a weight on top of the container.
3 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375F 1 hour before baking. Have one oven rack at the
lowest level and a second oven rack one level above it before preheating.
4 > Shape the dough. Cut the dough into 4 pieces and shape each one into a ball, then flatten each one
on a counter sprinkled with cornmeal. Work with two pieces of dough at a time, keeping the others
covered and refrigerated. Pass one piece of dough through a pasta machine on the widest setting: the
dough will be about 1/8 inch thick. Dredge the sheets of dough in more cornmeal as necessary as you
work to prevent the dough from sticking. Allow the first piece to dry slightly while you run the second
piece through the machine.
Run the first piece of dough through the fettuccine (1/4-inch-wide) cutter. Gently separate the
strands, lay them on the cornmeal-dusted counter, and toss to coat them with the cornmeal. Lay the
strands on a prepared baking sheet, trimming them to fit if necessary (but try not to stretch them or
make them too thin), leaving a little space between the strands as they expand slightly during baking, to
ensure crispness. Spray or brush all over with olive oil and dust each with a pinch or two of fine sea salt
and more cornmeal.
5 > Bake the bread sticks. Bake for 12 to 16 minutes or until golden. The bread sticks are done when
they start to curve away from the parchment but are still a little flexible; avoid overbrowning, which
could make them bitter.
6 > Cool and recrisp the bread sticks. Transfer the bread sticks to racks to cool, and allow the pans to
cool completely before the next batch. (There is no need to change the parchment or remove the
cornmeal for the second batch.) Then roll, cut, and bake the remaining dough.
When all the bread sticks are baked and the oven has cooled, place them, still on racks, in the oven
with the pilot light, or set on the lowest possible heat, for about an hour or until totally crisp.

7 > Cool the bread sticks again. Remove the bread sticks from the oven and cool them completely on
the wire racks.
STORE Store the bread sticks in an airtight container for no more than 4 days.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> Its fine to use a food processor to chop the herbs if you add some of the flour mixture along with
them.
> If the dough overrises, it will tear the strands of gluten and be too weak and inelastic to roll out. If
this should happen, you can knead in more bread flour and water until the dough becomes stretchy
again, but it is much easier simply to deflate the dough during the first few hours of refrigerated rest.
> Dont use Silpain to line the pans, as cornmeal, which gives a nice crunch to the outside of the
bread sticks, gets stuck in the little holes and is hard to wash out.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:

Brinnas Pugliese

100%
67.2%
0.45%
2.1%

My friend Brinna Sands of King Arthur Flour calls this her daily bread, but she also mentioned that
she is continuously learning and changing things and that the wonderful thing about bread is that it is
adaptable. In her words:
The struggle Im having is that this bread flies in the face of all the whole grains, levains, and
starters Ive been committed to over the years. It is, after all, a primarily white yeast-leavened loaf that
is the antithesis of all things I used to hold important. But everyone loves it. I love it. Its terrific right
out of the oven, half an hour out of the oven, the next day, the day after that, and finally as toast, bread
pudding, strata, croutons, crumbs. What makes it so compelling? Why do I make it over and over
again? Im not sure I have the answer. Im not sure I want to know the answer!
A biga is simply a dough starter made with just flour, yeast, and water, that is mixed at least 12
hours before mixing the dough to give it more depth of flavor, moistness, and chewiness. Brinna always
has a biga sitting in her refrigerator, waiting for the next loaf.
This is a very wet dough, so it is best mixed in a stand mixer or bread machine. Brinna prefers the
bread machine, saying there is less oxygenation, and also that it provides a perfect environment to proof
the mixed dough. I give both methods in the recipe.
This bread is exceptionally light and full of holes! The addition of a small amount of pumpernickel
flour (coarse rye) adds delightfully to its wonderful flavor.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Biga): minimum 6 hours, maximum 3 days

Rising Time: about 2 hours and 15 minutes
Oven Temperature: 450F, then 400F
Baking Time: 30 to 35 minutes
Makes: a 7-by-4-inch-high round loaf/1 pound, 2 ounces/510 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a bread machine OR a heavy-duty stand mixer with dough hook attachment;

a large half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or parchment;
a baking stone OR baking sheet;
an 8-inch banneton OR colander

Dough Starter (Biga)

Makes: about 3/4 cup/7 ounces/200 grams

INGREDIENTS

instant yeast (see Ingredients

for brands)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
unbleached all-purpose flour
(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
pumpernickel flour (coarse
rye)
salt

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1/8 tsp

--

0.4 g

3 fl oz
(6 tbsp)

3 oz

88.5 g

1/2 c

2.5 oz

71 g

1/3 c

1.5 oz

42.5 g

1/4 tsp

--

1.7 g

1 > Six hours or up to 3 days ahead, make the biga. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for
the biga in the order listed, and stir the mixture with a wooden spoon for about 3 minutes or until it is
very smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. It should still be tacky (sticky) enough to cling
slightly to your fingers. Cover the bowl tightly with oiled plastic wrap (or place it in a 1-quart food
storage container with a lid) and set it aside until doubled and filled with bubbles. At room temperature,
this will take about 6 hours. Then stir it down and use it, or refrigerate up to 3 days before baking. (If
using a bread machine, it can be mixed in the bread machine, covered with plastic wrap, and left the
bread machine until ready to mix, no more than 6 hours. Be sure to scrape in bits of dough sticking to
the sides.)
Dough
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

6.25 oz

177 g

8 oz

227 g

- 7 oz
--

2.4 g
200 g
5 g

water, at room temperature

3/4 liquid c
(70 to 90F)
unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 c plus
(use only Gold Medal, King
1 1/2 tbsp
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast
3/4 tsp
biga (from above)
about 3/4 c
salt
3/4 tsp
2 > Mix the dough.

Bread Machine Method

If the biga is refrigerated, remove it 45 minutes before mixing the dough.
Add the water, flour, and yeast to the biga. Program the machine to mix for 3 minutes and knead for
10 minutes, and allow it to go through the 3 minutes of mixing, then press the pause button. (You want
it to pause for 20 minutes, so try to catch it just before 10 minutes and the moment the machine starts up
again, press pause a second time for another 10-minute pause.)

Add the salt and allow the machine to continue into the knead cycle for 10 minutes. The dough will
be very sticky. Let the dough rise in the machine until doubled, about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 1/2
hours.
Mixer Method
Place the biga in the mixer bowl. Add the water, flour, and yeast, and mix with the dough hook on low
speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) for about 1 minute, until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough
dough. Scrape down any bits of dough. Cover the top of the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough
to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for about 7 minutes.
The dough will be very sticky.
Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into an 2-quart dough-rising container or
bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top.
Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at
approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to
80F) until doubled, about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.
Both Methods
3 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and press down
on it gently to flatten it slightly. Round the dough into a ball (see Illustrations for Shaping a Round
Loaf), dusting it with as little flour as possible to keep it from sticking and keeping as much air as
possible in the dough. (It will weigh about 21 ounces/600 grams.)
Set the ball of dough upside down in an 8-inch banneton bottom side up or a colander lined with a
floured cloth. Cover the banneton or colander with a large container or oiled plastic wrap and let the
dough rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until almost doubled, about 1 hour. In an 8-inch banneton, the center
of the dough will rise to 1 inch above the sides. When the dough is pressed gently with a fingertip the
depression will very slowly fill in.
4 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 450F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of
the oven, before preheating.
5 > Slash and bake the bread. Remove the plastic wrap and gently invert the dough onto the prepared
baking sheet. (If you used a colander and floured towel and the risen bread is more than 1 inch below
the top, you will need to support the bread when inverting it so that it doesnt fall and deflate. Cut a
cardboard circle that is small enough to fit into the colander and touch the surface of the bread. Place a
piece of parchment on top of the bread, place the cardboard on top, and invert the bread onto the
cardboard. Then slide the bread, still on the parchment, onto the baking sheet.) With a sharp knife or
single-edged razor blade, make several 1/4- to 1/2-inch-deep slashes in the top of the dough (see
Illustrations for Making Decorative Slashes).
Quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of
ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the oven door. Bake for 15 minutes. Turn down the
heat to 400F and continue baking for 15 minutes or until the bread is deeply golden brown and a
skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will
read about 204F). Halfway through baking, with a heavy pancake turner, lift the bread from the pan

and set it directly on the stone, turning it around as you do so for even baking.
6 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven, and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 1, allow the biga to ferment in a cool area (55 to 65F) for 12
to 24 hours. (A wine cellar provides an ideal spot.) After 12 hours, it will have doubled and be filled
with bubbles; it will not deflate even after 24 hours at this cool temperature.
UNDERSTANDING

The addition of pumpernickel flour to the biga gives it a little more acidity, resulting in a slightly more
mildly sour flavor and more open crumb. The small amount of salt is added to slow down the action of
the yeast slightly, as pumpernickel flour ferments faster than wheat flour.
This biga only doubles rather than triples on fermentation because the rye flour makes it less
extensible (stretchy).
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:

100% (all-purpose: 87.5%, pumpernickel: 12.5%)

78%
0.82%
1.9%

VARIATION

For an appealing extra flavor profile, in the dough, use only 1 cup (5 ounces/142 grams) all-purpose
flour and add 1/2 cup (2.7 ounces/78 grams) durum flour (see Ingredients). The crumb will be more
dense and the baked loaf 8 inches by 3 1/2 inches high.
Tuscan Low-Salt Bread

When I had the good fortune to be a presenter at the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival, I got to know
many of Australias best bakers. Phillippa Grogan of Phillippas Bakery in Armadale, a suburb of
Melbourne, gave me a tasting of her amazing breads and fabulous pastries, as well as a midnight visit to
the bread ovens, where her husband was baking the bread. It was there that I changed my opinion of
Tuscan bread. Because of an ancient government tax levied on products containing salt, this bread is
traditionally made without the salt. Although its ideally suited to the zesty, salty Tuscan sauces and
sausages, I usually find unsalted bread too flat in flavor. But when Phillippa told me that it was their
most popular bread, I tasted and reconsidered. Her husband uses 1 percent salt, which makes a
considerable difference. The low amount of salt means that the yeast can rise uninhibited, making it
possible to use less yeast and derive more flavor from the flour. Eliminate the salt entirely if you wish to
be traditional, but note that the rising times will be a little shorter.

TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Biga): minimum 6 hours, maximum 3 days

Rising Time: about 3 hours
Oven Temperature: 425F
Baking Time: 15 to 25 minutes
Makes: an 8-by-6-by-1/2-inch-high loaf/1 pound/454 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a heavy-duty stand mixer with dough hook attachment;

a half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or parchment, well dusted with flour;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Dough Starter (Biga)

Makes: scant 1/2 cup/4.7 ounces/134 grams
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
Optional:
malt powder
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1/2 c plus
1/2 tbsp

2.6 oz

75 g

1/16 tsp

--

0.2 g

1/2 tsp

--

1.6 g

1/4 liquid c

2 oz

59 g

1 > Six hours or up to 3 days ahead, make the biga. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for
the biga and stir the mixture with a wooden spoon for 3 to 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and
comes away from the sides of the bowl. The dough should still be tacky (sticky) enough to cling slightly
to your fingers. Cover the bowl tightly with oiled plastic wrap (or place it in a 2-cup food-storage

container with a lid) and set aside until tripled and filled with bubbles. At room temperature, this will
take about 6 hours. Stir the biga down and use it, or refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
Dough
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

8.5 oz

244 g

- 4.7 oz
5.5 oz
--

1.6 g
134 g
155 g
3.3 g

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
1 3/4 c
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast
1/2 tsp
biga (from above)
scant 1/2 c
water
2/3 liquid c
salt
1/2 tsp

2 > Mix the dough. In the mixer bowl place the flour, yeast, and biga. Mixing with the dough hook on
low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid), gradually add the water, then mix until the flour is moistened
enough to form a rough dough. Scrape down any bits of dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and
allow the dough to rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium-low speed (#3 KitchenAid) for 7 minutes. The
dough should be very elastic, smooth, and sticky enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If it is still
very sticky, knead in a little flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray it with a little water and knead it in. (The
dough will weigh about 18 ounces/510 grams.)
3 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 2-quart doughrising container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly
spray or oil the top. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of
the container at approximately where triple the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise
(ideally at 75 to 80F) until tripled, about 3 hours.
4 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place an oven stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of the
oven, before preheating.
5 > Shape the bread and let it rise. With an oiled dough scraper or spatula, gently turn the dough out
onto the prepared pan, without deflating it. It should be about 8 inches by 6 inches by about 1 1/4 inches
high. Dust the surface of the dough well with flour and allow it to rise until 1 1/2 inches high, about 30
minutes.
6 > Bake the bread. Quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot baking stone or hot baking
sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 15 to 25
minutes or until the bread is golden and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read
thermometer inserted into the center will read about 200F).
7 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven, and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 1, allow the biga to ferment in a cool area (55 to 65F) for 12
to 24 hours. (A wine cellar is usually this temperature range so it provides an ideal spot.) After 12 hours,
it will have tripled and be filled with bubbles; it will not deflate even after 24 hours at this cool
temperature.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> For larger holes, it is important not to overmix the dough and develop too much gluten.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:

100%
67%
0.56%
1%

Ciabatta
(Ciabatta de Donna, or Ladys Slipper)

This is the bread that, after the focaccia, has highest water content and is therefore the very lightest in
texture. The contrast of the crisp firm crust and soft open crumb is a delightful shock to the senses. It
took enormous effort to conquer this bread, and I learned volumes about the texture of bread in the
process.
Ciabatta (The name means slipper in Italian) is a relatively flat, shapeless bread with a fine crisp
crust, wrinkled by a special shaping technique (taught to me by master baker David Norman when he
was an instructor at the French Culinary Institute), and boasting large holes in the interior. The holes
proved the biggest challenge, to the point that it came to seem Zen-like to be working so hard to achieve
empty space. The quest led me once again to Brinna Sands, of King Arthur Flour, who taught me one of
the most important lessons about this particular dough: in order to create an open crumb, you must have
a very moist dough. Before this, I had always kneaded bread by hand. But she explained that in order to
achieve this very sticky dough, it is best to use a mixer or bread machine, or one will be tempted to add
too much flour. Another interesting thing I discovered in my ten-day obsession with ciabatta was that
developing too strong a framework (gluten) would make a tighter crumb, so that it is better to use a

flour that is very extensible (ideally unbleached all-purpose), with lower protein-forming gluten than
bread flour, and not to knead it too long. This flour also results in a more tender and less chewy crumb,
similar to that of the ciabatta found in Italy, where the flour is lower in protein. All my many ciabatta
looked the same on the outside but it wasnt until the ninth one that I found was what I was looking for
after cutting it openbig beautiful holes.
Once mastered, this bread will enable you to sail through other wet dough breads that bake into light
loaves with large holes, such as Pugliese and focaccia.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Biga): minimum 6 hours, maximum 3 days

Minimum Rising Time: about 2 3/4 hours
Oven Temperature: 475F, then 450F
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Makes: an 11-by-5-by-2 to 2 1/2-inch-high loaf/about 10.5 ounces/300 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a heavy-duty stand mixer with paddle attachment;

a half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or parchment, or sprinkled with flour
or cornmeal;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Dough Starter (Biga)

Makes: scant 1/2 cup/4.7 ounces/134 grams
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1/2 c plus
1/2 tbsp

2.6 oz

75 g

1/16 tsp

--

0.2 g

Optional:
malt powder
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

1/2 tsp

--

1.6 g

1/4 liquid c

2 oz

59 g

1 > Six hours or up to 3 days ahead, make the dough starter (biga). In a small bowl, combine all the
ingredients for the biga and stir the mixture with a wooden spoon for 3 to 5 minutes or until it is very
smooth and comes away from the sides of the bowl. It will be slightly sticky to the touch. Cover the
bowl tightly with oiled plastic wrap (or place the biga in a 2-cup food storage container with a lid) and
set it aside until tripled and filled with bubbles. At room temperature, this will take about 6 hours. Stir it
down and use it or refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. (Remove it to room temperature for 1
hour before mixing the dough.)
Dough
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

volume
unbleached all-purpose flour scant 1 c
(use only Gold Medal, King
(plus flour for
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
shaping)
instant yeast
1/4 tsp
salt
1/2 tsp
water
1/2 liquid c
biga (from above)
scant 1/2 c

WEIGHT

ounces

grams

4.75 oz

136 g

-0.8 g
-3.3 g
about 4 oz 118 g
4.7 oz
134 g

2 > Mix the dough. In the mixer bowl, whisk together the flour and yeast. Then whisk in the salt (this
keeps the yeast from coming in direct contact with the salt, which would kill it). Add the water and
biga. Using the paddle attachment, mix on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) for a few seconds, just
until all the flour is moistened. Raise the speed to medium-high (#6 KitchenAid) and beat for 3 minutes.
At first the dough will be very moist and soft, almost soupy. Gradually it will start to develop strands of
gluten. Lower the speed to medium (#4 KitchenAid) and continue beating for 2 minutes. If the dough
hasnt pulled away from the bowl after the first 3 minutes, scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat
on medium-high (#6 KitchenAid) for another 2 minutes. If it still doesnt pull away from the bowl, beat
in a little flour 1 teaspoon at a time on low speed (#2 KitchenAid). The dough should cling to your
fingers if touched.
3 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 2-quart food
storage container, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil (I detach the paddle from the machine and
use it to lift out the dough, as it usually clings to the paddle in a long elastic strand). (The dough will
weigh about 13.6 ounces/386 grams.) Push down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the
container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at
approximately where triple the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to
80F) until tripled, 1 1/4 to 2 hours.
4 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Sift a generous amount of flour onto a counter in a rectangle at

least 10 inches by 8 inches. With an oiled spatula, gently scrape the dough onto the flour, and sift more
flour on top. Handle the dough gently at all times to maintain as much air in it as possible. Using the
palms of your hands against the sides of the dough, push it together slightly. Using your fingertips,
make large deep dimples in the dough about 1 inch apart, elongating it (see Shaping a Loaf). Push the
sides together a second time. (This process wrinkles the bottom of the dough, which will become the top
when inverted, and creates the classic lines in the crust.)
Carefully lift up the dough and invert it onto the prepared baking sheet. It will be 10 to 11 inches in
length. Push in the sides so that the dough is about 4 1/2 inches wide. It will be between 1/2 inch and 1
inch high. Sift flour over the top and cover the dough with a large container, or cover loosely with
plastic wrap. Allow it to rise a warm spot until 1 to 1 1/2 inches high, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
5 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of
the oven, before preheating.
6 > Bake the bread. Remove the container or plastic wrap and quickly but gently set the baking sheet
on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and
immediately shut the door. Bake for 5 minutes. Lower the temperature to 450F and continue baking for
20 minutes or until the bread is deep golden brown (an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center
will read about 214F). Halfway through baking, turn the pan around for even baking. Turn off the
oven, prop the door open with a wooden spoon wrapped in foil, and allow the bread to sit for 5 minutes.
7 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Brush off the flour from the surface.
VARIATION

Oval Cloud Rolls Ciabatta dough also makes wonderfully light dinner rolls. Sift the flour (after
weighing or measuring it) so that it is as light as possible. Use 1 tablespoon less water in the dough, so
that the rolls will maintain their shape. Beat the dough with the paddle attachment for 15 to 18 minutes
on medium-high speed (#6 KitchenAid) to develop more gluten. Allow the dough to rise for 2 to 2 1/2
hours.
To shape the rolls, cut the dough into 4 equal pieces (about 2.75 ounces each). Shape them gently
into ovals about 3 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches by 1 1/4 inches high. (Try to maintain as much air as
possible in the dough, and do not dimple it.) Allow the rolls to rise until 1 1/2 inches high.
Bake the rolls for 20 minutes or until deep golden brown. They will rise to 2 1/2 inches high and 3
inches wide but will still be 3 1/2 inches long.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 1, allow the biga to ferment in a cool area (55 to 65F) for 12
to 24 hours. (A wine cellar provides an ideal spot.) After 12 hours, it will have tripled and be filled with
bubbles; it will not deflate even after 24 hours at this cool a temperature.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> The type of flour determines the consistency of the crumb. For the softest, most gauze-like crumb,

use Pillsbury or Gold Medal unbleached all-purpose flour. For a soft but slightly firmer crumb, use
King Arthur all-purpose flour. If you prefer a much chewier ciabatta, replace the all-purpose flour with
an equal weight of bread flour (the volume will be 1/2 cup for the biga and 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons
for the dough).
> If you prefer a puffy 3-inch-high bread, omit the dimpling technique, which deflates some of the
bubbles, and have the final length be 9 inches. The loaf will spread during rising but shrink in and rise
up during baking. (It will no longer resemble a slipper.)
> For stirato, shape the dough by pulling it into a long, baguette-shaped loaf.
> Sifting extra flour over the shaped ciabatta gives it an attractive appearance. The flour already
coating the dough tends to be absorbed into the dough. I like to set a piece of parchment or wax paper
along either side of the dough when applying the flour and remove the paper before baking, as flour left
on the pan liner would burn.
> After a total of 15 minutes of baking, you can lift the ciabatta off the parchment and bake it directly
on the baking stone or baking sheet to ensure the crispest possible bottom.
> The final 5 minutes in the oven with the heat off and the door open ensures a crisp top crust.
UNDERSTANDING

The biga makes the dough more moist and tender and will extend the shelf life to a second day. It is
brought to room temperature before adding it to the dough to minimize gluten development.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast
Salt:

100%
83.9%
0.53%
2%

Pugliese

Pugliese, ciabatta, and pizza/focaccia are our most popular Italian breads. The dough for pugliese is
actually almost identical to that of ciabatta and has close to the same exceptionally high water content,
which produces the characteristic large holes in the crumb. The holes are smaller in the pugliese,
however, because the dough is strengthened by stretching and folding the dough at intervals during
rising. This technique, demonstrated by Peter Reinhart in his book The Bread Bakers Apprentice, is an
excellent way of maintaining as much air as possible in the dough while developing the protein
structure (gluten) of the dough. It also makes the bread more chewy than the ciabatta.
Pugliese was named after Puglia, or the Apulia region of Italy, where it originated, but I have
encountered versions of this bread throughout Sicily as well. The Sicilian versions were all made with

part durum flour. This flour is the hardest of all wheat varieties and though low in gluten-forming
protein, it gives the bread an especially delicious nutty/sweet flavor, pale golden crumb, and
exceptionally fine, chewy crust.
Much as I usually favor bread and butter, I have to admit that the ideal accompaniment to this
particular bread is a light drizzle of Italian extra virgin olive oil
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Biga): minimum 6 hours, maximum 3 days

Minimum Rising Time: about 3 hours
Oven Temperature: 500F, then 450F
Baking Time: 20 to 25 minutes
Makes: a 6 1/2-by-3-inch-high round loaf/13 ounces/370 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a heavy-duty stand mixer with dough hook attachment;

a half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or parchment, or sprinkled with flour
or cornmeal;
a baking stone OR baking sheet
an 8-inch banneton OR a colander lined with a towel

Dough Starter (Biga)

Makes: scant 1/2 cup/4.7 ounces/134 grams
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

2.6 oz

75 g

1/2 c plus

Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
Optional:
malt powder
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

1/2 tbsp
1/16 tsp

--

0.2 g

1/2 tsp

--

1.6 g

1/4 liquid c

2 oz

59 g

1 > Six hours or up to 3 days ahead, make the starter (biga). In a small bowl, combine all the
ingredients for the biga and stir the mixture with a wooden spoon for 3 to 5 minutes or until it is very
smooth and pulls away from the sides of the bowl. The biga should still be tacky (sticky) enough to
cling slightly to your fingers. Cover the bowl tightly with oiled plastic wrap (or place it in a 2-cup food
storage container with a lid) and set aside until tripled and filled with bubbles. At room temperature, this
will take about 6 hours. Stir it down and use it, or refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking.
Dough
MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)

1/2 c

2.5 oz

71 g

durum flour

1/2 c (plus flour

for shaping)

2.5 oz

71 g

--

1.6 g

--

5 g

about 4 oz

118 g

INGREDIENTS

instant yeast (see Ingredients

1/2 tsp
for brands)
salt
3/4 tsp
water, at room temperature
1/2 liquid c
(70 to 90F)
biga (from above)
scant 1/2 c

4.7 oz

134 g

2 > Mix the dough. In the mixer bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, durum flour, and yeast.
Then whisk in the salt (this keeps the salt from coming into direct contact with the yeast, which would
kill it). Add the water and the biga. Using the paddle attachment, mix on low speed for about 1 minute,
until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Change to the dough hook, raise the speed to
medium (#4 KitchenAid), and beat for 5 minutes to form a smooth, sticky dough. If the dough does not
pull away from the bowl after 5 minutes, beat in more flour 1 teaspoon at a time. The dough should still
stick to the bottom of the bowl and cling to your fingers. If it is not sticky, spray it with a little water and
knead it in.
3 > Let the dough rise. Sprinkle durum flour generously onto a counter in a 6-inch square. Using a wet
or oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough onto the flour, and dust the top of it with more flour.
(The flour will be absorbed into the wet dough.) Allow it to rest for 2 minutes.
With floured hands, pull out two opposite sides of the dough to stretch it to double its length, and

give it a business letter turn. Dust it again with flour, cover it with plastic wrap, and allow it to rest for
30 minutes.
Repeat the stretching, folding, and flouring a second time, and again allow the dough to rest for 30
minutes.
Repeat the stretching, folding, and flouring a third time, then round the edges of the dough. Using an
oiled spatula or dough scraper, transfer the dough to a 2-quart dough-rising container or bowl, lightly
greased with cooking spray or oil. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. Using a piece of tape,
mark the side of the container at approximately where triple the height of the dough could be. Allow the
dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until tripled, about 2 hours.
4 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 500F. 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
lowest level and place an oven stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the
floor of the oven, before preheating.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Dust a counter well with durum flour. With floured hands or a
floured dough scraper, gently transfer the dough to the counter. Handling the dough very gently, to
maintain as much air as possible, round it into a ball (see Illustrations for Shaping a Round Loaf).
Gently set the dough seam side up in a floured banneton or a colander lined with a floured towel.
Pinch together the seam if necessary. Sprinkle the top lightly with flour, and cover with a large
container, or cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise until it has increased by
about 1 1/2 times, to 1 1/2 hours. (In the banneton, it will just begin to push up the plastic.)
6 > Bake the bread. Remove the container or plastic wrap, invert the lined baking sheet on top of the
banneton or colander, and invert the dough onto the sheet. (If you used a colander and floured towel and
the risen bread is more than 1 inch below the top, you will need to support the bread when inverting it
so that it doesnt fall and deflate. Cut a cardboard circle small enough to fit into the colander and touch
the surface of the bread. Place a piece of parchment on top of the bread, place the cardboard on top, and
invert the bread onto the cardboard. Slide the bread, still in the parchment, onto the baking sheet.) Or, if
using a cornmeal-sprinkled baking sheet, invert the dough directly onto it. Quickly but gently set the
sheet on the baking stone or baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and
immediately shut the door. Bake for 5 minutes. Lower the temperature to 450F and continue baking for
15 to 25 minutes or until the bread is deep golden brown (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the
center will read about 205F). Halfway through baking, with a heavy pancake turner, lift the bread from
the pan and set it directly on the stone, turning it around for even baking.
7 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 1, allow the biga to ferment in a cool area (55 to 65F) for 12
to 24 hours. (A wine cellar provides an ideal spot.) After 12 hours, it will have tripled and be filled with
bubbles; it will not deflate even after 24 hours at this cool temperature.
UNDERSTANDING

Durum flour is finely milled from the endosperm of durum wheat (see Ingredients). It is sometimes
marketed as extra-fancy pasta flour or farina grade. Semolina, also from durum wheat, is a much

coarser grind and will not work for this bread.

THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:

100% (bread: 74%, durum: 26%)

80.4%
0.79%
2.2%

Golden Semolina Torpedo (Altamura)

Semolina is an exceptionally high-protein flour, finely milled from the endosperm of durum wheat. It is
considered to be the ideal flour for pasta because the high protein gives it more bite. When it comes to
bread making, most bakers use it in combination with a relatively high protein unbleached flour to
supply a more extensible (stretchy) gluten to improve texture. However, 100 percent semolina is so
deeply golden and delicious Im willing to accept a few cracks in the crust to have the full impact of this
amazing flavor. Semolina has a heavenly sweetness of wheat, with a golden color and an incredibly
fine, delicate, but firm crumb. The crust is not crisp but satisfyingly chewy.
In order to avoid the risk of toughening this bread it is best to knead the dough by hand. This is a
particular pleasure because it happens to be an exceptionally satiny bread dough. Less mixing also
serves to maximize its exceptional flavor.
The bread is so special its a shame to put anything on it that would mask its flavor, but a thin
gilding of butter or a little ricotta works well to enhance the natural sweetness of the durum wheat. In
the Puglia region of Italy, this bread is the specialty of the town of Altamura.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 hour, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 2 hours
Oven Temperature: 425F (450F if using La Cloche), then 400F.
Baking Time: 30 to 40 minutes
Makes: an 11-by-4-by-2 1/2-inch-high loaf/13.2 ounces/375 grams

EQUIPMENT:

La Cloche Italian Bread Baker, lined with a nonstick liner, such as Silpain or sprinkled with
cornmeal, OR a nonstick Italian bread pan (see Equipment);
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Dough Starter (Sponge)

INGREDIENTS

durum flour
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
2/3 c

ounces
3.5 oz

grams
100 g

1/8 tsp

--

0.4 g

3/4 liquid c

6.25 oz

177 g

1 > Make the sponge. In a medium bowl, whisk together the durum flour and instant yeast. Whisk in
the water, then whisk until very smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The sponge will be the
consistency of a thick batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Set aside, covered with plastic wrap,
while you make the flour mixture.
Flour Mixture
MEASURE

WEIGHT

durum flour
instant yeast
salt

volume
1 c
3/8 tsp
3/4 plus 1/8 tsp

bread flour for kneading

1 to 2 tbsp

ounces
5.5 oz
--0.3 to 0.6
oz

INGREDIENTS

grams
155 g
1.4 g
5.8 g
9 to 18 g

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the starter. In a medium bowl, whisk
together all but 1/4 cup (1.3 ounces/38 grams) of the durum flour and the yeast. Then whisk in the salt
(this keeps the yeast from coming into direct contact with the salt, which would kill it). Gently scoop it
onto the sponge to cover it completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to ferment for 1 to 4
hours at room temperature. (During this time, the sponge will bubble through the flour mixture in
places; this is fine.)

3 > Mix the dough. Using a wooden spoon or your hand, gradually mix the sponge into the flour
mixture until all of the flour is moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then
scrape it onto a counter floured with some of the reserved flour. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, enough
to develop the gluten structure a little, adding more of the reserved 1/4 cup of flour as needed to keep
the dough from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and gather it together as you knead it.
The dough should still be tacky (sticky) enough to cling slightly to your fingers. Cover it with the
inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and
easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic, adding more of the
reserved flour as necessary. Its fine if the dough is a tiny bit tacky (sticks to your hand a little), but you
should be able to form it into a firm ball that holds its shape. (The dough will weigh about 15
ounces/427 grams.)
4 > Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a 1-quart dough-rising container or a bowl lightly greased
with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container
with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where
double the height of the dough, would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled,
1 1/2 to 2 hours.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and gently press
down on it to shape it into a 7-by-6-inch rectangle. Then shape it into an 9-inch-long torpedo-shaped
loaf (batard; see Illustrations for Shaping a Torpedo). Set it into the prepared La Cloche or place it on
the prepared baking pan. Cover it with a large container, or cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap: Let
the dough rise until almost doubled, about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. It will be about 10 1/2 to 11
inches long by 4 inches wide by 2 1/4 inches high. (In La Cloche, the very center will be about the
height of its sides.) When the dough is pressed gently with a fingertip, the depression will very slowly
fill in.
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 450F, or 425F if using La Cloche, 1 hour before baking.
Have an oven shelf at the lowest level and place an oven stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
If not using La Cloche, place a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of the oven to preheat. If using
La Cloche, preheat the top along with the oven.
7 > Slash and bake the bread. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make three 1/4- to 1/2inch-deep long diagonal slashes in the top of the dough (see Illustrations for Making Decorative
Slashes).
If using La Cloche, carefully place the hot La Cloche top on the base and quickly but gently set it on
the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the La Cloche top, lower the
temperature to 400F, and bake for 15 to 25 minutes longer or until the bread is golden brown and a
skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center will
read about 200F).
Alternatively, mist the dough with water and quickly but gently set the baking pan on the hot stone
or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake
for 20 minutes. Lower the temperature to 400F and continue baking for 10 to 20 minutes or until the
bread is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read
thermometer inserted into the center will read about 208F). Halfway through baking, with a heavy

pancake turner, lift the bread from the pan and set it directly on the stone, turning it around as you do so
for even baking.
8 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven, and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 2, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature,
then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. Remove it from the refrigerator about 1 hour before mixing the
dough.
If desired, for even fuller flavor, the dough can be refrigerated overnight after shaping. Cover it with
plastic wrap greased with cooking spray or oil and allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 to 30
minutes or until it begins to puff slightly. Then refrigerate it overnight. Let stand at room temperature
for 30 minutes, or until it is 2 1/4 inches high, before baking.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> This is a delicate bread and should not be allowed to overrise, or it will collapse when slashed. In
fact, slightly underproofing it is desirable, as the slashes will open up more widely to reveal the
beautiful yellow crumb. (Underproofing is when the depression made by a finger pressed into the dough
gradually fill in, as opposed to a full proof, when the depression remains.)
> Because durum is low in gluten-forming protein, the dough needs to be stiff enough to hold its
shape well during rising and baking but then has a tendency to dry and crack on the top crust. If you
want to prevent this, you can substitute an equal volume or weight of bread flour for 2 tablespoons
(0.7/19 grams) of the durum flour.
UNDERSTANDING

Although this bread is made with silky soft durum flour not the coarse granular semolina flour (see
Ingredients), it is still traditionally referred to as semolina bread. I love the taste of 100 percent durum
flour, but if you replace some of it with unbleached all-purpose flour, you will have a better-shaped loaf
that loses less moisture (weight) when baking and holds its shape better.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:

100%
69.4% to 74.5%
0.62%
2.2%

Prosciutto Ring

I cannot tell you how many times I have stopped at my neighborhood Italian bakery, Zitos, and bought
one of their rings of lard bread. Tearing off just one more piece as I walk home, I usually go

through at least a quarter of it. I never in my wildest dreams expected to be able to get this recipe, let
alone reproduce it in my home oven. But one day I dared to ask and as luck would have it, Anthony
Zito, one of the owners sons, was there. We discovered that my father was making bagel peels on the
Bowery at the same time his father opened his bakery on Bleecker Street in 1924 and that our families
were both old-time New Yorkers. In fact, when my aunt Ruth was first married, she lived over Zitos!
To my delight, not only did Anthony describe the recipe in detail, it turned out to be sublimely simple.
So much flavor comes from the prosciutto, pepperoni, sopressata, and black pepper that the bread
requires no starter pre-ferment, and since its intended to be a coarse, rustic bread, it only gets one rise.
This makes it exceptionally quick to prepare. I also tried, with great success, to mix it in the food
processor, which makes it even quicker and easier still, but it works equally well with every method, so
I have listed them all, as each is slightly different. Sadly, Zitos is now closed, but the bread can still be
purchased at Parisi Bakery on Mott Street. They call it by its original name: Lard Bread. Parisi shared
another important secret with me that makes all the difference: In addition to the prosciutto, they also
add pepperoni and hot sopressata. They use the dried ends of these sausages for extra flavor intensity.
They also add a little lard to the dough for both flavor and a crispier crust.
Because the texture of this bread should be chewy this is a fairly stiff dough. It will be slightly more
chewy if you use half bread flour, half unbleached all-purpose. If desired, baked ham or even turkey
ham can be substituted for the meat.
TIME SCHEDULE

Starter: straight dough method

Rising Time: about 1 hour
Oven Temperature: 450F, then 400F
Baking Time: 30 to 35 minutes
Makes: an 8 1/2-by-2-inch-high ring/1 pound, 5 ounces/596 grams
INGREDIENTS

bread flour or
unbleached all-purpose flour
(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
malt powder or
barley malt syrup or honey or
sugar
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
coarsely cracked black
pepper
salt
lard
water, room temperature (70

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

2 c plus 3 tbsp
2 1/4 c plus
2 tbsp

12 oz

340 g

1 tbsp
1 tbsp
1 tbsp

0.3 oz
0.7 oz
0.5 oz

9.3 g
21 g
12.5 g

3/4 tsp

--

2.4 g

scant 1/2 tsp

--

0.8 g

3/4 tsp
2 tbsp

-scant 1 oz

5 g
26 g

to 90F) (or cold, if using a

1 liquid c
food processor)
prosciutto, pepperoni, and
hot sopressata sausage, sliced
3/4 c
not too thin and cut into 1/4to 1/2-inch pieces

8.3 oz

236 g

3 oz

85 g

EQUIPMENT:

a nonstick liner such as Silpain or parchment;

a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Mix the dough.

Food Processor Method
In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine the flour, malt (or honey or sugar),
yeast and pepper, and process for a few seconds to mix. Then add the salt (this keeps the yeast from
coming in direct contact with the salt, which would kill it) and process again for a few seconds. With the
motor running, gradually pour in the cold water and lard. Process for 45 seconds after the dough comes
together. It should be slightly tacky (sticky).
Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured counter and lightly flour the dough. Press it into a rectangle
and sprinkle it with the prosciutto. Roll up the dough and knead it to incorporate the meat evenly. (The
dough will weigh about 1 3/4 pounds/795 grams.)
Dust the dough lightly with flour and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to relax for 20 minutes.
Mixer Method
In the mixer bowl, whisk together the flour, malt (or honey or sugar), yeast, and black pepper. Then
whisk in the salt (this prevents the yeast from coming into direct contact with the salt, which would kill
it). With the dough hook, on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid), add the water and lard and mix for
about 1 minute, until the flour is moistened. Knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 7
minutes.
Add the meat and mix on low speed (#2 KitchenAid) for 1 minute or until evenly incorporated. The
dough should be very elastic and jump back when pressed with a fingertip. It should still be a little
tacky (sticky) but not cling to your fingers. If the dough is very sticky, knead in a little flour. If it is not
sticky at all, spray it with a little water and knead it in. (The dough will weigh about 1 3/4 pounds/795

grams.)
Dust the dough lightly with flour and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to relax for 20 minutes.
Hand Method
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, malt (or honey or sugar), pepper, and yeast. Then whisk in the
salt (this keeps the yeast from coming into direct contact with the salt, which would kill it). Add the
water and lard and stir, with a wooden spoon or your hand, until the flour is moistened.
Empty the dough onto a counter and knead it for 10 minutes or until it is very elastic and jumps
back when pressed with a fingertip. Knead in the meat. The dough should be a little tacky (sticky) but
not cling to your fingers. If it is very sticky, knead in a little flour. (The dough will weigh about 1 3/4
pounds/795 grams.)
Dust the dough lightly with flour and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow it to relax for 20 minutes.
Bread Machine Method
In the bread machine container, place the water, lard, salt, malt (or honey or sugar), flour, black pepper,
and yeast, in that order. Put it through the dough cycle (mix 3 minutes, knead 5 minutes). Let the dough
rest for 20 minutes.
Add the meat and do a second dough cycle (mix 3 minutes, knead 5 minutes.) The dough should be
a little tacky (sticky) but not cling to your fingers. If necessary, remove it from the machine and knead
in a little more flour. (The dough will weigh about 1 3/4 pounds/795 grams.)
All Methods
2 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter, if its not
already on the counter. Roll it into an 18-inch-long rope. Shape it into a ring, overlapping ends by 2
inches, and press lightly to seal them; the ring will be about 7 inches in diameter and 1 1/4 inches high,
with a 3-inch hole in the center.
Set the bread on the Silpain or parchment and cover it with a large container or oiled plastic wrap.
Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until almost doubled, about 1 hour. It will be almost 9
inches across by 1 1/2 inches high, and when it is pressed gently with a fingertip, the depression will
very slowly fill in.
3 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 450F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of
the oven, before preheating.
4 > Glaze and bake the bread. Shortly before baking, brush the dough all over with the melted bacon
fat or butter. (Do not slash the dough.) Using the Silpain liner, lift the ring onto the hot baking stone or
hot baking sheet; or use a peel if it is on parchment. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and
immediately close the door. Bake for 20 minutes. Turn down the heat to 400F and continue baking for
10 to 15 minutes or until the bread is deep golden brown (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the
center will read about 211F). Halfway through baking, with a heavy pancake turner, lift the bread from
the Silpain or parchment and set it directly on the stone, turning it around as you do so for even baking.
When the bread is baked, turn off the oven, prop the door slightly ajar, and leave the bread in the oven
for 5 minutes.

5 > Glaze and cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven, and transfer it to a wire rack. Brush
with another coat of melted bacon or butter, and cool completely. The texture of this bread is most
appealing when torn rather than cut.
STORE This bread stays fresh for 2 days at room temperature.
UNDERSTANDING

For the food processor method, using cold (or refrigerated) water at about 46F will result in a dough of
about 84F after processing. This is a stiff dough, so it really heats up during mixing. It cools to 79F
after kneading in the prosciutto. It is also possible to freeze the water for 5 to 10 minutes before adding
it so that the initial temperature of the mixed dough is below 80F. The cold water does not harm the
yeast, because it heats up so quickly. Freezing the flour for at least 15 minutes will also help to keep the
dough cooler during mixing.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:

100%
69.4%
0.7%
1.5%

Beer Bread

Dark beer gives bread an incredibly soft texture, subtle mellow flavor, beautiful mahogany crust, and
dark golden crumb. The beer does not result in an identifiably beery flavor; in fact, if one didnt know,
one might not guess what mysterious ingredient provides such an appealing depth of flavor. This bread
is so flavorful it doesnt require a lengthy dough starter, though refrigerating the proofed dough or
shaped bread overnight will make it even more delicious.
TIME SCHEDULE

Starter: straight dough method

Minimum Rising Time: about 2 1/2 hours
Oven Temperature: 450F, then 400F (if using La Cloche, 475F, then 425F)
Baking Time: 45 to 55 minutes (in La Cloche 25 to 30 minutes)
Makes: a 7-by-3 1/2/ to 4-inch-high round loaf/1 pound, 5.5 ounces/612 grams
INGREDIENTS

instant yeast (see Ingredients

for brands)
malt powder or

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 1/4 tsp

--

4 g

1 tbsp

0.3 oz

9.3 g

barley malt syrup or

sugar
bread flour
whole wheat flour
dark beer, such as Bass or
Becks, at room temperature
(or cold if using a food
processor)
salt

1 tbsp
1 tbsp
2 1/2 c minus
1 tbsp
3 tbsp plus
1 tsp

0.7 oz
0.5 oz
about 13.5
oz

21 g
12.5 g

about 1 oz

30 g

1 liquid c plus
2 tbsp
(9 fl oz)

9 oz

255 g

1 1/4 tsp

--

8.3 g

380 g

EQUIPMENT:

a half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner, such as Silpain or parchment, or La Cloche Bread
Baker;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Mix the dough.

Mixer Method
In the mixer bowl, whisk together the yeast, malt or sugar, all but 2 tablespoons of the bread flour, and
the whole wheat flour. With the dough hook, mix on low speed (#2 if using KitchenAid) to blend. Add
the beer and mix on low speed for about 1 minute, until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough
dough. Scrape down any bits of dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for
20 minutes.

Sprinkle on the salt, and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 7 minutes. If the
dough doesnt pull away from the bowl, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour toward the end. The
dough should be very elastic and smooth (this putty-colored dough is one of the softest doughs Ive ever
felt). If it is sticky, knead in a little flour. If it is stiff, spray it with a little water and knead it in. (The
dough will weigh about 1 1/2 pounds/686 grams.)
Hand Method
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yeast, malt or sugar, all but 1/4 cup of the bread flour, and
the whole wheat flour. Then whisk in the salt (this keeps the yeast from coming in direct contact with
the salt, which would kill it).
With a wooden spoon or your hand, gradually stir in the beer until the flour is moistened. Knead the
dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured counter. Knead the dough
for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding as little of the reserved 1/4 cup of
flour as possible to keep it from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and gather it together
as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl and allow it to rest
for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very elastic, soft, and smooth. If the dough is
sticky, add some of the remaining reserved flour, or a little extra. (The dough will weigh about 1 1/2
pounds/686 grams.)
Food Processor Method
In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade, combine the yeast, malt or sugar, all but 2
tablespoons of the bread flour, and the whole wheat flour. Process for 30 seconds to mix. Add the beer
and salt and process for 45 seconds. If the dough does not pull away from the sides of the bowl, add the
remaining 2 tablespoons flour and pulse it in. (The dough will weigh about 1 1/2 pounds/686 grams.)
All Methods
2 > Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a 2-quart dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased
with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container
with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where
double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled,
1 1/2 to 2 hours.
3 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and press down
on it gently to flatten it slightly. Round the dough into a ball about 5 inches by 2 1/2 inches high (see
Illustrations for Shaping a Round Loaf) and set it on the prepared baking sheet. Cover it with a large
container, or cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap. Let the dough rise until almost doubled, 1 to 1 1/2
hours. It should be almost 7 inches in diameter and 3 inches high, and when it is pressed gently with a
fingertip, the depression will very slowly fill in.
4 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 450F, or 475F if using La Cloche, 1 hour before baking.
Have an oven shelf at the lowest level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
If not using La Cloche, place a cast-iron or skillet sheet pan on the floor of the oven to preheat. If using
La Cloche, preheat the top along with the oven.

5 > Slash and bake the bread. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make 1/4- to 1/2-inchdeep slashes in the top of the dough (I like to make the lantern slash for this bread; see Illustrations
for Making Decorative Slashes).
Mist the dough with water and quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot stone or hot baking
sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 15
minutes. Lower the temperature to 400F and continue baking for 30 to 40 minutes or until the bread is
golden brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer
inserted into the center will read about 200F). Halfway through baking, turn the pan around for even
baking.
Alternatively, if using La Cloche, carefully place the hot Cloche top onto the base and quickly but
gently set it on the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the Cloche top, lower
the temperature to 425F and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes or until the bread is golden brown
and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the
center will read about 202F).
6 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
STORE This bread keeps well for 2 days at room temperature, wrapped airtight.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> Beer is tricky to measure accurately because of the foam. Weigh it, or allow it to sit until flat before
measuring. (The 2 tablespoons of flour reserved in both the machine and hand method allow for
variance if measuring the beer rather than weighing it.)
> I dont use honey for this bread because the beer darkens the crust, and honey would make it too
brown or even burn.
> I have tried both hard apple cider and unpasteurized apple cider in place of the beer, and although
the crumb was acceptable, the flavor was undesirable (in the first case, unpleasant, and in the second,
uninteresting).
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:

100% (bread: 92.7%, whole wheat: 7.3%)

57.2%
1%
2%

Mantovana Olive Oil Bread

This bread is a local specialty of Mantua, Italy, where it is served with cured meats and antipasti, but it
is fantastically flavorful on its own. It has a great moist, soft texture with an even, slightly open crumb.
The flavor of the sesame seeds predominates.

Susan Huxter teaches this bread at her school near Capetown, South Africa.
TIME SCHEDULE

Starter: straight dough method

Minimum Rising Time: about 2 1/2 hours
Oven Temperature: 450F, then 400F
Baking Time: 45 to 50 minutes
Makes: a 7 1/2-by-4-inch-high round loaf/1 pound, 8.7 ounces/700 grams
INGREDIENTS

unhulled sesame seeds

sunflower seeds
poppy seeds
cracked flaxseed
bread flour
whole wheat flour
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
extra virgin olive oil
salt

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
3 tbsp
3 tbsp
3 tbsp
2 1/2 tbsp
1 2/3 c
scant 2/3 c

ounces
1 oz
1 oz
1 oz
1 oz
8.7 oz
3 oz

grams
28 g
28 g
28 g
27 g
250 g
88 g

3/4 tsp

--

2.4 g

9.4 oz

266 g

about 2 oz
--

54 g
7.4 g

1 liquid c plus
2 tbsp
(9 fl oz)
1/4 liquid c
1 1/8 tsp

EQUIPMENT:

a half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or parchment, or sprinkled with flour
or cornmeal;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Toast the seeds. Preheat the oven to 325F.

Spread the sesame and sunflower seeds on a small cookie sheet. Toast them for about 7 minutes,

stirring once or twice, just until they begin to color. Combine them with the flaxseed and set them aside
until cool.
2 > Mix the dough.
Mixer Method
In the mixer bowl, whisk together the bread flour, whole wheat flour, yeast, and seeds. With the dough
hook, on low speed (if using a #2 KitchenAid), gradually add the water and then the olive oil, and mix
until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Scrape down any bits of dough. Cover the
bowl with plastic and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 10 minutes. It will
pull away from the bowl but will still be sticky enough to cling to your fingers. If it is still very sticky,
knead in a little flour. If it is not sticky, spray it with a little water and knead it in. (It will weigh about
27.25 ounces/772 grams.)
Hand Method
In a large bowl, whisk together all but 1/4 cup of the bread flour, the whole wheat flour, yeast, and
seeds. Then whisk in the salt (this keeps the yeast from coming in direct contact with the salt, which
would kill it).
Stirring with a wooden spoon or your hand, gradually add the water and then the olive oil, mixing
until the flour is moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a
lightly floured counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little,
adding as little of the reserved flour as possible to keep it from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape
the dough and gather it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the
inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and
easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should still be sticky
enough to cling to your fingers. If the dough is really wet, add some of the remaining reserved flour, or
a little extra. (It will weigh about 27.25 ounces/772 grams.)
Both Methods
3 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 4-quart doughrising container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly
spray or oil the top. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of
the container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise
(ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough out onto a floured counter and press down
on it gently to form a rectangle. It will be full of air and resilient; try to maintain as many of the air
bubbles as possible. Fold the dough from all four sides into a tight package (see Illustrations for Turning
Dough) or give it 2 business letter turns and round the edges. Set it back in the container. Oil the surface
again, cover, and mark where double the height would now be. It will fill the container fuller than
before because it is puffier with air. Allow it to rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
4 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and round it into

a 5-inch ball. Set it on the prepared baking sheet. Cover it with a large container, or cover loosely with
oiled plastic wrap. Let the dough rise until almost doubled, about 1 hour. It will be about 7 inches by 3
1/2 inches high, and when it is pressed gently with a fingertip, the depression will very slowly fill in.
5 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 450F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of
the oven, before preheating.
6 > Slash and bake the bread. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make 1/4- to 1/2-inchdeep slashes in the top of the dough (I like to make 2 slashes in one direction and a second slash
perpendicular to them).
Mist the dough with water and quickly but gently set the pan on the hot baking stone or hot baking
sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 5 minutes.
Lower the heat to 400F and continue baking for 40 to 45 minutes or until golden (an instant-read
thermometer inserted into the center will read about 200F). Halfway through baking, with a heavy
pancake turner, lift the bread from the pan and set it directly on the stone, turning it around as you do so
for even baking.
7 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven, and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> Whole flaxseed is not absorbed by the body, so it is desirable to crack it by grinding it coarse in a
wheat mill or blender. As flax becomes rancid very quickly, it is best to do this yourself rather than
purchasing ground flax, which also contributes less texture than the coarse-ground seeds.
> At the end of Step 3, you can refrigerate the dough for 4 hours, or up to overnight, for maximum
flavor development. Let it stand at room temperature for 1 hour before shaping.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Seeds:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Oil:

100% (bread: 68.5%, whole wheat: 24.1%, flax: 7.4%)

23%
72.9%
0.71%
2%
14.5%

Olive Bread

I discovered this bread when baking colleague and friend Flo Braker introduced me to Kurtis Baguley at
Scavulos, in the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in San Francisco. I loved his olive bread so much I flew back
to New York with a prototype and some of his starter in my carry-on bag. Luckily I had double-bagged
the starter, because it was so lively it broke through the first freezer-weight bag! After many tries,

conversations with Kurtis, and different types of flour, I finally reproduced his bread to my satisfaction.
Out of sheer sentiment and determination, I kept that sourdough starter going for close to nine years,
until I discovered that a biga is much less work and makes just as good an olive bread. No mere
description can do total justice to this bread. I could mention its crisp crust and moist light crumb, and
that it is juicy with flavorful olives, but its not enough. It is the synergy of textures and flavors that
makes this bread so wonderful.
It takes under two minutes to mix this dough in a food processor and it produces just as good a
texture as any other method. If you double the recipe, use the plastic dough blade instead of the metal
blade.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Biga): minimum 6 hours, maximum 3 days

Minimum Rising Time: 2 hours
Oven Temperature: 475F, then 425F, then 375F (if using La Cloche 450F, then 400F)
Baking Time: 25 minutes
Makes: a 6 1/2-by-3 1/2-inch-high round loaf/15 ounces/431 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or sprinkled with flour or cornmeal, or
La Cloche Bread Baker;

an 8-inch banneton OR a colander lined with a towel;

a baking stone OR baking sheet

Dough Starter (Biga)

Makes: scant 1/2 cup/4.7 ounces/134 grams
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
Optional:
malt powder
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1/2 c plus
1/2 tbsp

2.6 oz

75 g

1/16 tsp

--

0.2 g

1/2 tsp

--

1.6 g

1/4 liquid c

2 oz

59 g

1 > Six hours or up to 3 days ahead, make the biga. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for
the biga and stir the mixture with a wooden spoon for 3 to 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and
comes away from the sides of the bowl. It will be tacky (slightly sticky) to the touch. Cover the bowl
tightly with oiled plastic wrap (or place the biga in a 2-cup food storage container with a lid) and set it
aside until tripled and filled with bubbles. At room temperature, this will take about 6 hours. Stir it
down and use it, or refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. If using the food processing, the biga
must be refrigerated for at least 1 hour before using.
Dough
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 1/3 c

6.5 oz

186 g

1/2 tsp

--

1.6 g

biga (from above)

scant 1/2 c
water, at room temperature
7 tbsp plus
(or cold if using a processor) 1 tsp
salt
1/2 tsp
Kalamata olives (or a mix of
6 tbsp
Kalamata and oil-cured,
(1/3 c pitted)
herbed Moroccan)
unbleached all-purpose flour 1 tbsp

4.7 oz

134 g

3.7 oz

106 g

--

3.3 g
60 g
(4655 g
pitted)
9 g

2.1 oz
0.3 oz

2 > Mix the dough.

Mixer Method
In the mixer bowl, place the flour, yeast, and biga. With the dough hook, on low speed (#2 if using a
KitchenAid), gradually add the water, mixing until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough
dough. Scrape down any bits of dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for
20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 7 minutes. The
dough should be very elastic but still moist enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If it is still very
sticky, knead in a little flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray it with a little water and knead it in. Allow the
dough to relax, covered, for 10 minutes.
Food Processor Method
Place the cold biga in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the metal blade (plastic if doubling the
recipe) and add the flour and yeast. With the motor running, add the salt and then the cold water. Once
the dough pulls away from the bowl, continue processing for 45 seconds. The dough should be very
elastic but still moist enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If it is still very sticky, pulse in a little
flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray it with a little water and pulse it in. Allow the dough to relax,
covered, for 10 minutes.
Hand Method
If the biga has been refrigerated, remove it from the refrigerator about 1 hour before mixing the dough.
In a large bowl, whisk together but 2 tablespoons of the 1 1/3 cups (6.5 ounces/186 grams) of flour
and the instant yeast. Then whisk in the salt (this keeps the yeast from coming in direct contact with the
salt, which would kill it). With a wooden spoon or your hand, stir in the biga and the water until the
flour is moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly
floured counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding
as little of the reserved flour as possible to keep it from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the
dough and gather it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the
inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and
easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should still be moist
enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If it is very sticky, add some of the remaining reserved flour, or
a little extra. Allow the dough to relax covered, for 10 minutes.

All Methods
3 > Add the olives. Coarsely chop the olives. Place them in a small bowl and toss them with the 1
tablespoon flour.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter (if its not already on the counter). Press down on
it gently to form a rectangle, and scatter the olives all over it. Roll it up and knead it to distribute the
olives evenly (some will come to the surface). As the olives start releasing their moisture, you may need
to add flour to keep the dough from sticking to the counter; add it by the tablespoon only if necessary.
The dough should still be sticky enough barely to cling to your fingers. (The dough will weigh about 17
ounces/480 grams.)
4 > Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a 1-quart dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased
with cooking spray or oil. Press down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container
with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where
double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled,
1 to 1 1/2 hours.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and shape it into
a ball (see Illustrations for Shaping a Round Loaf). Place it seam side up in a floured banneton or a
colander lined with a floured cloth. Pinch together the seam if necessary. Spray the dough with oil or
lightly sprinkle the top with flour. Cover it with a large container or cover loosely with oiled plastic
wrap, and allow it to rise until almost doubled, 1 to 2 hours. (The center will be above the sides of the
banneton, if using one.) When the dough is pressed gently with a fingertip, the depression will very
slowly fill in.
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F, or 450F if using La Cloche, 1 hour before baking.
Have an oven shelf at the lowest level and place an oven stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
If not using La Cloche, place a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of the oven to preheat. If using
La Cloche, preheat the dome along with the oven.
Remove the container or plastic wrap. If you are using a Silpain-lined baking sheet, invert it on top
of the banneton or colander and gently invert the dough onto the sheet. (If you used a colander and the
risen bread is more than 1 inch below the top, you will need to support the bread when inverting it so
that it doesnt fall and deflate. Cut a cardboard circle small enough to fit into the colander and touch the
surface of the bread. Place a piece of parchment on top of the bread, place the cardboard on top, and
invert the bread onto the cardboard. Then slide the bread, still on the parchment, onto the baking sheet.)
Or, if using La Cloche or a cornmeal-sprinkled baking sheet, gently invert the dough onto it.
7 > Slash and bake the bread. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make 1/4- to 1/2-inchdeep slashes in the top of the dough (see Illustrations for Making Decorative Slashes). I like to make a
cross going all the way across the dough in each direction almost to the edge. (This dough is very airy,
so use a light hand to make a mark first and then go over it with the tip of the knife or the razor. You can
also use scissors to cut through the dough.)
If using La Cloche, carefully place the hot Cloche dome onto the base and quickly but gently set it
on the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Lower the temperature to 400F and bake for
5 minutes. Remove the dome and bake for 15 minutes or until the bread is pale golden brown and a
skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will
read about 207F).

Alternatively, quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2
cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 5 minutes. Lower the
oven to 425F and bake for another 10 minutes. Lower the oven to 375F and bake for 10 minutes more
or until the bread is pale golden brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instantread thermometer inserted into the center will read about 207F). Halfway through baking, turn the pan
around for even baking.
8 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
STORE This bread is still excellent on the second day at room temperature, if stored wrapped airtight.
VARIATION

Puttanesca Bread This idea came to me when my spell-check changed the word prosciutto to prostitute
(puttanesca in Italian)! Capers and olives, so delicious in a pasta sauce, are also terrific in bread, and it
makes an extraordinary sardine sandwich. The best capers are those packed in salt. Soak about 2
tablespoons of salt-packed capers in water for about 15 minutes, drain, and add to the dough along with
the olives.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 1, allow the biga to ferment in a cool area (55 to 65F) for 12
to 24 hours. (A wine cellar provides an ideal spot.) After 12 hours, it will have tripled and be filled with
bubbles; it will not deflate even after 24 hours at this cool a temperature.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> If using a food processor, freezing the flour for the dough for 15 minutes (or as long as you want)
would only help, but it is not absolutely necessary, as the cold biga and the cold water help to keep the
finished dough under 85F. With frozen flour, it will be around the ideal 78F.
> If oil-cured olives are not available, its easy to make your own. Simply mix the olives with enough
olive oil to coat them, and toss them with herbs of your choice, such as chopped rosemary and thyme,
and a smashed garlic clove. Refrigerated, they will keep for several weeks.
> Baked in La Cloche, this bread has a crisper crust but the color is slightly more golden and
handsome without it.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Mushroom Bread

100%
63.2%
0.69%
1.3%

This bread is baked in the shape of a mushroom. My Aunt Margaret is a mycologist (mushroom expert)
as well as an artist, so it was inevitable that she would bake bread in the shape of a mushroom. This idea
stayed vivid in my mind for twenty years before it occurred to me one day how delicious it would be to
add mushrooms. I tried using pulverized dried porcinis, but the flavor was too intense. Duxelles, the
butter-enriched sauted minced mushroom mixture, however, gave the bread the woodsy mushroom
taste I was hoping for. (The duxelles can be made up to three months ahead and frozen.)
Use either a bread steamer (see Equipment) or large coffee can to give the bread a mushroom shape.
This bread makes a great display set on a bread board at the dinner table. And the stem cuts into
beautiful rounds for serving. When stale, it makes fantastic stuffing.
TIME SCHEDULE

Duxelles: about 1 hour

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 hour, maximum 24 hours
Minimum Rising Time: 2 1/4 hours
Oven Temperature: 400F
Baking Time: 45 to 55 minutes
Makes: a 4-by-8 1/2-inch-high loaf (with a 5-inch cap)/1 pound, 12.5 ounces/808 grams
EQUIPMENT:

an ovenproof glass bread steamer (4 inches in diameter and 6 1/4 inches high) or a 5-inch-high
coffee can, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil;
a baking stone or baking sheet

Duxelles
Makes: about 1 1/4 cups/7.5 ounces/212 grams
INGREDIENTS

white mushrooms (buy 2 oz

extra to allow for trimming)
unsalted butter

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
4 c, lightly packed
(after mincing)
4 tbsp

ounces

grams

12 oz

340 g

2 oz

57 g

1 medium garlic clove, lightly -smashed

salt
3/4 tsp, or to taste
black pepper
1/8 tsp

--

--

---

---

Clean the mushrooms by brushing off any dirt with a damp paper towel and cutting off the tough stem
ends. If using a food processor, cut any large mushrooms into quarters and then process until finely
minced. Or mince the mushrooms very fine by hand.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, garlic, and salt and cook,
covered, over low heat for 5 minutes. The mushrooms will have released a lot of water. Uncover and
continue cooking for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have turned dark
brown and all the water has evaporated. Add more salt if desired. Stir in the pepper. Remove the garlic
and discard it. Let cool.
Dough Starter (Sponge)
INGREDIENTS

bread flour
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
malt powder or
barley malt
sugar
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 c

ounces
5.5 oz

grams
156 g

3/8 tsp

--

1.2 g

1 tsp

--

3.1 g
7 g
8.3 g

1 liquid c

8.3 oz

236 g

1 > Make the sponge. In a mixer bowl or other large bowl, place the bread flour, yeast, malt or sugar,
and water. Whisk until very smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The sponge will be the
consistency of a thick batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Set aside, covered with plastic wrap,
while you make the flour mixture.
Flour Mixture
INGREDIENTS

bread flour
whole wheat flour
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
salt
Duxelles, at room

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
2 c plus
1 tbsp
2 tbsp plus
2 tsp

ounces

grams

11.2 oz

322 g

about 0.75
oz

24 g

3/8 tsp

--

1.2 g

1 tsp

0.2 oz

6.6 g

temperature

1 c firmly packed

6 oz

170 g

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a medium bowl, whisk
together the bread flour (reserve 1/4 cup if mixing by hand), whole wheat flour, and yeast. Gently scoop
it onto the sponge to cover it completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to ferment for 1 to
4 hours at room temperature. (During this time, the sponge will bubble up through the flour mixture in
places; this is fine.)
3 > Mix the dough.
Mixer Method
With the dough hook, mix on low speed (#2 KitchenAid) until the flour is moistened enough to form a
rough dough. Scrape down any bits of dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to
rest for 20 minutes.
Add the salt and duxelles and mix on low speed until incorporated. Raise the speed to medium (#4
KitchenAid) and knead for 7 minutes. The dough should be very elastic and jump back when pressed
down on it with a fingertip, but still moist enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If it is still very
sticky, knead in a little flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray it with a little water and knead it in. (The
dough will weigh about 2 pounds/913 grams.)
Hand Method
Add the salt and duxelles and, with a wooden spoon or your hand, mix until the flour is moistened.
Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured counter. Knead
the dough for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding as little of the reserved
flour as possible to keep it from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and gather it together
as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl and allow it to rest
for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should still be moist
enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If it is very sticky, add some of the remaining reserved flour, or
a little extra. (The dough will weigh about 2 pounds/913 grams.)
Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 2-quart doughrising container or bowl lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly
spray or oil the top. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of
the container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise
(ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough onto a floured counter and press down on
it gently to form a rectangle. Give it 1 or 2 business letter turns, round the edges, and set it back in the
container. Oil the surface again, cover, and mark where double the height would now be. (It will fill the
container fuller than before because it is puffier with air.) Allow the dough to rise until doubled, about
30 to 45 minutes.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a counter dusted lightly with flour. Roll it

into a cylinder and push it down into the prepared bread steamer or coffee can. (If using the coffee can,
fill it only two-thirds full and reserve the remaining 3/4 cup dough for rolls: See Little Round Rolls).
Use your fingers to make sure that it is pushed all the way down to the bottom of the steamer or can and
to push down the top so that it is smooth. Cover with a large container or oiled plastic wrap. Let the
dough rise until doubled, about 1 hour. The center should be 1 1/2 inches above the top of the container
and the dough should mushroom over the sides. When it is pressed gently with a fingertip the
depression will not fill in.
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 400F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of
the oven, before preheating.
7 > Bake and glaze the bread. Quickly but gently set the container on the hot baking stone or hot
baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 55
to 65 minutes or until golden (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about
210F). Halfway through baking, turn the pan around for even baking.
8 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven, unmold it onto a wire rack, and turn right side
up. For a shiny surface, brush mushroom cap with 1 teaspoon of melted butter. Allow to cool
completely.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 2, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature,
then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. If using the hand mixing method, remove it from the refrigerator
about 1 hour before mixing the dough.
UNDERSTANDING

Although this bread has a relatively low percentage of liquid, it has a moist texture from the duxelles. If
well wrapped, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Butterfat:

Flour: 100% (bread: 95.2%, whole wheat: 4.8%)

47%
0.48%
1.3%
7.2%

Tyrolean Ten-Grain Torpedo

Many years ago, Peter Kump (founder of The Institute of Culinary Education in New York City) and I
arranged a special trip for food professionals to his son, Christopher, and Margaret Foxs Caf
Beaujolais in Mendocino, California. It was there that I discovered this extraordinary bread, unlike any I

had ever tasted: wheaty, chewy but light in texture, with an appealing flavor and crunch from the many
grains within.
Turning to Peter during lunch, I asked him if he supposed I could get the recipe. Im sure they will
give it to you, replied Peter, smiling optimistically (anyone who knew Peter will remember his
characteristic expression). They got it from an Austrian baker near our castle in Austria. Peter was
right, but it took over ten years, as it was one of their top sellers and top secret! In the interim, I tried
extrapolating the recipe from the description of ingredients on their mail-order list for the bread. It turns
out that all I needed to do was buy their ten-grain cereal mix and add extra sunflower seeds! So I now
have two versions, their Austrian Sunflower Bread and mine.
The secret to the chewy but light texture is the addition of vital wheat gluten, available in many
supermarkets and in health food stores.
This bread is thoroughly satisfying on its own, but it is also excellent with sandwich meats such as
ham or turkey.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 8 hours, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 2 1/2 hours
Oven Temperature: 450F
Baking Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Makes: a 12-by-5-by-3 1/4-inch-high-loaf/1 pound, 5.7 ounces/622 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a heavy-duty stand mixer with dough hook attachment;

a half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or parchment, or sprinkled with flour
or cornmeal;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Dough Starter (Sponge)

INGREDIENTS

bread flour

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
2/3 c

ounces
3.5 oz

grams
100 g

instant yeast (see Ingredients

for brands)
malt powder or
barley malt syrup or honey or
sugar
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

1/4 tsp

--

0.8 g

1/2 tbsp

--

4.6 g
10.5 g
6.2 g

3/4 liquid c

6.2 oz

177 g

1 > Nine hours ahead or the night before, make the sponge. In the mixer bowl, place the flour, yeast,
malt (or honey or sugar), and water. Whisk until very smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The
sponge will be the consistency of a thick batter. Scrape down the sides. Set it aside, covered with plastic
wrap, while you make the flour mixture.
Flour Mixture
INGREDIENTS

bread flour
instant yeast
Optional:
vital wheat gluten

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 1/4 c plus
1/2 tbsp
3/4 tsp

ounces

grams

7 oz

200 g

--

2.4 g

4 tsp

--

12 g

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a medium bowl, whisk
together the flour, yeast, and vital wheat gluten, if you are using it. Spoon this mixture lightly on top of
the sponge to cover it completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Allow to ferment for 1 hour at
room temperature and then for 8 to 24 hours in the refrigerator. (During this time, the sponge will
bubble through the flour mixture; this is fine.)
Grains
INGREDIENTS

ten-grain cereal mix (see

Pointers for Success)
hot water
salt
Optional:
white rye or medium rye flour
for dusting

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/2 c plus
2 tbsp
1/2 liquid c minus
1 tbsp
1 1/4 tsp

ounces
about 3.5
oz

grams

3.5 oz

100 g

--

8.3 g

--

--

--

100 g

3 > Meanwhile, 8 hours ahead or the night before, soak the grains. Place the grain mixture in a
medium bowl, add the hot water, and stir until thoroughly combined. Cool to room temperature, then

cover and refrigerate for 8 or up to 24 hours.

4 > Mix the dough. With the dough hook, mix on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) for about 1
minute, until the flour is moistened. Raise the speed to medium (#4 KitchenAid) and knead for 7
minutes. The dough will be very sticky. Allow it to rest for 20 minutes.
Add the salt and seed mixture (including any liquid that remains in the bowl) and knead for another
3 to 5 minutes or until evenly incorporated. The dough should be just barely tacky (slightly sticky). If it
is still very sticky, knead in a little flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray it with a little water and knead in
it. (The dough will weigh about 24 ounces/680 grams.)
5 > Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a 2-quart dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased
with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container
with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where
double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled,
1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough out onto a floured counter and press down
on it gently to form a rectangle. Give it 1 or 2 business letter turns to redistribute the grains. Round the
edges and set it back in the container. Oil the surface again, cover, and mark where double the height of
the dough would now be. (It will fill the container fuller than before because it is puffier with air.)
Allow it to rise until doubled, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
6 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and press or roll
it into a rectangle. Shape it into an 11-inch-long by 2-inch-high torpedo-shaped loaf (batard; see
Illustrations for Shaping a Torpedo). Set it on the prepared baking sheet and cover it with a large
container, or cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap. Let the dough rise until doubled, about 40 to 50
minutes. It will be about 12 inches long by 5 inches wide by 2 1/2 inches high, and when it is pressed
gently with a fingertip, the depression will very slowly fill in.
7 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 450F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of
the oven before preheating.
8 > Slash and bake the bread. For a decorative effect and ease in slashing, dust the top of the dough
lightly with the rye flour. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make three 1/4- to 1/2-inchdeep diagonal slashes in the top of the dough (see Illustrations for Making Decorative Slashes).
Slide the dough, on its liner, onto the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes
into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the bread is
golden brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer
inserted into the center will read about 208F). Halfway through baking, using a sturdy pancake turner,
turn the bread around for even baking.
9 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
VARIATION

Caf Beaujolais Austrian Sunflower Bread Use only 1/4 cup (1.4 ounces/40 grams) cereal mix plus 6

tablespoons (2 ounces/55 grams) sunflower seeds, toasted together.

NOTES To make your own ten-grain/seed cereal mix, mix equal volumes of

coarse buckwheat, toasted

pumpkin seeds, toasted
sunflower seeds, toasted
soy nugget granules, toasted
polenta
barley flakes
flaxseed
millet
steel-cut oats
cracked wheat
To toast seeds and buckwheat: Preheat the oven to 325F. Spread the pumpkin seeds, sunflower
seeds, and buckwheat on a baking sheet and toast, stirring once or twice, for 7 minutes or until the
sunflower seeds just begin to darken.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> You can order the Caf Beaujolais mix (www.cafebeaujolais.com, or 707/937-5614), make one
yourself (see Notes), or use a ten-grain cereal mix from the health food store.
> This is a very sticky dough and needs to be well kneaded before you add the seeds and grains, so it
is best made in an electric mixer.
> The less flour worked into the dough, the lighter and more open the crumb.
> Soy contains lipoxidase, which oxidizes (combines with oxygen) the unsaturated fats in flour,
creating unpleasant flavors and bleaching the flour. The enzyme is inactivated by toasting the soy;
otherwise, it is best to avoid using it in bread.
UNDERSTANDING

Vital wheat gluten really shines here, as it strengthens the protein network of the dough enough to
support the large amount of grains that otherwise tend to cut through gluten strands, resulting in an
unpleasantly dense bread.
The raised bread starts off 5 inches wide but actually pulls in to 4 1/2 inches during baking because
of the strength of the gluten.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Instant yeast:
Water:
Salt:

100% (includes the cereal and vital

wheat gluten)
1.1%
67.2%

Seeds and grains:

2.7%
33.3%

Swedish Limpa Bread

This is beautiful golden brown loaf, slightly darker at the edges of the slashes in the crust, with a fine
crumb. The ale and molasses impart a slight bitter sweetness, together with a haunting undertone of
spice from the fennel, anise, and orange zest.
This bread tastes best the first two days after baking, but it stays moist for as long as four.
Special thanks to my friend Mark Moodys Swedish mother, who inspired this recipe.
TIME SCHEDULE

Starter: straight dough method

Minimum Rising Time: about 2 hours
Oven Temperature: 375F, then 350F (or 350F the whole time for the large loaf)
Baking Time: 20 to 25 minutes for the small loaves, 45 to 55 minutes for the large loaf
Makes: two 9 3/4-by-4-by-3-inch-high loaves, about 1 pound/468 grams each
or one 13-by-5-by-3 1/2-inch-high loaf, about 2 pounds/937 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or parchment, or sprinkled with flour
or cornmeal;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Molasses Mixture
INGREDIENTS

light molasses

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
6 tbsp
(3 fl oz)

ounces

grams

about 4 oz

120 g

bitter ale, at room

temperature
unsalted butter
salt

10 fl oz
(1 1/4 liquid c)
3 tbsp
2 1/4 tsp

10 oz

284 g

1.5 oz
--

42 g
15 g

1 > Make the molasses mixture. In a small saucepan, stir together the molasses, ale, butter, and salt.
Heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the butter is melted. Remove from the heat and allow to
cool to room temperature. Pour it into a 2-cup liquid measure.
Flour Mixture
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
rye flour
orange zest, finely grated
(from about 1 orange)
malt powder or
barley malt syrup or honey or
sugar
aniseed
fennel seeds
instant yeast, preferably SAF
gold (for sweet doughs) (see
Ingredients for other brands)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

2 c

10 oz

284 g

2 c

9 oz

255 g

2 tsp

--

4 g

2 tbsp
2 tbsp
2 tbsp
1 tsp
1 tsp

0.6 oz
1.5 oz
scant 1 oz
---

18.6 g
42 g
25 g
2 g
2.4 g

1 tbsp plus
1/2 tsp

--

11.2 g

2 > Combine the flour mixture. In the mixer bowl or other large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour
(reserve 1/4 cup if mixing by hand), rye flour, orange zest, malt (or honey or sugar), aniseed, fennel
seeds, and yeast. Whisk to blend.
3 > Mix the dough.
Mixer Method
With the dough hook, mix on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) while slowly adding the cooled
liquid mixture, for about 1 minute, until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Scrape
down any bits of dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 7 minutes. The dough should be very
elastic, silky-smooth, and very soft but not sticky. If it is still sticky, knead in a little flour. If it is not
sticky at all, spray it with a little water and knead it in. (The dough will weigh about 36 ounces/1017
grams.)
Hand Method

Using a wooden spoon or your hand, gradually stir in the cooled liquid mixture until all the flour is
moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured
counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding as little
of the reserved flour as possible to keep it from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and
gather it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl
and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and easier to work
with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is silky-smooth and elastic. It should be very soft
but not sticky. If necessary, add some of the remaining reserved flour, or a little extra. (The dough will
weigh about 36 ounces/1017 grams.)
Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. Place the dough in an oiled 2-quart dough-rising container or bowl, lightly
greased with cooking spray or oil. Press down the dough and lightly spray or oil the dough. Cover the
container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at
approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to
80F) until doubled, 1 to 2 hours.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter. Cut it in half if
you are making 2 loaves. Give the dough a business letter turn and allow it to rest, covered, for 30
minutes or until relaxed and extensible (when you pull it gently, it stretches without tearing).
Shape the dough into 2 football-shaped loaves about 8 inches long by 3 inches wide by 2 inches
high or 1 football-shaped loaf 11 1/2 inches by 3 1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches high (see Illustrations for
Shaping a Torpedo). Set the shaped dough on the lined baking sheet (If making 2 loaves, set them 2
inches apart) and cover with a large container or oiled plastic wrap. Let the dough rise until almost
doubled, about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. The small loaves will be 9 1/2 inches by 3 3/4 inches
by 2 1/2 inches high, a large loaf 12 inches by 4 inches by 2 3/4 inches high. When the dough is pressed
gently with a fingertip, the depression will very slowly fill in.
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375F, or 350F if making 1 large loaf, 30 minutes before
baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest level and place an oven stone or baking sheet on it, and a castiron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of the oven, before preheating.
7 > Slash and bake the bread. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make 4 diagonal 1/4- to
1/2-inch-deep slashes in the top of each smaller loaf, or 5 in the large loaf. The dough will rise and open
up along the cuts significantly, so make the slashes long enough to prevent the dough from bursting
unevenly.
Mist the dough with water and quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot baking stone or hot
baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 5
minutes. Lower the temperature to 350F and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes for smaller loaves,
45 to 55 minutes for the large loaf or until the bread is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the
middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 190F).
Halfway through baking, turn the pan around for even baking.
8 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

STORE The bread keeps well for 4 days at room temperature if well wrapped.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> If desired, for deeper flavor, the dough can be refrigerated after its first rise for up to 14 hours. Let
it stand at to room temperature for 1 hour before shaping.
UNDERSTANDING

Because the dough contains a high amount of molasses in addition to malt, honey, or sugar, it is
preferable to use a yeast designed specifically for sweet doughs. If you use regular instant yeast or
active dry yeast, the first rising may take as long as 3 hours.
This bread needs to bake at a lower temperature than most breads because it tends to brown easily,
and if overbrowned, it becomes bitter.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Seeds:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Butterfat:

Flour: 100% (all-purpose: 52.7%, rye: 47.3%)

0.9%
59.2% (includes the water in the molasses and butter)
2%
2.8%
6.3%

Raisin Pecan Bread

This delicious bread is practically a meal in itself and when I serve it at home, my husband, Elliott, and
I usually make it the centerpiece of our dinner. Of all my breads, this is his favorite.
The secret of the fine texture and tangy sweet/sour flavor is the ground pecans and the raisin water
added to the dough. The resulting bread is dense, chewy though fine-textured, and studded with the
sweet, moist raisins and the soft crunch of additional broken pecans. (Walnuts can be substituted if you
prefer their slightly bitter flavor and extra crunch.) This bread is so perfectly pleasing it could be eaten
for dessert, spread with a thin layer of softened sweet butter or cream cheese, or just plain (which, is
this instance, is probably a contradiction in terms). It also makes the most terrific sandwich of curried
chicken salad prepared with little bits of tart apple. In three-star Paris restaurants, this bread is
traditionally served with the cheese course. It pairs especially well with Pierre Robert.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 1/2 hours, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 3 1/2 hours
Oven Temperature: 400F, then 375F
Baking Time: 45 to 55 minutes
Makes: a 12-by-5-by-3-inch-high free-form loaf (13 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches by 3 inches high in La
Cloche)/2 pounds/930 grams
EQUIPMENT:

La Cloche Italian Bread Baker OR a baking sheet, either one lined with a nonstick liner such as
Silpain or parchment, or sprinkled with flour or cornmeal;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Raisins
INGREDIENTS

raisins
hot water

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 c
1/3 liquid c

ounces
5 oz
2.75 oz

grams
144 g
78 g

1 > Soak the raisins. Place the raisins in a small bowl and add the water. Cover with plastic wrap and
allow to sit, stirring once, until softened and plump, about 30 minutes. Drain the raisins, reserving the
liquid in a 1-cup liquid measure. (You should have about 1/4 cup.) Add enough warm water to equal 1
cup. If planning to mix the dough the next day, cover the raisins and water with plastic wrap and
refrigerate them overnight, then bring to room temperature before using.
Dough Starter (Sponge)
INGREDIENTS

bread flour
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 c

ounces
5.5 oz

grams
156 g

1/2 tsp

--

1.6 g

1 liquid c
(including raisin
soaking water)

8.25 oz

236 g

malt powder or
barley malt syrup or honey or
sugar

1 tbsp

0.3 oz
0.7 oz
0.5 oz

9.3 g
21 g
12.5 g

2 > Make the sponge. In a large bowl or the mixer bowl, place the bread flour, yeast, water, and malt
(or honey or sugar). Whisk until very smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The sponge will be
the consistency of a thick batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Set aside, covered with plastic
wrap, while you make the flour mixture.
Flour Mixture
INGREDIENTS

bread flour
whole wheat flour, preferably
stone-ground
instant yeast
pecans, finely ground
salt
granular lecithin or
vegetable oil
pecan halves, coarsely broken

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 1/4 c

ounces
7 oz

grams
196 g

about 1/3 c

1.75 oz

50 g

3/4 tsp
1/2 c
1 1/4 tsp
1 tbsp
1 tbsp
1 1/2 c

-1.5 oz
-0.25 oz
about 0.5 oz
5.25 oz

2.4 g
42.7 g
8.3 g
6.4 g
13.5 g
150 g

3 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a medium bowl,
combine 1 cup (5.5 ounces/156 grams) of the bread flour, the whole wheat flour, yeast, and ground
pecans. Spoon this mixture lightly on top of the sponge. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and allow to
ferment for 1 to 4 hours at room temperature. (During this time, the sponge will bubble through the
flour mixture in places; this is fine.)
4 > Mix the dough.
Hand Method
Add the salt and, with a wooden spoon or your hand, stir the flour mixture into the sponge. Stir in the
lecithin or oil, the broken pecans, and the raisins, and mix to distribute them throughout the dough.
Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured counter. Knead
the dough for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding as little of the remaining
1/4 cup (1.5 ounces/40 grams) flour as possible to keep it from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape
the dough and gather it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the
inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and
easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should be soft but not
cling to your fingers. If the dough is sticky, add some of the remaining reserved flour, or a little extra.
(The dough will weigh about 2 1/4 pounds/1010 to 1020 grams.)

Mixer Method
Add the lecithin or oil to the dough and mix with the dough hook on low (#2 if using a KitchenAid) for
about 1 minute, until the flour is moistened enough to form a soft, rough dough. Scrape down any bits
of dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 7 minutes. The
dough should be smooth and elastic. If after the first 3 minutes the dough still appears sticky and does
not begin to pull away from the bowl, add a little of the remaining 1/4 cup (1.5 ounces/40 grams) of
bread flour, a tablespoon at a time.
Sprinkle the counter lightly with a little more flour, turn the dough out on top of it, and cover it with
plastic wrap. Allow to sit for 10 minutes to relax the gluten.
Roll the dough into a rectangle about 10 inches by 15 inches. Sprinkle the raisins and pecans evenly
over the dough and, starting from the short end, roll up the dough as you would a jelly roll. (Do not use
the mixer to mix in the raisins and nuts, as they will break down and produce a dark, compact crumb.)
Form the dough into a ball and knead it lightly. After the raisins are added, the dough will become a
little tacky (sticky) and will need a little more of the extra flour.
Both Methods
5 > Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a 2-quart dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased
with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container
with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where
double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled,
1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough out onto a floured counter and press down
on it gently to form a rectangle. Give it a business letter turn, round the edges, and set it back in the
container. (It will fill the container fuller than before because it is puffier with air). Oil the surface again,
cover, and mark where double the height of the dough would now be. Allow the dough to rise until
doubled, about 1 1/2 hours.
6 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and press down
or roll it into a rectangle. Shape it into a 10- to 11-inch-long torpedo-shaped loaf (batard; see
Illustrations for Shaping a Torpedo). Set the dough on the La Cloche bottom or the prepared baking
sheet. Cover it with a large container, or cover loosely with oiled plastic wrap. Let the dough rise until
doubled, about 1 hour. The free-form loaf will be about 12 inches long by 4 inches wide by 3 inches
high. When the dough is pressed gently with a fingertip the depression will very slowly fill in.
7 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 400F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and, if not using La Cloche, place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or
sheet pan on the floor of the oven before preheating. If using La Cloche, preheat the top along with the
oven.
8 > Slash and bake the bread. Remove the container or plastic and allow the dough to sit for 5 minutes
to dry slightly.
With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make 1/4- to 1/2-inch-deep parallel slashes in the top
of the dough (I like to make about 5 short crosswise slashes).
If using La Cloche, carefully place the hot Cloche top onto the base and quickly but gently set it in

the oven. Bake for 10 minutes. Lower the temperature to 375F and continue baking for 30 to 35
minutes, until the bread is golden and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read
thermometer inserted into the center will read about 190F).
Alternatively, mist the dough with water and quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot stone
or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake
for 5 minutes. Lower the heat to 375F and continue baking for 40 to 50 minutes or until the bread is
golden, and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into
the center will read about 190F). Halfway through baking, turn the pan around for even baking.
9 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely,
at least 2 hours.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 3, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature,
then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. If using the hand mixing method, remove it from the refrigerator
about 1 hour before mixing the dough.
CRANBERRY WALNUT VARIATION
In this variation I have replaced mellow pecans with the sharp crunch of walnuts, and the sweetness of
raisins with the tang of dried cranberries. The cranberries give the crumb a lovely rosy hue. If using
malt syrup instead of malt powder, however, it will produce a browner crumb.
To make this bread, simply replace the raisins with an equal volume or weight of dried cranberries,
and replace the ground and broken pecans with a total of 2 cups/7 ounces/200 grams walnuts. Lightly
toast the walnuts on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 325F for about 7 minutes to bring out their
flavor and keep them from turning blue in the bread. Transfer them to a clean towel and, while still hot,
rub them to remove as much of the bitter skin as possible. Coarsely break up 1 1/2 cups and set them
aside. Process the remaining 1/2 cup walnuts with the whole wheat flour, for about a minute, until finely
ground. Proceed as for the raisin pecan bread but bake it at 350F for the entire time for 50 to 55
minutes.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> To grind pecans fine, place the 1/2 cup pecans and 1 cup of the bread flour in a food processor and
process for about 30 seconds.
> For extra flavor, you can toast the nuts very lightly (5 minutes at 325F), but keep in mind that
those that come to the surface of the bread will darken in the oven.
> Dont soak the raisins for longer than 30 minutes, or they will lose their texture. If using the new
moist baking raisins, there is no need to soak them.
> Dont set La Cloche on a preheated baking stone, as this bread tends to brown faster than most and
could overbrown.
> The lecithin (see Ingredients) will extend the breads freshness for a second day.
> Alternatively, you can add about 2 tablespoons (1.5 ounces/40 grams)of stiff sourdough starter.
There is no need to feed or expand it first. See When to Add the Sourdough Starter. You can also use

liquid sourdough starter. Simply knead in enough flour until you have a slightly sticky-smooth dough.
> Unbleached all-purpose flour could be used for this bread, but I prefer bread flour, which produces
a crumb that is more firm to the chew and is more compatible with the texture of the raisins and nuts.
UNDERSTANDING

Soaking the raisins not only softens them but also produces a naturally sweetened liquid that permeates
the dough and turns the crust a magnificent golden brown. During the final kneading, a little of the
softened raisins will be integrated into the dough, making it moister.
Hand mixing is my first choice for this dough so that the raisins can be added to the dough early on
in the mixing process. This way, they can be integrated more into the dough without losing their shape
entirely, as would happen with the mixer method if they were added at this point.
This bread takes longer to rise than usual because of the extra weight of the whole wheat flour,
raisins, and nuts.
A softer dough results in a lighter texture, ideal for this bread. Dont work in too much flour.
NOTE The recipe can be doubled to make an 18-by-7-by-4-inch-high loaf. Bake at 375F for 50 to 60

minutes or until the bread tests done.

THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Oil:

Flour: 100% (bread: 87.6%, whole wheat: 12.4%)

58.7%
1%
2%
3.4%

New Zealand Almond and Fig Bread

My husband, Elliott, and I celebrated our twenty-fifth anniversary with a long-awaited trip to New
Zealand. We loved the country and adored the people, but it would have been worth the trip just for this
amazing bread by Dean Brettschnelder, a professional baker. The recipe has since appeared in a book he
wrote with our mutual friend Lauraine Jacobs, former president of the International Association of
Culinary Professionals. This stunning bread is encrusted with sliced almonds and gilded with an apricot
glaze. The crumb is dense and studded with chopped almonds and dried figs, with one whole fig

implanted right in the center, which, when cut, resembles a heart.

The bread is delicious without further adornment, but it is also perfect with a blue cheese. My
favorites are mild Cambozola blue and Saga blue.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 hour, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 3 1/2 hours
Oven Temperature: 425F, then 375F (if using La Cloche, 450F, then 400F)
Baking Time: 40 to 45 minutes
Makes: a 6-by-3-inch-high round loaf/1 pound, 7.75 ounces/679 grams
EQUIPMENT:

La Cloche Bread Baker OR a half sheet pan, either one lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain
or parchment, or sprinkled with flour or cornmeal;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Dough Starter (Sponge)

INGREDIENTS

bread flour
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
3/4 c

ounces
about 4 oz

grams
117 g

1/2 tsp

--

1.6 g

sugar
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

3/4 tsp

--

3.1 g

3/4 liquid c

6.2 oz

177 g

1 > Make the sponge. In a mixer bowl or other large bowl, place the flour, yeast, sugar, and water.
Whisk until very smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The sponge will be the consistency of a
thick batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Set it aside, covered with plastic wrap, while you make
the flour mixture.
Flour Mixture
INGREDIENTS

bread flour
whole wheat flour
instant yeast
oil
salt
unblanched slivered (not
sliced) or whole almonds,
coarsely chopped
dried Mission figs, stems
removed, cut into 1/4- to 1/2inch pieces, plus 1 whole fig
for dcor

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
3/4 c plus
2 tbsp for kneading
1/2 c
1/2 tsp
2 tsp
1 1/4 tsp

ounces
4 oz plus
0.6 oz
2.5 oz
--0.25 oz

grams
117 g plus
19 g
72 g
1.6 g
9 g
8.3 g

1 c

2.6 oz

75 g

1/2 c

2.6 oz

75 g

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a medium bowl, whisk
together the bread flour (reserve 1/4 cup if mixing by hand), whole wheat flour, and yeast. Sprinkle this
on top of the sponge and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Allow it to ferment for 1 to 4 hours at room
temperature. (During this time the sponge will bubble through the flour mixture in places; this is fine.)
3 > Mix the dough.
Mixer Method
Add the oil and mix with the dough hook on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) until the flour is
moistened enough to form a rough dough. Scrape down any bits of dough. Cover the bowl with plastic
wrap and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 7 minutes. It will be
smooth and shiny and cling slightly to your fingers. If it is still very sticky, knead in a little flour. If it is
not at all sticky, spray it with a little water and knead in it. (It will weigh about 17 ounces/490 grams.)
Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and roll it into a rectangle about 9 inches by 14
inches. Sprinkle with the chopped almonds and cut-up figs. Roll up the dough and knead it for a few

minutes to incorporate the almonds and figs evenly. Shape it into a ball.
Hand Method
Add the oil and salt and, with a wooden spoon or your hand, mix until the flour is moistened. Knead the
dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured counter. Knead the dough
for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding as little of the reserved 1/4 cup of
flour as possible to keep it from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and gather it together
as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl and allow it to rest
for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the dough less sticky and easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should still be moist
enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If it is very sticky, add some of the remaining reserved flour, or
a little extra. (The dough will weigh about 17 ounces/490 grams.) Allow the dough to rest for 10
minutes.
Roll the dough into a rectangle about 9 inches by 14 inches, and sprinkle with the almonds and cutup figs. Roll up the dough and knead it for a few minutes to incorporate the almonds and figs evenly.
Shape it into a ball.
Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. Set the dough in a 4-quart dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased with
cooking spray or oil. Press down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container with a
lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where double
the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled, about 1
1/2 hours.
Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough out into a floured counter, and press down
on it gently to form a rectangle. Fold the dough into a tight package or give it 2 business letter turns, and
set it back in the container. Oil the surface again, cover, and mark where double the height of the dough
would now be. It will fill the container fuller than before because it is puffier with air. Allow the dough
to rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Almonds and Apricot Glaze
INGREDIENTS

sliced almonds

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 c

ounces
2.6 oz

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
3 tbsp
2 tbsp

ounces
1.75 oz
1 oz

grams
75 g

Apricot Glaze
INGREDIENTS

apricot jelly
water

grams
50 g
30 g

5 > Shape the dough, encrust it with almonds, and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly
floured counter and press down on it gently to flatten it slightly. Round the dough into a 4 1/2-inch ball

(see Illustrations for Shaping a Round Loaf) and lightly spray or brush the surface with water. Scatter
the almonds on a counter. Roll the ball of dough in the almonds to cover it completely, pressing the nuts
into the dough. Firmly push the whole fig, pointed end down, into the center so that it is submerged as
deeply as possible into the dough. The loaf will measure 5 inches by 2 1/2 inches high.
Place it on the baking sheet or the La Cloche base. Cover it with a large container, or cover loosely
with oiled plastic wrap. Let the dough rise until doubled, about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. It will
be about 5 1/2 inches by 3 inches high, and when it is pressed gently with a fingertip, the depression
will very slowly fill in. Press any remaining almonds into the empty spaces created by the doughs
expansion.
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 425F, or 450F if using La Cloche, 1 hour before baking.
Have an oven shelf at the lowest level and place an oven stone or baking sheet on before preheating. If
using La Cloche, preheat the dome along with the oven.
7 > Bake the bread. If using La Cloche, carefully place the hot dome onto the base and quickly but
gently set it on the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Lower the temperature to 400F
and continue baking for 30 to 35 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and a skewer inserted in the
middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 190F).
Alternatively, quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Bake for
5 minutes. Lower the temperature to 375F and continue baking for 35 to 40 minutes or until the bread
is golden brown and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer
inserted into the center will read about 190F.) If the nuts begin to brown, tent the loaf loosely with
aluminum foil. Halfway through baking, turn the pan around for even baking.
8 > Glaze the bread. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, mix the apricot jelly and water together. Bring to
a boil and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. With a spoon, press the preserves through a
strainer to make a smooth glaze.
When the bread is done, remove it from the oven and brush it with the hot apricot glaze. Return it to
the oven for 1 minute to set the glaze.
9 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 2, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature,
then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. If using the hand mixing method, remove it from the refrigerator
about 1 hour before mixing the dough.)
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> Unbleached all-purpose flour could be used for this bread, but I prefer bread flour, which produces
a crumb with a chewier texture, more compatible with the texture of the figs and nuts.
> Slivered almonds are thicker than sliced almonds and when chopped offer a coarser texture to the
crumb. They are easier to chop than whole almonds, which also work well. If unblanched, meaning the
nuts still have their brown skin, they add a little more flavor. Sliced almonds make the most beautiful
decoration for the outside of the loaf.

THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Oil:

100% (bread: 77.9%, whole wheat: 22.1%)

54.5%
0.98%
2.6%
2.8

Walnut Fougasse

I developed the recipe for this traditional French ladder or lattice-shaped bread many years ago. With
the availability of instant yeast, I changed the method of making the sponge, which is now very easy to
prepare. The resulting bread, crisp, deeply walnutty, dense, and chewy, is identical to that produced with
the original laborious and traditional method of proofing a biscuit-doughconsistency sponge by
floating it in a bowl of warm water until it rises.
This bread is moist and full-flavored eaten by itself, and it is a fabulous complement to Roquefort
cheese and Sauternes or port.
TIME SCHEDULE

Starter: Straight Dough Method

Rising Time: 1 1/2 hours
Oven Temperature: 425F
Baking Time: 20 to 25 minutes
Makes: a 15-by-10-by-1 1/4-inch-high loaf/1 pound, 9 to 9.6 ounces/740 to 760 grams
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
salt
skim milk scalded and cooled
to room temperature or warm
walnut oil
walnuts, coarsely broken

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

3 c plus a scant 1/4 c 1 lb

454 g

1 3/4 tsp

--

5.6 g

1/2 tbsp

0.3 oz

10 g

1 1/4 liquid c

10.3 oz

295 g

1/2 liquid c, divided 3.75 oz

3/4 c
2.6 oz

107 g
75 g

EQUIPMENT:

a half sheet pan OR a baking sheet at least 15 inches long;

a baking stone OR baking sheet.

1 > Mix the dough.

Mixer Method
In the mixer bowl, whisk together the flour, and yeast. Then whisk in the salt, (this keeps the yeast from
coming in direct contact with the salt, which would kill it). With the dough hook on low speed (#2 if
using a KitchenAid), add the milk and 2 tablespoons of the oil, then mix for about 1 minute, until the
flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. On medium speed (#4 KitchenAid), knead the dough
for 7 minutes. The dough should be very elastic and just barely tacky (sticky). Allow the dough to rest,
covered, for 15 minutes.
Empty the dough onto a counter and knead in the walnuts. If the dough is sticky, knead in a little
flour. (The dough will weigh almost 2 pounds/858 grams.)
Hand Method
In a medium bowl, whisk all but 1/4 cup of the flour together with the yeast. Then whisk in the salt (this
prevents the yeast from coming in direct contact with the salt, which would kill it). With a wooden
spoon or your hand, mix in the walnuts, the milk, and 2 tablespoons of the oil until the flour is
moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured
counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding as little
of the reserved flour as possible to keep it from sticking. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and
gather it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl
and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This rest will make the dough less sticky and easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic and no longer sticky. If
necessary, add some of the remaining reserved flour, or a little extra. (The dough will weigh almost 2
pounds/858 grams.)
Both Methods
2 > Let the dough rise. Coat a 2-quart dough-rising container or bowl with 2 tablespoons of the
remaining walnut oil. Roll the dough in the container to coat all sides. Push down the dough and cover
the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at
approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to
80F) until doubled, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Turn the dough out onto a counter and gently press down on it to flatten it. Knead in another
tablespoon of the oil. Return it to the oiled container, cover, and mark where double the height of the
dough would now be. (It will fill the container fuller than before because it is puffier with air.) Allow
the dough to rise a second time until doubled, 30 to 45 minutes.

Again turn the dough out onto the counter and gently press down on it to flatten it. Knead in another
tablespoon of the oil. Return it to the oiled container, cover, and mark the side again. Allow it to rise a
third time until doubled, about 30 minutes.
3 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 425F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place an oven stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
4 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and gently pat or
roll it into a rectangle. Give it a business letter turn, cover it with plastic wrap, and allow it to rest for 30
minutes or until relaxed and extensible (when you pull it gently, it will stretch without tearing).
With a pastry brush or plastic wrap, coat the baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil. Set
the dough on it and, with your fingers or a rolling pin, press out the dough to an oval about 9 inches by
15 inches by 1/2 inch thick. Brush it with the remaining tablespoon of walnut oil. With a sharp knife,
score 7 diagonal slashes about 3 inches long and 2 inches apart, 3 on either side and 1 at the bottom,
radiating around the bread. Use scissors to cut through to the bottom of the pan. With your fingers, push
the slashes open wide. Allow the dough to rise for about 15 minutes or until it is 3/4 inch high. If the
openings have closed a little, stretch them open again.
5 > Bake the bread. Set the baking sheet on the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Bake the fougasse for 20
to 25 minutes or until crisp and golden brown (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will
read about 212F). Halfway through baking, turn the pan around for even baking.
6 > Cool the bread. Remove the pan from the oven. Use a large pancake turner to loosen the bread and
lift it from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR MAKING FOUGASSE:

1> Pressing out the dough

2> Slashing the dough

3> Cutting open the slashes with scissors

4> Stretching open the cuts

POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> Be sure the walnut oil is fresh; it turns rancid easily. Always store the oil in the refrigerator, where
it will keep for months.
> In place of the skim milk, you can substitute 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (9.3 ounces/266 grams) of
warm water and 1/3 cup (50 grams) gappe, the browned milk solids from clarified butter, or 1/4 cup
(about 1.5 ounces/40 grams) dry milk, preferably nonfat. If you dont have a full 1/3 cup of gappe, add
just a tablespoon, in addition to the skimmed milk, for extra impact.
> If you prefer less oil, use a total of 1/3 cup (2.5 ounces/72 grams). The bread will be a little less
compact and moist. When using gappe, if there is still butterfat clinging to it, I use 1 tablespoon less oil
(i.e., 7 tablespoons).

> The flavor and texture of this bread actually improves after standing for 6 to 18 hours.
UNDERSTANDING

A high proportion of yeast is used to compensate for the yeast-retarding effect of the oil.
The walnuts are not toasted because if they were, those on the surface would overbrown and become
bitter.
An all-purpose flour on the lower protein side is best for this bread, because it is dense. A higherprotein flour would make it undesirably chewy.
The optional gappe, the browned milk solids (protein) resulting from clarified butter, contributes a
special richness of flavor. It also compensates for the tendency of the high amount of oil to slow down
the rising of the dough. Skim milk will serve the same purpose, but it will not contribute much flavor.
This bread is baked soon after shaping, resulting in its unique texture. Despite the large amount of
oil, the bread is not at all greasy.
This bread loses a lot more weight on baking than most because of the large surface area for
evaporation.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Oil:

100%
58.6%
1.2%
2.2%
15.9% to 22.9%

Walnut Onion Bread

The dough for this bread, originating in southern Burgundy, France, is practically identical to that for
Walnut Fougasse. The only difference is that this dough uses only half the walnut oil and includes
chopped onion. But the texture is entirely different, because of the smaller amount of oil and because
this loaf is allowed to have the usual full rise, rather than baking it 15 minutes after shaping. As a result,
instead of a dense chewy bread, its a moist, light, almost cake-like loaf.
TIME SCHEDULE

Starter: straight dough method

Rising Time: about 1 1/2 hours
Oven Temperature: 400F (if using La Cloche, 425F, then 400F)
Baking Time: 30 to 35 minutes
Makes: a 12 1/2-by-5-by-3 1/4-inch-high loaf/1 3/4 pounds/807 grams
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
salt
skimmed milk (scalded and
cooled to room temperature
or warm)
or water (room temperature or
warm)
plus dried milk, preferably nonfat

2 3/4 c plus
1 tbsp

14 oz

400 g

1/2 tbsp

--

4.8 g

1/2 tbsp

--

10 g

1 liquid c
or 1 c
plus 1/4 c

8.5 oz
8.3 oz
1.5 oz

242 g
236 g
40 g

walnut oil or olive oil

1/4 c

walnuts, coarsely broken

onion, finely chopped
Optional:
cornmeal

3/4 c
1/2 c

about 1.75
oz
2.6 oz
2.5 oz

about 2 tsp

--

54 g
75 g
70 g
--

EQUIPMENT:

La Cloche Italian Bread Baker or a baking sheet, either one lined with a nonstick liner such as
Silpain or parchment, or sprinkled with flour or cornmeal;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > Mix the dough.

Mixer Method
In the mixer bowl, whisk together the flour and yeast. Then whisk in the salt (this keeps the yeast from
coming in direct contact with the salt, which would kill it.) Make a well in the center and add the milk
and oil. (If using dry milk, add it to the flour, and pour the water into the well.) With the dough hook,
mix on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) for about 1 minute, until the flour is moistened. On
medium speed (#4 KitchenAid), knead for 7 minutes. The dough should be very elastic and bounce
back when pressed with a fingertip, but still moist enough to cling slightly to your fingers. If it is still
very sticky, knead in a little flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray it with a little water and knead it. (The

dough will weigh about 1 pound, 9 1/4 ounces/721 grams.)

Hand Method
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/3 cups (11.7 ounces/330 grams) of the flour and the yeast. Then
whisk in the salt (this keeps the yeast from coming in direct contact with the salt, which could kill it.)
Add the milk and oil. (If using dry milk, add it to the flour, and pour the water into the well.) Using a
wooden spoon or your hand, gradually mix the liquid into the flour. Knead the dough in the bowl until it
comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, just to
begin to develop the gluten structure, adding as little of the remaining flour as possible. Use a bench
scraper to scrape the dough and gather it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky.
Cover it with the inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This resting time will make the
dough less sticky and easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic but moist enough to
cling slightly to your fingers. If necessary, add some of the remaining reserved flour, or a little extra.
(The dough will weigh about 1 pound, 9 1/4 ounces/721 grams.)
Both Methods
2 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 2-quart doughrising container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly
spray or oil the top. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of
the container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise
(ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough onto a floured counter, and press down on
it gently to form a large rectangle. Sprinkle on the walnuts and onions. Roll up the dough and knead it to
incorporate these ingredients, adding a little more flour to keep it from sticking. The dough should still
feel tacky (a little sticky). (It will weigh about 885 grams/31 ounces.)
3 > Preshape the dough and let it rest. Move the dough onto a freshly floured clean area of the
counter and gently pat it into a rectangle. Shape it into a log by rolling the top edge down to the middle,
then pushing it back slightly with your thumbs. Repeat this rolling motion 2 more times, ending with the
seam at the bottom edge of the dough. Use a bench scraper to move it to another freshly floured clean
area of the counter, seam side down. Cover it with oiled plastic wrap and allow it to sit for about 30
minutes or until relaxed and extensible (when you pull it gently, it stretches without tearing).
4 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Press or roll the dough into a rectangle and shape it into a 10-inchlong torpedo-shaped loaf (batard; see Illustrations for Shaping a Torpedo). Set it onto the La Cloche
bottom or the prepared baking sheet and cover it with a large container, or cover loosely with oiled
plastic. Let the dough rise until almost doubled, 30 minutes to an hour. It will be about 11 inches by 4
1/2 inches by 2 1/2 inches high, and when it is pressed gently with a fingertip, the depression will very
slowly fill in.
5 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 400F, or 425F if using La Cloche, 1 hour before baking
time. Have an oven shelf at the lowest level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before
preheating. If not using La Cloche, place a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of the oven to
preheat. If using La Cloche, preheat the top along with the oven.

6 > Slash and bake the bread. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make three 1/4- to 1/2inch deep diagonal slashes in the top of the dough (see Illustrations for Making Decorative Slashes).
If using La Cloche, carefully place the hot Cloche top onto the base and quickly but gently set it on
the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Lower the temperature to 400F and bake for 10
minutes. Remove the cover and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown
and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the
center will read about 212F).
Alternatively, mist the dough with water and quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot stone
or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake
for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an
instant read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 212F). Halfway through baking, turn
the pan around for even baking.
7 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven, and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> Be sure that the walnut oil has the sweet pleasant aroma of walnuts and is not rancid.
> If you prefer, the onions can be omitted; in that case, no flour will be required when kneading in the
walnuts.
UNDERSTANDING

The oil and high moisture content give this bread an almost cake-like tenderness. You could use 2 1/2
cups of bread flour in place of the all-purpose, but the bread will be less tender and more chewy.
A high proportion of yeast is used to compensate for the yeast-retarding effect of the oil.
The walnuts are not toasted because if they were, those on the surface would overbrown and become
bitter.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Oil:

100%
69% (includes the water in the onions)
1.2%
2.5%
13%

6.

Sourdough

SOURDOUGH BREAD IS THE SOUL OF ARTISAN HEARTH BREAD, THE WELLSPRING or ancestor of all yeast

bread.
Sourdough bread is bread that is made from a starter (pre-ferment), a mixture of flour, water, and
yeast that flavors the bread and makes it rise. A sourdough starter often is cultured from wild yeast and
the bacteria present on the flour. The starter produces a bread that is high in natural acidity, giving the
bread a distinctive tang and a crumb that is moist but does not mold readily.
I wasnt intending to include sourdough made with noncommercial yeast starter in this book. It
seemed too difficult and unpredictable. I also feared making my readers become prisoners to a feeding
(yeast-refreshing) schedule of flour and water needed to keep the fermenting starter alive. My editor
was surprised and disappointed at my decision, but it was my father who protested with indignation,
saying that the book would not be complete without it. I argued that I wanted the predictability of
commercial yeast to fit in with my own often erratic schedule and the busy lifestyles of my readers as
well. I even had myself convinced that I enjoyed the subtlety of the bread produced by using the
commercial sourdough starters such as Lalvain dry sourdough starter every bit as much as any artisan
sourdough I had ever tasted. I went so far as to insist that I felt more than satisfied with the complexity
and flavors offered by pre-ferments that are far quicker than sourdough, such as biga, poolish, and the
simple sponge, because sourdough bread usually tasted too sour. But now that I have succeeded in
coaxing wild yeast and favorable bacteria out of what seems like thin air into my bread, and produced a
stable and mature starter for the first time, I recommend that every bread baker experience the thrill of
watching a mixture of flour and water ferment into an starter that can cause a loaf of bread to rise. It is
the final frontier, the Zen of bread making.
Making your own successful starter is really very simple. All you need is some organic rye flour
(from the health food store), bread flour, unchlorinated water (let your tap water sit for 6 hours
uncovered if it smells like chlorine, or use bottled water to be on the safe side), patience, and time. It
takes about a week to achieve a starter that has an adequate population of yeast together with a good
balance of flavorful friendly bacteria (from the environment), and another two weeks until it is fully

mature and able to be the sole leavening of your bread.

One of the great benefits of a sourdough bread, including one made with a commercial sourdough
starter, is that because of the acidity of the starter, even on the fifth day after baking, the bread is moist
and its flavor still potent. This is not the case with most other yeast breads. But the major benefit is that
the flavor of a sourdough bread is not merely sour: it is multidimensional and complex. The word that
came to me when I tasted the first bread produced from my newly created sourdough starter was
beguiling. I was hooked. Sourdough bread from my own starter is now a permanent part of my bread
repertoire. And it is not at all difficult to maintain the starter. Perhaps the only difficult part is throwing
out the ever-present excess starter, because as the starter is fed (refreshed) with flour and water to keep
it alive and active, it continues to grow and expand to a far greater quantity than is practical, especially
for home baking. Every time I send excess active starter down the drain, I feel a pang of regret.
Homemade sourdough bread has a distinctly sour flavor, but it doesnt have to be overpoweringly
sour. The degree of acidity in your bread depends on how often you refresh the starter and what
percentage of the starter you use in the bread dough (usually between 15 and 40 percent). Ive come to
appreciate a more sour flavor on occasion, particularly with a strong flavorful cheese, such as
Gorgonzola, because the breads assertive flavor enables it to hold its own and not be overpowered.
Maintaining a sourdough culture takes only a few minutes once a week. Starting the culture,
however, takes about a week. The growing starter needs to be fed at specific and often difficult to
predict intervals. If you do not have the sort of schedule that allows you to be present during as much of
this first week as would be necessary, purchase a starter (see Sources) or adopt one from a friend
(theres always more than enough to share). If you do decide to make your own, you will increase your
chances of creating a successful starter by cultivating it during a cool time of year, as cool temperatures
attract the most desirable type of bacteria. Once the starter is established, usually by the fifth day, it no
longer needs to be kept at cooler temperatures. (The fifth day of my starters life, when I heard it
explode out of the Ball jar because the plastic wrap was too tight, was a moment I will always treasure
because it was then that I knew for sure it was alive.)
The great fallacy of sourdough, however, is that many people feel they are bringing an organism to
life, that is more natural than commercial yeast. All yeast is natural: it is never a synthesized product.
The difference between wild yeast and domesticated (commercial) yeast is that the commercial
yeast is harvested from a specific strain, derived from the brewing industry, and is therefore more hardy
and consistent. Many strains of wild yeast reside on the particles of flour, particularly organic rye flour,
in great abundance. In fact, a single gram (about 1/28 of an ounce) of flour contains about 13,000 wild
yeast cells and about 320 lactic bacteria cells.
For me, the most fascinating aspect of sourdough culture is the symbiotic relationship between the
wild yeast and the lactic bacteria, called lactobacilli. These bacteria are responsible for converting
maltose, a complex sugar formed by the enzyme action on the starch in the flour, into a variety of acids,
primarily lactic acid and acetic acid. Because all acids taste sour, these acids are largely responsible for
the special flavor of sourdough bread. The wild yeast can coexist in perfect harmony with the
lactobacilli because unlike commercial yeast, wild yeast can survive in this acid environment. Also
unlike commercial yeast, wild yeast cannot metabolize maltose, so it consumes other sugars present in
the flour and ignores the maltose vital to the life of the lactobacilli. It is this balance and interplay of
yeast and bacteria that is responsible for the unique flavor and texture of a sourdough bread.
If you like the pronounced tangy taste and complexity of a wild yeast sourdough bread and enjoy the
unpredictability in rising time, you will delight in the drama of creating and maintaining a sourdough
culture. And, after all, what wild creature is totally predictable?!

The lactobacilli, beyond being fundamental to the production of a sourdough culture, are also
responsible for maintaining the health of a mature sourdough culture, by producing an antibiotic that
protects it from contamination by other harmful bacteria. These harmful bacteria, which can form at the
earlier stages of a developing (immature) starter, produce streaks of color. If this happens, the starter
should be thrown out.
When making a bread using only a wild yeast starter, the minimum amount of starter required to
raise the dough is 15 percent of the entire weight of the dough. If you like a very sour flavor, you can
use up to 40 percent. (Over 40 percent, and the acidity will compromise the strength of the gluten,
resulting in a dense, flat loaf.) If you prefer a less sour flavor, another way to achieve this while
maintaining much of the flavor complexity is to increase the amount of flour and water used to refresh
and strengthen the starter prior to baking. Normally I increase (expand) the starter by eight times its
original weight before using it each time.
A wild yeast starter will always raise the dough more slowly than a commercial starter, because
there is a far smaller concentration of yeast in the sourdough culture. (There are about two hundred
billion yeast cells in just a tablespoon of commercial dry yeast, compared to nearly a billion in a whole
cup of sourdough culture.) This slow rise is part of what creates interesting and complex flavors. My
basic sourdough bread making schedule is about 36 hours from start to finish, but 95 percent of this is
waiting time and requires no active participation. For example, if I want to have sourdough for dinner
on Wednesday night, I take my starter out of the refrigerator first thing Tuesday morning. I feed it flour
and water and remove part of it to store for the next batch. I allow the starter for the bread to sit until
doubled, usually about 8 hours. I feed it a second time and allow it to sit in a cool spot overnight until at
least doubled. (At 75F, it will take about 6 hours, but it can sit for 12 hours before beginning to deflate.
If I dont plan to mix the dough within 12 hours, I refrigerate itfor up to 24 hours is fineand remove
it 1 hour before mixing the dough. If I want to go to bed and it hasnt yet doubled, I set it in a cool area,
55 to 60F, until the next morning.) On Wednesday morning I mix the dough. The first rising takes
about 6 hours (this is for the basic sourdough breadothers, such as the pumpernickel, may take
longer). I then shape the bread and set it to rise a second time, about 3 hours. Baking takes 30 minutes
and cooling about 1 hour. (If I want to save the baked bread until the following day, I put it in a brown
paper bag after it is cooled and fold over the opening. When I am ready to eat it, I crisp the crust by
setting it on the oven rack in a preheated 350F oven for about 10 minutes, slice it, and eat it warm.)
If you find this process difficult to fit into your schedule, you can change it by either slowing it
down by chilling the dough, known as retarding, or speeding it up by adding a small amount of
commercial yeast. Retarding the dough also develops a more complex and sour flavor and slightly
increases volume.
Retarding or chilling the dough
A shaped loaf can be refrigerated before baking, following either of two different time schedules:
1 > Allow the shaped loaf to rise at warm room temperature (75 to 80F) for 1 hour. Then
refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Remove it to room temperature 3 hours before baking and let stand
until it has almost doubled.
2 > Allow the loaf to rise at warm room temperature (75 to 80F) for 3 to 4 hours or until it has
almost doubled (when pressed gently with a fingertip, the depression will very slowly fill in). Then
refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Remove 30 minutes before baking.

Adding Commercial Instant Yeast

It is possible to speed up the rising process of a sourdough by about 25 percent without sacrificing
flavor or acidity by adding no more than 0.06 percent of the total weight of the flour (this includes the
flour in the starter) in commercial instant yeast. This comes to 1/16 teaspoon/0.2 gram for the average
17.5-ounce/500-gram loaf. (For professional bakers who may use cake yeast instead of the dry instant
yeast, the equivalent amount of yeast to add is 0.2 percent of the total weight of the flour. It is equal to
one-seventh the amount of yeast normally used in the recipe.)
For a recipe using a total of about 2 cups (10.6 ounces/300 grams) bread flour, add 1/16 teaspoon
(0.2 gram) instant yeast.
You must add the yeast after the first 3 minutes of kneading the dough. If you add it too soon, the
acidity in the sourdough starter might kill the commercial yeast. On the other hand, if you add too much
commercial yeast, it will raise the pH level of the dough (make it more alkaline and less acid), resulting
in a less sour bread.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS FOR MAKING A SOURDOUGH STARTER

> Use organic rye or organic whole wheat flour. (Organic white flour will also work, but the process
will be much slower.)
> Use unchlorinated water (bottled water is fine).
> Have everything that will touch the starter spotlessly clean (including your hands) so as not to
contaminate it. (Once the starter is active, it will be much more resistant to contamination.)
> During culturing, the starter will give off many aromas, including cheese, citrus/tangerine, apple,
and, when fully mature, fresh paint. If streaks of color appear, however, the starter is contaminated.
Throw it out and start again.
If you cant be home during the first week and still want to make your own starter, a less
exacting method that may also work is to feed the starter every 12 hours for about 5 days, pouring off
and throwing out some of it when the jar gets too full. If it doubles in 12 hours, it is active and ready to
use.)
NOTE

MAKING A SOURDOUGH STARTER (LEVAIN) FROM SCRATCH

EQUIPMENT

a 4-cup glass canning jar OR 4-cup glass measuring cup;

large heavy plastic spoon OR clean wooden spoon;
plastic wrap
INGREDIENTS

organic rye flour or organic whole wheat flour; bread flour; and bottled water

Days 1 through 5
DAY 1

In an immaculately clean bowl, combine a scant cup/4.2 ounces/120 grams organic rye flour and 1/2
cup/4.2 ounces/120 grams bottled water. With a clean hand or spoon, stir until the flour is moistened
and a stiff dough is formed. If there are still loose flour particles after 2 minutes, add more water by the
droplet. Scrape the starter into the 4-cup container. You will have about 1 cup/8.5 ounces/240 grams.
Cover it tightly with plastic wrap (its fine to use the ring that screws onto the canning jar to keep the
plastic wrap in place) and place it in a cool area (65F) for 48 hours. (If you dont have a cool area, let it
sit for only 24 hours [until Day 2] and feed it the same way as described for Day 3.)
DAY 2

There will be no visible change in the color or texture of the starter.

DAY 3

The consistency of the starter will now resemble a thick pancake batter and there may be a few bubbles
in the surface. With a clean spoon, remove and throw out about half of the starter (about 1/2 cup/4.25
ounces/120 grams).
Stir in: a scant 1/2 cup/about 2 ounces/60 grams bread flour and 1/4 liquid cup/about 2
ounces/60 grams bottled water.
You will again have 8.5 ounces/240 grams of starter, but it will have expanded in volume from just
under 8 fluid ounces to about 10 fluid ounces. Cover again tightly with plastic wrap and leave at room
temperature (70 to 75F) for 24 hours. (After 12 hours, the starter may have increased by one and a
half, to 14 fluid ounces, and have lots of bubbles. Dont be concerned if it then deflates and falls.)
DAY 4

The starter may give off a faint citrus aroma. With a clean spoon, again scoop and throw out about half
of the starter (about 1/2 cup/4.25 ounces/120 grams).
Stir in: a scant 1/2 cup/about 2 ounces/60 grams bread flour and 1/4 liquid cup/about 2
ounces/60 grams bottled water.
You will again have 8.5 ounces/240 grams of starter, about 10 fluid ounces in volume. Cover it with
plastic wrap, but not tightly, as gases should now be forming that need to escape. Leave it at room
temperature (70 to 75F) for 24 hours.
DAY 5

If the starter is active, it will have increased in volume to at least 3 cups, or even 4 cups. It will dome
and then start to recede. (If it is not yet at this point, continue throwing out half the starter and feeding it
with the scant 1/2 cup/about 2 ounces/60 grams bread flour and 1/4 liquid cup/about 2 ounces/60
grams bottled water every 24 hours until it reaches this state of activity.)
With a clean spoon, again remove and throw out about half of the starter (about 1/2 cup/4.25
ounces/120 grams).
Stir in: a scant 1/2 cup/about 2 ounces/60 grams bread flour and 1/4 liquid cup/about 2
ounces/60 grams bottled water.
You will now have about 1 cup/8.5 ounces/240 grams of active starter. (You may feel the impulse to
give it a name. Give in to it: I named mine Billo.) Cover it with plastic wrap and let it sit at warm room
temperature (75 to 80F) for about 4 hours or until it has almost doubled. You can now expand it
(feed with flour and water) for baking bread or refrigerate it overnight and start expanding it the next

day. If you dont plan to use it for several days, feed it again to double it, let it sit for 1 hour, and then
refrigerate it.
This starter will mature over the next few weeks, gaining in strength and flavor. For the first 2
weeks, store at least 1 cup (8.5 ounces/240 grams) of it and feed it at least three times a week. After 2
weeks of regular feeding (equal weights flour and water or, by volume, 1 1/2 times flour to water, to at
least double it; when the jar gets half-full, pour off half), at least three times a week, the culture is
mature and bread made from it will be more mellow and complex. You can now switch to once-a-week
feeding if you only make bread once a week.
Once your starter is mature, all you need to store is enough for 1 or 2 loaves plus enough to start the
next batch (about a full 3/4 cup/7 ounces/200 grams). If you plan to bake in larger quantities, simply
increase the amount you store by throwing out less of it before each feeding.
Stiff starter versus liquid starter
Once the starter is active (after Day 5), you have the choice at any point thereafter of storing it as a
liquid sourdough starter or a stiff sourdough starter.
To convert this liquid starter to a stiff starter, add 3/4 cup/(4.25 ounces/120 grams) flour to 1
cup/8.5 ounces/240 grams of the liquid starter. With a wooden spoon, stir the starter until all the flour is
incorporated. Empty it into a bowl and knead it for about 2 minutes. If it is sticky, knead in more flour
until it is very firm. If, after 2 minutes, it is too dry and crumbly, add water by the droplet. It is best to
make it very stiff, because the acidity in the starter will cause it to soften as it stands and it will stick to
your fingers when you are ready to use it to make the bread. Set this stiff starter in an oiled container
with a lid. Grease the top of the dough with cooking spray or oil and cover it tightly. Store at room
temperature or refrigerate it.
I prefer a stiff starter, but this is strictly a matter of personal preference. According to some theories,
the yeast in the sourdough starter develops faster in a liquid starter than in a stiff starter, but from my
observation, its neck and neck: a stiff starter rises faster and deflates more slowly. I believe this is
because the gluten (protein) structure of the stiff starter supports the rise caused by the carbon dioxide
formed as a result of the yeast consuming the sugar in the flour.
Many bakers, including me, feel that a stiff starter produces a less sour flavor than one with a liquid
consistency, but others (including my husbandempirically) disagree, arguing that a stiff culture tends
to develop more acetic acid, whereas a liquid starter will have a higher production of the milder lactic
acid. Some compromise by maintaining a liquid starter, converting it into a stiff starter as necessary the
day before mixing dough.
Clearly the perception of sour is highly subjective. But to my mind, the most significant degree of
sourness comes more from the specifics of storage, rebuilding, temperature during proofing, and the
amount used than from the state of the original starter, stiff or liquid. The degree of sourness of liquid
starter compared to stiff starter may also depend on the age of the starter.
A comparison of stiff starter to liquid starter
A stiff starter is one-third water and two-thirds flour by weight (50 percent hydration). This means that
100 grams of stiff starter contain 33.35 grams water and 66.65 grams flour (or 3 times flour to water by
volume).
A liquid starter is half water and half flour by weight, or by volume, 1 1/2 times the water in flour
(100 percent hydration). This means that 100 grams of liquid starter contain 50 grams water and 50

grams flour.
Since it is the flour component of the starter that feeds the yeast and bacteria, the goal is always to
maintain the same amount of flour in the starter. Since a liquid starter has less flour per volume or
weight than a stiff starter, more of the liquid starter will be needed to replace it, but the extra water will
need to be removed from the rest of the recipe. So to interchange liquid for stiff, or vice versa, you need
to increase or decrease the amount of starter to arrive at the same amount of flour and increase or
decrease the amount of water called for in the rest of the dough. This means that a recipe using starter
equal to 30 percent of the total weight of the flour and water (including what is contained in the starter)
will require 5.25 ounces/150 grams of stiff starter or 7 ounces/200 grams of liquid starter.
Heres how to convert a liquid starter to a stiff starter: By weight, if a recipe calls for, for
example, 5.25 ounces/150 grams stiff starter, and you have a liquid starter, you will need to increase the
amount of starter called for by one and a third times (meaning 7 ounces/200 grams liquid starter) and
then remove the amount of extra water you have added (one-quarter of the weight of the liquid starter,
which is 1.75 ounces/50 grams) from the rest of the dough. Or to convert it by volume, simply stir flour
into the liquid starter a teaspoon at a time. When it becomes stiff enough to touch without sticking to
your fingers, knead it with your hand, adding flour until it is no longer sticky.
Heres how to convert a stiff starter to a liquid starter: If a recipe calls for, for example, 7
ounces/200 grams liquid starter, and you have a stiff starter, you will need to decrease the amount of
starter by three-quarters (which equals 1.75 ounces/150 grams stiff starter) and add water equal to onethird the weight of the stiff starter (1.7 ounces/50 grams) to the rest of the dough.
Pros and Cons of a Liquid Sourdough Starter
> When changing amount of liquid starter used, it is easy to calculate how much flour and water to
add or remove from the rest of the dough since it is equal parts flour and water by weight.
> It is easy to refresh (feed) the liquid starter by stirring the flour and water directly into the starter,
rather than having to transfer it to another container and knead it in.
> A liquid starter ferments (cultures) more quickly, but it burps and loses gas and is more prone to
collapse.
> A liquid starter produces bread with slightly larger holes.
Pros and Cons of a Stiff Sourdough Starter
> It ferments more quickly, but it holds the gases better and is slower to collapse.
> It is less messy, making it easier to measure and work with. Also, it doesnt stick to the bowl or
mixing spoon, guaranteeing that all of it is added to the mixture.
> It produces bread with a more golden crumb.
Maintaining (Refreshing) a Sourdough Starter
To feed the yeast in a starter in order to keep it alive, you need to give the starter enough flour and water
to at least double its weight or volume. Although cleanliness is always a virtue, once the starter is
established, there is far less risk of contamination by other bacteria.


1 cup of stiff or (if stirred down) liquid sourdough starter equals 8.5 ounces/240 grams, or about
1 ounce/15 grams per 1 tablespoon. (This is 1 cup in a dry measuring cup; in a glass measure, it may
read as more.)
NOTE

SCHEDULE FOR REFRESHING (FEEDING) A STIFF SOURDOUGH STARTER TO KEEP IT ALIVE

Allow the (refrigerated) starter to sit at room temperature (70 to 80F) for 1 hour before feeding it. You
will be increasing it by 2 1/2 times, from 50 grams to 125 grams.
Remove a scant 1/4 cup/1.75 ounces/50 grams of the starter and place it in a small bowl. Discard
the rest. Add 1/3 cup/1.75 ounces/50 grams flour and 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons/1 scant
ounce/25 grams water.
Mix with a wooden spoon and then your hand, or with the paddle attachment of an electric mixer on
low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) until a smooth dough forms. It should be the consistency of biscuit
doughfirm and not sticky to the touch. Adjust it if necessary with a little flour or a few droplets of
water. (The starter should be very stiff because the acidity in the starter causes it to soften on standing.)
Transfer the starter to a lightly oiled container with a lid. Lightly oil the surface of the starter.
TIMETABLE

If planning to feed and store for 1 day before using, let the starter increase in volume by about 1 1/2
times, 2 hours or so, then refrigerate.
If planning to feed and store for 3 days before using, let it increase in volume by about 1 1/4 times, 1
hour or so, then refrigerate.
If planning to store for 1 week before using, let it increase in volume just slightly, about 30 minutes,
then refrigerate.
SCHEDULE FOR REFRESHING (FEEDING) A LIQUID SOURDOUGH STARTER TO KEEP IT ALIVE

Because of the sticky nature of a liquid starter, the easiest way to refresh it is by pouring off about half
of it and then feeding it equal weights of flour and water to at least double its weight. If you are
measuring volume, you will need 1 1/2 times more flour than water (For example, for 1 liquid cup of
water, you will need 1 1/2 cups of flour.)
Mix with a firm plastic or wooden spoon until smooth. After several weeks, when the top part of the
container gets crusty with dried starter, pour the starter into a clean jar.
TIMETABLE

If planning to feed and store the starter for 1 day before using, let it increase by about 1 1/2 times, 5
hours or so, then refrigerate.
If planning to feed and store the starter for 3 days before using, let it increase by about 1 1/4 times, 3

hours or so, then refrigerate.

If planning to store the starter for 1 week before using, let it increase just slightly, about 1 hour, then
refrigerate.
If planning to store the liquid starter for more than a week before using, you should convert it into a stiff
starter. To the 1 cup/8.5 ounces/240 grams of liquid starter, add 3/4 cup/4.25 ounces/120 grams flour.
You can then convert it back into a liquid starter by adding 1/2 cup/4.25 ounces/120 grams water.
OLD STARTERS

A starter is active, and ready to be used, when it will it at least double in size within 8 hours after it is
fed. Different starters will reach this point in different amounts of time, but if the starter cant double
itself, it surely wont raise your bread. However, if a starter has not been fed, it may still be possible to
restore it.
To Revive a Neglected Stiff Sourdough Starter
A stiff starter will probably keep for a month, refrigerated. If longer than that, to restore it to its original
potency, you will need to refresh (feed) it in the usual way, throwing out excess and doubling it every 24
hours until it can double in volume in 6 to 8 hours. Until that point, dont feed it more than every 24
hours, because the yeast needs a chance to multiply before the next feeding.
To Revive a Neglected Liquid Sourdough Starter
The standard technique for restoring an old liquid starter is first to pour off the liquid formed on the top
(which contains the alcohol waste produced by the yeast) and then to throw out all but 20 percent of
what remains. Put the remainder in a 1-quart canning jar and feed it equal weights flour and water to
double it (by volume, flour is 1 1/2 times water, so for every cup of starter, feed it 3/4 cup flour and 1/2
cup water) every 24 hours. When it comes close to the top of the jar, pour off half and continue feeding
it until it will double in volume in 6 to 8 hours.
Expanding a Sourdough Starter for Baking
The stored (refrigerated) starter needs to be fed flour and water to expand (increase) it to at least triple
its original size before using it, to keep it from being too acidic. I increase my starter by 8 times in two
stages, throwing out some after the first feeding so that I dont end up with a lot more than I need for the
amount of the final bread dough (see the recipe).
Expanding a Stiff Starter
The day before baking, first thing in the morning, give the starter its first feeding so that it can have its
second feeding by early afternoon and be ready to use to mix the dough by end of the day, or to rest
overnight and be used to mix the dough the next morning. Ideally, you want to use the starter at its peak,
when it is active but not deflated. (A stiff starter will stay at its peak for many hours. If the starter is
overly mature, most of the sugar in the flour will have been consumed by the yeast, which will result in
a paler crust (as there is less sugar to caramelize during baking) and less flavor in the baked bread. If it
is not mature enough, there will not be enough yeast, so it will take longer to raise the bread.

Expanding a Liquid Starter

If using a liquid starter, it is practical to do the first feeding 8 hours before the end of the day, then give
it the second feeding. It can then ferment and rise overnight at room temperature (70 to 80F) for about
10 to 12 hours.
HOW TO USE A SOURDOUGH STARTER IN PLACE OF COMMERCIAL YEAST IN OTHER RECIPES

If you enjoy the flavor that a sourdough starter adds to bread, you may want to convert some of your
favorite recipes so you can use it instead of commercial yeast.
When adding sourdough starter to a recipe, you are, of course, adding the flour and water, as well as
the wild yeast and bacteria, contained in the sourdough, so you need to reduce the amount of flour and
water in the rest of the recipe as appropriate and eliminate the commercial yeast (or reduce it to no more
than 0.2 percent of the total weight of the flour). When worked out by weight, this is a very easy
calculation. (If you have a liquid starter, convert it to a stiff starter.)
In order for the sourdough starter to be about 30 percent of the total flour and water component of
the finished dough, you need to:
1 > Total the weights of the flour and water in the recipe.
2 > Multiply the flour and water total by 30 percent to get the amount of starter needed.
3 > Since the starter is one-third water and two-thirds flour (by weight), divide the total amount of
starter by 3 to get the amount of water it contains and by 1 1/2 to get the flour. Subtract those amounts
from the total water and total flour in the dough.
EXAMPLE (GRAMS ARE USED BECAUSE IT IS EASIEST TO ILLUSTRATE)

Flour: 100 grams

Water: 68 grams
Salt: 3.7 grams
Yeast: 0.5 gram
Total flour and water equals 168 grams. The amount of starter at 30 percent of the total flour and
water (168 grams) would be 50.4 grams. Round it off to 50 grams. This is the amount of starter to
use.
The 50 grams of starter contains 16.6 grams water and 33.3 grams flour (its one-third water and
two-thirds flour, i.e., 1 part water to 2 parts flour) so those are the amounts you need to remove from the
rest of the recipe.
Subtract the 33.3 grams flour from the 100 grams of flour used in the recipe, for a total of 66.7
additional grams flour to be added to the starter.
Subtract the 16.6 grams from the 68 grams of water used in the recipe, for a total of 51.4 additional
grams of water to be added to the starter.
Eliminate the yeast, and the salt remains the same.
(Obviously there is no need to use a sponge starter, as the sourdough starter provides all the flavor
needed.) You can also replace the biga (and yeast) in a recipe with equal volume or weight of stiff
sourdough starter.

When to Add the Sourdough Starter

If mixing the dough by machine, it is best to mix the rest of the dough, (except the salt) and knead it for
3 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little. Allow it to rest (autolyse) for 20 minutes, then
knead in the sourdough starter. Add the salt after the sourdough starter is mixed into the dough, as direct
contact with salt is harmful to the yeast. In addition, the salt should be added at the end because it draws
water from the dough and causes the dough to become stiffer.
It is best to add the sourdough to the partially kneaded dough for two reasons. One is that the starter
has already been kneaded during feeding, so it requires less additional kneading. The other is that the
acidity of the starter softens the gluten-forming proteins of the dough, so its better to give them a
chance to develop first.
If mixing the dough by hand, it is easiest to add the starter in the beginning to the liquid in the recipe
to break it up. This ensures that it will incorporate it evenly into the dough.
THE 8 BASIC STEPS IN MAKING SOURDOUGH BREAD FROM A SOURDOUGH SEED STARTER (CULTURE)

The basic process of making sourdough bread involves feeding the yeast in a sourdough seed starter a
mixture of flour and water to make it active enough to raise the bread. The feeding is referred to as
refreshing when you are planning to store the sourdough seed starter for future use. It is referred to as
expanding when you are preparing the seed starter to make the sourdough bread.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Feed (refresh) some of the sourdough seed starter for future bread.
Feed (expand) some of the sourdough seed starter for the bread you are
making.
Feed (expand) the sourdough seed starter for this bread a second time.
Mix the dough.
Let the dough rise.
Shape the dough and let it rise.
Bake the bread.
Cool the bread.

POINTERS FOR SUCCESS IN MAKING SOURDOUGH

> When mixing the dough with the machine method, add a stiff sourdough starter before adding the
salt. Once the salt is added, the dough becomes firmer, so the starter would take longer to mix evenly
into the rest of the dough.
> Sourdough is a very sticky dough until the last few minutes of kneading. To prevent sticking, it
helps to use your fingertips, not the palms of your hands. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and
gather it together as you knead it.
> If measuring instead of weighing a stiff sourdough starter, the dough will measure more in a solid
measuring cup than it will in a liquid measuring cup.

> Round bannetons are baskets or containers with air holes used for shaping sourdough loaves while
rising, to give the soft, slack dough extra support. They can be beautiful willow baskets from France,
unlined or lined with coarse woven cloth, or they can even be plastic baskets or colanders lined with
clean kitchen towels. The unlined willow baskets will leave an attractive design on the crust of the
bread. It is important to have a container that allows the dough to breathe. Otherwise, the moisture of
the dough may cause it to stick to the cloth, and the dough will collapse and deflate when unmolded.
The recipes in this chapter all use an 8-inch round banneton. Larger bannetons or colanders can be used
for these amounts of dough, but when unmolding the dough before baking, you will need to support the
dough with a cardboard round or plate held against its surface so that it doesnt fall several inches,
which would make it deflate.
> Bread flour is used for making sourdough bread because it has higher gluten-forming protein
content than all-purpose flour and will give more structure to the loaf. The acidity of the sourdough
starter makes the dough very slack, and the extra structure provided by the bread flour helps to
counteract this and support the rise.
> Keep the shaped dough covered with oiled plastic wrap to prevent the outside from drying, which
would impede rising.
> Allow the shaped dough to proof just long enough so that it almost keeps a dent when pressed.
Overproofing may cause the dough to collapse and result in a pale crust and limited shelf life. Slight
underproofing is preferable. If significantly underproofed, however, the crust will burst open unevenly
during baking and the loaf will have less volume.
> Dont use a food processor to mix the dough for a sourdough bread, as the buildup of heat will
probably destroy the wild yeast sourdough culture. (Even 100F is hot enough to kill it.)
Using a Bread Machine for Sourdough
A bread machine can work very well to mix and knead one loaf of sourdough bread, but use only a
model that has a programmable dough feature that does not heat the bread during mixing.
To use a bread machine, if its been refrigerated, let the starter stand at room temperature for 1 hour
before mixing the dough.
Place the water and the flour called for in the bread machine bowl. Program the machine to a
manual cycle. After the 3-minute mix, immediately hit the pause button, so that the dough can rest 20
minutes for the autolyse. (Since pause is usually only 10 minutes, set a timer for 9 minutes so you can
press the button a second time, before the machine starts kneading the dough.) Add the salt when the
kneading cycle begins, at the end of the 20-minute pause. Scrape the corners of the bowl when flour or
dough collects in them during kneading. Allow the machine to knead the dough for about 1 minute.
Then add the stiff sourdough starter, torn into 4 pieces. Continue kneading for 7 minutes
UNDERSTANDING

The proportion of basic essential ingredients in sourdough breads falls into the range of 60.5 to 68
percent water, 15 to 40 percent dough starter, and 1.7 to 2.5 percent salt. These percentages (except for
the starter, which is based on the entire amount of flour and water in the recipe, including the dough
starter) are based on the Bakers Percentage, in which every ingredient is based on flour, which is given

the value of 100 percent.

Basic Sourdough Bread

This bread is as homespun as bread can get, using a stiff sourdough starter cultivated from wild yeast. It
has a characteristic sourdough profile: tangy, complex flavor; thin, crisp crust; and springy moist crumb
with uneven holes of moderate size.
I love this small loaf because of the size of the whole slices when cut. Also, for those who may have
just one banneton (dough-rising basket), I wanted to provide a recipe for just one loaf. A loaf of this size
is ideal for two people for three days, with a few slices to share with anyone who comes by to visit. If
your family is larger, you will want to double the recipe.
Sharing the sourdough starter for bread is a time-honored tradition around the world. I got my first
starter from Kurtis Baguley, a baker in San Francisco. And when my friend Angelica Pulvirenti asked
me for a bread recipe to use on her boyfriends boat, one that was easy and had good keeping qualities
(so it wouldnt mold from the humidity), I gave her this recipe and some of my starter to make it. She
was especially delighted because sharing a bread starter was a long-standing custom in a small village
near Ragusa, Sicily, where she grew up. She said that her mother, at the end of baking day, always
passed some of her unbaked bread dough to her friends. She loved the sense of community this
imparted and is thrilled that she and I are continuing it.
TIME SCHEDULE

Stiff Sourdough Starter: minimum 13 hours, maximum 34 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 9 hours
Oven Temperature: 475F, then 450F
Baking Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Makes: a 6-by-3 1/2-inch-high round loaf/about 15 ounces/430 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a heavy-duty mixer with dough hook attachment;

an 8-inch banneton OR small colander lined with a towel;
a half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or parchment;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Stiff Sourdough Starter

INGREDIENTS

sourdough starter
(for storing)
(for this bread)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/3 c
(scant 1/4 c)
(1 tbsp plus 2 tsp)

ounces
2 3/4 oz
(1.75 oz)
(1 scant oz)

gra
75
(50
(25

7 oz

200

3.5 oz

100

FLOUR AND WATER FOR FEEDING THE STARTER

bread flour
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

1 1/3 c, divided
1/2 c minus
1 tbsp, divided

The day before baking, first thing in the morning, feed (expand) the sourdough starter. (It will be
ready to use or to rest refrigerated overnight after about 14 hours.) Allow the starter to sit at room
temperature (70 to 80F) for 1 hour before feeding it.
The Storage Starter
First, feed (refresh) and store some of the sourdough seed starter for future batches of bread (you will
be increasing it by 2 1/2 times, from 50 grams to 125 grams):
Begin by tearing off a scant 1/4 cup (1.75 ounces/50 grams) of the starter. It will be soft and
stretchy. Place it in a small bowl.
Add 1/3 cup (1.75 ounces/50 grams) of the flour and 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons (1 scant
ounce/25 grams) of the water. With a wooden spoon and then your hand, mix and knead together until
all the flour is absorbed. The starter should be the consistency of a stiff biscuit dough. If after about 2
minutes of kneading there are still loose particles of flour, add water by the droplet. (Dont worry, too
much water wont hurt itbut during fermentation and resting, the dough becomes softer, and it is
easier to work with the starter when it is firm and not sticky, so you dont lose any on your fingers or the
bowl.)
Place this starter in a lightly oiled 1-cup storage container with a lid. Lightly oil the surface of the
starter. Allow the starter to start to ferment at warm room temperature (75 to 80F) before storing it in
the refrigerator. If you are planning to bake more bread soon, you want the starter to ferment longer at
room temperature so it will be more active sooner. If you are not planning to bake more bread for
several days, you want to slow down the fermentation by refrigerating it sooner so that the yeast doesnt
consume all the added flour.
If baking bread the next day or the day after feeding the starter, refrigerate the starter after 2 hours at

room temperature.
If baking bread 3 days after feeding the starter, refrigerate the starter after 1 hour at room
temperature.
If baking bread 1 week after feeding the starter, refrigerate the starter after 30 minutes at room
temperature.
The Starter for the Bread
1 > Give the starter the first feeding and allow it to ferment and rise (you will be increasing the
starter by 4 times, from 25 grams to 100 grams). Tear off a scant 2 tablespoons (1 scant ounce/25
grams) of the sourdough starter (discard any remaining starter) and place it in a small bowl.
Add 1/3 cup (1.75 ounces/50 grams) of the flour and 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons (1 scant
ounce/25 grams) of the water. With a wooden spoon and then your hand, mix and knead together until
all the flour is absorbed. If after about 2 minutes of kneading there are still loose particles of flour, add
water by the droplet. The starter should be a rough dough that is very stiff but holds together, with no
loose flour particles. It will measure a rounded 1/3 cup and weigh 3.5 ounces/100 grams.
Transfer the starter to an oiled 1-cup glass measure. Oil the top and press it down into the cup. It
should measure about 1/3 cup in the glass measure. Cover the measuring cup tightly with greased
plastic wrap and let rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until it has doubled, to 2/3 cup, 6 to 8 hours.
2 > Give the starter the second feeding and allow the yeast to ferment and rise (you will be
increasing it by 4 times, from 50 grams to 200 grams). Tear off a scant 1/4 cup (1.75 ounces/50
grams) of the starter and discard the remainder. Tear the starter into a few pieces and place in a
medium bowl. Add the remaining 2/3 cup (3.5 ounces/100 grams) flour and 3 1/2 tablespoons (1.75
ounces/50 grams) water. With a wooden spoon and then your hand, mix and knead together until all
the flour is absorbed. If after about 2 minutes of kneading there are still loose particles of flour, add
water by the droplet. The starter should be a rough dough that is very stiff but holds together, with no
loose flour particles. You will have a full 3/4 cup (7 ounces/200 grams).
Transfer the starter to an oiled 2-cup glass measure. Oil the top and press it down into the cup. It
should measure about 3/4 cup in the glass measure. Cover the measuring cup tightly with greased
plastic wrap and let rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until it has doubled, to 1 1/2 cups, about 6 hours.
Refrigerate the starter if you are not ready to mix the doughup to 20 hours.
Dough
INGREDIENTS

bread flour
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
stiff sourdough starter (from
above)
salt

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 1/4 c

ounces
7 oz

grams
200 g

2/3 liquid c

5.5 oz

154 g

5.25 oz

150 g

2/3 c
1 scant tsp

scant 0.25
oz

6 g

3 > Mix the dough.

Mixer Method
If you have refrigerated the starter, remove it to room temperature 1 hour before mixing the dough.
In the mixer bowl, place the flour. With the dough hook, on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid),
gradually add the water until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Continue kneading
on low speed for 3 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little. Scrape down any bits of
dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
With oiled fingers, tear off 2/3 cup (5.25 ounces/150 grams) of the starter; discard the rest. Tear it
into 4 pieces, roughly the same size. On low speed, knead it into the dough, about 2 minutes. Add the
salt and continue kneading for 1 minute. Raise the speed to medium (#4 KitchenAid) and knead for 3
minutes. The dough will be barely tacky (sticky), smooth, and very elastic. If it is still very sticky, knead
in a little flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray it with a little water and knead it. (The dough will measure
about 2 cups and weigh about 17.7 ounces/502 grams.)
Hand Method
If it has been refrigerated, remove the starter to room temperature 1 hour before mixing the dough.
With oiled fingers, tear off 2/3 cup (5.25 ounces/150 grams) of the starter; discard the rest. Tear it
into 4 pieces, roughly the same size, and place it in a mixing bowl.
With a wooden spoon, stir in the water, stirring for a few seconds to soften the starter, then add all
but 2 tablespoons of the flour and the salt. Continuing with the wooden spoon or using your hand, mix
until the flour is moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a
lightly floured counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little,
adding as little of the reserved 2 tablespoons flour as possible to keep it from sticking. (To prevent
sticking, it helps to use your fingertips, not the palms of your hands.) Use a bench scraper to scrape up
the dough and gather it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the
inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This rest will make the dough less sticky and easier to
work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 to 10 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should be
barely tacky (sticky) to the touch. If the dough is still very sticky, add some or all of the remaining
reserved flour or a little extra. (The dough will measure about 2 cups and weigh about 17.7 ounces/502
grams.)
Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 4-cup glass
measuring cup or 1-quart food storage container, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Press down
the dough so you can get an accurate measure, and lightly spray or oil the top. It will come to 2 cups.
Cover the measuring cup with plastic wrap; or cover the container with a lid and, with a piece of tape,
mark the side of the container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow
the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) for 1 hour. It will only have risen a little.
Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured counter. Gently push it down to deflate it, and stretch it into
a rectangle (the exact size is not important). Give it 2 business letter turns. It will be soft and stretchy
but a little firmer after each turn. Return the dough to the greased container and lightly spray or oil the
top. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and allow it to rise for another hour.

Stretch the dough again, give it 2 business letter turns, and return it to the container. Grease the top,
cover, and allow it to rise until doubled, to 4 cups (1 quart), 4 to 5 hours.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Without deflating it, turn the dough out onto a floured counter and
round it into a ball (see Illustrations for Shaping a Round Loaf). Set it in a floured banneton or a
colander lined with a floured towel, seam side up. Pinch together the seam if it starts to pull apart. In the
banneton, the dough will be about 2 inches from the top.
Spray the dough with oil or sprinkle lightly with flour and cover it with a large container or plastic
wrap. Let the dough rise ideally at (75 to 80F.) until almost doubled, 3 to 4 hours. When it is pressed
gently with a fingertip, the depression will very slowly fill in. In the banneton, the center of the dough
will be 3/4 to 1 inch from the top.
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place an oven stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of the
oven, before preheating.
7 > Slash and bake the dough. Very gently invert the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. (If you are
using a colander and the risen bread is more than 1 inch below the top, you will need to support the
bread when inverting it so that it doesnt fall and deflate. Cut a cardboard circle small enough to fit into
the colander and touch the surface of the bread. Place a piece of parchment on top of the bread, place
the cardboard on top, and invert it onto the cardboard. Then slide the bread, still on the parchment, onto
the baking sheet.) For a more evenly rounded bread, its fine to leave the dough unslashed. If you like
the rustic appearance of a slashed top crust, with sharp scissors, sharp knife, or a single-edged razor
blade, slash a 1/4-inch-deep cross in the dough. Because the skin of the dough is very dry, it will be
difficult to slash; use a gentle hand so as not to deflate the dough.
Quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of
ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 5 minutes. Lower the oven to
450F and continue baking for 10 minutes. With a heavy pancake turner, lift the bread from the pan and
set it directly on the stone, turning it around as you do so for even baking. Continue baking for 10 to 15
minutes or until the crust is deeply burnished and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean (an
instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 212F). For a very crisp crust, prop the
open door slightly ajar for the last 5 minutes of baking.
8 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven, and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
VARIATIONS

Quicker Sourdough Bread (with added commercial yeast) If your schedule requires speeding up the
process (by about 25 percent), or if you feel more secure with the added reliability of commercial yeast,
you can add up to 0.06 percent of the total weight of the flour in this recipe (including the flour
contained in the starter). The total weight is 300 grams; 0.06 percent of 300 grams is about 0.2 gram or
about 1/16 teaspoon instant yeast. This should be added after the autolyse (the 20-minute rest before the
final mixing). At this low a percentage, it will not affect the acidity or flavor of the sourdough, but if it
were added at the beginning, the commercial yeast would likely be killed by the acidity of the
sourdough starter.

Basic Sourdough Bread with Extra Flavor and Keeping Quality If desired, you can replace 2
tablespoons (0.7 ounce/20 grams) of the bread flour with an equal measure or weight of whole wheat,
kamut, or rye flour. (This is 6.5 percent of the total amount of flour in the recipe.)
French Country Boule Reduce the bread flour in the dough to 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (4.5
ounces/130 grams) and add 1/3 cup (1.5 ounces/40 grams) medium rye flour and 3 tablespoons (1
ounce/30 grams) whole wheat flour. Also add 1 tablespoon of water.
ALTERING THE PERCENTAGE OF STARTER

In a very cold room, when yeast will take a long time to ferment, or a very warm one, when yeast will
take a shorter time to ferment, you may want to adjust the amount of sourdough starter used in the
dough.
To reduce the amount of stiff sourdough starter from 30 percent to 20 percent:
Reduce the starter to a rounded 1/3 cup (3.5 ounces/100 grams). To the rest of the dough, add 1 full
tablespoon (about 1 ounce/16.6 grams) water and 3 1/2 tablespoons (1 full ounce/33.3 grams) flour.
To increase the amount of stiff sourdough starter from 30 percent to 40 percent:
Increase the starter to a full 3/4 cup (7 ounces/200 grams). From the rest of the dough, subtract 1 full
tablespoon (about 1 ounce/16.6 grams) water and 3 1/2 tablespoons (1 full ounce/33.3 grams) flour.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> If you need more starterto make 2 loaves at once, for examplein Step 2, rather than discarding
half, use the full 100 grams and increase it to 400 grams.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Dough starter:
Salt:

100%
68%
30%
2%

Sourdough Rye

It is amazing how the flavor of a sourdough starter intensifies and enhances the unique flavor of rye
bread. Another benefit of the sourdough culture is that it keeps this bread fresh and moist for up to 5
days at room temperature. As long as I have an active sourdough starter handy, this is my first choice of
rye bread to bake.
TIME SCHEDULE

Stiff Sourdough Starter: minimum 13 hours, maximum 34 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 8 1/2 hours
Oven Temperature: 450F, then 400F
Baking Time: 45 minutes
Makes: an 8-by-4-inch-high round loaf/about 1 pound, 7.5 ounces/846 grams

Equipment:
a heavy-duty mixer with dough hook attachment;
a half sheet pan sprinkled with cornmeal or lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or
parchment;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Stiff Sourdough Starter

INGREDIENTS

sourdough starter
(for storing)
(for this bread)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/3 c
(scant 1/4 c)
(1 tbsp plus 2 tsp)

ounces
2.75 oz
(1.75 oz)
(1 scant oz)

grams
75 g
(50 g)
(25 g)

about 2 c

10.6 oz

300 g

about 2/3 liquid c

5.3 oz

150 g

FLOUR AND WATER FOR FEEDING THE SEED STARTER

bread flour
water, at room
temperature (70 to
90F)

The day before baking, first thing in the morning, feed (expand) the sourdough starter. (It will be
ready to use or to rest refrigerated overnight after about 14 hours.) Allow the starter to sit at room
temperature (70 to 80F) for 1 hour before feeding it.
The Storage Starter
First, feed (refresh) and store some of the starter for future batches of bread (you will be increasing it by
2 1/2 times, from 50 grams to 125 grams):
Begin by tearing off a scant 1/4 cup (1.75 ounces/50 grams) of the seed starter. It will be soft and
stretchy. Place it in a small bowl.
Add 1/3 cup (1.75 ounces/50 grams) of the flour and 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons (1 scant
ounce/25 grams) of the water. With a wooden spoon and then your hand, mix and knead together until
all the flour is absorbed. The starter should be the consistency of a stiff biscuit dough. If after about 2
minutes of kneading there are still loose particles of flour, add water by the droplet. (Dont worry, too
much water wont hurt itbut during fermentation and resting, the dough becomes softer, and it is
easier to work with the starter when it is firm and not sticky, so you dont lose any on your fingers or the

bowl.)
Place this starter in a lightly oiled 1-cup storage container with a lid. Lightly oil the surface of the
starter. Allow the starter to start to ferment at warm room temperature (75 to 80F) before storing it in
the refrigerator. If you are planning to bake more bread soon, you want the starter to ferment longer at
room temperature so it will be more active sooner. If you are not planning to bake more bread for
several days, you want to slow down the fermentation by refrigerating it sooner so that the yeast doesnt
consume all the added flour.
If baking bread the next day or the day after feeding the starter, refrigerate the starter after 2 hours at
room temperature.
If baking bread 3 days after feeding the starter, refrigerate the starter after 1 hour at room
temperature.
If baking bread 1 week after feeding the starter, refrigerate the starter after 30 minutes at room
temperature.
The Starter for the Bread
1 > Give the starter the first feeding and allow it to ferment and rise (you will be increasing the
starter by 4 times, from 25 grams to 100 grams). Tear off a scant 2 tablespoons (1 scant ounce/25
grams) of the sourdough seed starter (discard any remaining starter) and place it in a small bowl.
Add 1/3 cup (1.75 ounces/50 grams) of the flour and 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons (1 scant
ounce/25 grams) of the water. With a wooden spoon and then your hand, mix and knead together until
all the flour is absorbed. If after about 2 minutes of kneading there are still loose particles of flour, add
water by the droplet. The starter should be a rough dough that is very stiff but holds together, with no
loose flour particles. It will measure a rounded 1/3 cup and weigh 3.5 ounces/100 grams.
Transfer the starter to an oiled 1-cup glass measure. Oil the top and press it down into the cup. It
should measure about 1/3 cup in the glass measure. Cover the measuring cup tightly with greased
plastic wrap and let rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until it has doubled, to 2/3 cup, 6 to 8 hours.
2 > Give the starter the second feeding and allow the yeast to ferment and rise (you will be
increasing it by 4 times, from 100 grams to 400 grams). Tear off a scant 1/2 cup (3.5 ounces/100
grams) of the starter and discard the remainder. Tear the starter into a few pieces and place in a
medium bowl.
Add the remaining 1 1/4 cups plus 1/2 tablespoon (7 ounces/200 grams) flour and scant 1/2 cup
(3.5 ounces/100 grams) water. With a wooden spoon and then your hand, mix and knead together until
all the flour is absorbed. If after about 2 minutes of kneading there are still loose particles of flour, add
water by the droplet. The starter should be a rough dough that is very stiff but holds together with no
loose flour particles. You will have a full 1 1/2 cups (14 ounces/400 grams).
Transfer the starter to an oiled 4-cup glass measure. Oil the top and press it down into the cup. It
should measure about 1 1/2 cups in the glass measure. Cover the measuring cup tightly with greased
plastic wrap and let rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until it doubled, to 3 cups, about 6 hours. Refrigerate
the starter if you are not ready to mix the doughup to 18 hours.
Dough
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

bread flour
medium rye flour
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
stiff sourdough starter (from
above)
caraway seeds
salt

about 1 1/2 c
3/4 c

about 8 oz
3.3 oz

230 g
95 g

1 liquid c

about 8 oz

232 g

1 1/2 c
2 tbsp
1/2 tbsp

12.7 oz
0.5 oz
0.3 oz

360 g
14 g
10.5 g

3 > Mix the dough.

Mixer Method
If you have refrigerated the starter, remove it to room temperature 1 hour before mixing the dough.
In the mixer bowl, place the flours. With the dough hook, on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid),
gradually add the water until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Continue kneading
on low speed for 3 minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little. Scrape down any bits of
dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
With oiled fingers, tear off 1 1/2 cups (12.7 ounces/360 grams) of the starter; discard the rest. Tear it
into 4 pieces, roughly the same size. On low speed (#2 KitchenAid), knead it into the dough, about 2
minutes. Add the caraway seeds and salt and knead for 1 minute. Raise the speed to medium (#4
KitchenAid) and knead for 3 minutes. The dough will be barely tacky (sticky), smooth, and very elastic.
If it is still very sticky, knead in a little flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray it with a little water and
knead it. (The dough will measure a little under 4 cups and weigh about 33 ounces/940 grams.)
Hand Method
If it has been refrigerated, remove the starter to room temperature 1 hour before mixing the dough.
With oiled fingers, tear off 1 1/2 cups (12.7 ounces/360 grams) of the starter; discard the rest. Tear it
into 4 pieces, roughly the same size, and place it in a mixing bowl.
With a wooden spoon, stir in the water, stirring for a few seconds to soften the starter, then add all
but 2 tablespoons of the flour, the caraway seeds, and salt. Continuing with the wooden spoon or using
your hand, mix until the flour is moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then
scrape it onto a lightly floured counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, enough to develop the gluten
structure a little, adding as little of the reserved 2 tablespoons flour as possible to keep it from sticking.
(To prevent sticking, it helps to use your fingertips, not the palms of your hands.) Use a bench scraper to
scrape up the dough and gather it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it
with the inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This rest will make the dough less sticky and
easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 to 10 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should be
barely tacky (sticky) to the touch. If the dough is still very sticky, add some or all of the remaining
reserved flour, or a little extra. (The dough will measure a little under 4 cups and weigh about 33
ounces/940 grams.)
Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 2-quart dough-

rising container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Press down the dough so you can get
an accurate measure, and lightly spray or oil the top. It will come to a little under 1 quart. Cover with a
lid or plastic wrap and, with a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where
double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) for 1 hour. It
will only have risen a little.
Scrape the dough out onto a lightly floured counter. Gently push it down to deflate it and stretch it
into a rectangle. Give it 2 business letter turns. It will be soft and stretchy but a little firmer after each
turn. Return the dough to the greased container and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container with
a lid or plastic wrap and allow it to rise for another hour.
Stretch the dough again, give it 2 business letter turns, and return it to the container. Grease the top,
cover, and allow it rise until doubled, to almost 2 quarts, 3 1/2 to 5 hours.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured counter and press it down to
flatten it slightly without deflating it. Round the dough into a ball about 6 inches by 3 inches high and
set it on the prepared baking sheet. Cover it with a large container or oiled plastic wrap. Let the shaped
dough rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until almost doubled, 3 to 4 hours. It will be about 7 1/2 inches by 3
inches high, when it is pressed gently with a fingertip, the depression will very slowly fill in.
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 450F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place an oven stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of the
oven, before preheating.
7 > Slash and bake the dough. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, slash a 1/4- to 1/2-inchdeep cross in the dough. Quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot baking stone or hot baking
sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 5 minutes.
Lower the oven to 400F and continue baking for 15 minutes. With a heavy pancake turner, lift the
bread from the pan and set it directly on the stone, turning it around as you do so for even baking.
Continue baking for 35 minutes or until the crust is tawny brown and a skewer inserted in the middle
comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 190F). For a very
crisp crust, prop the oven door slightly ajar for the last 5 minutes of baking.
8 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
VARIATIONS
USING A LIQUID SOURDOUGH STARTER

If you have a liquid sourdough starter, its easy to make it into a stiff sourdough starter for this recipe;
see instructions. Then allow it to sit until doubled, 6 to 8 hours, and use it in place of the stiff sourdough
starter, starting at Step 2, the first feeding.
Quicker Sourdough Rye (using added commercial yeast) If your schedule requires speeding up the
process (by about 25 percent), or if you feel more secure with the added reliability of commercial yeast,
it you can add up to 0.06 percent of the total weight of the flour in this recipe (including the flour
contained in the starter). The total weight is 565 grams; 0.06 percent of 565 grams is about 0.3 grams or
about a full 1/16 teaspoon instant yeast. This should be added after the autolyse (the 20-minute rest
before the final mixing). At this low a percentage, it will not affect the acidity or flavor of the

sourdough, but if it were added at the beginning, the commercial yeast would likely be killed by the
acidity of the sourdough.
ALTERING THE PERCENTAGE OF STARTER

The amount of sourdough starter in this recipe is 39.25 percent of the total flour and water (including
what is contained in the starter). In warmer months, you may want to decrease the starter to 30 percent
so that the dough rises more slowly, for maximum flavor. (I would not decrease it to less than 30
percent, as the sour flavor is so desirable in this bread.)
To reduce the amount of stiff sourdough starter to 30 percent:
Reduce the starter to a full cup (9.7 ounces/275 grams). To the rest of the dough, add 2 tablespoons
(1 ounce/28 grams) water and 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (2 ounces/56.6 grams) flour.
EXTRA RYE FLOUR BREAD

For those who prefer a more intense rye flavor and more compact texture, all you need to do is convert
your sourdough starter to a rye sourdough starter and you will have a bread that is 42 percent rye. (Note
that using more than 20 percent rye flour requires the use of a sourdough rye starter, because the acidity
of the sourdough is necessary to keep the crumb from getting sticky due to the pentosans in the rye
flour.)
To convert the sourdough starter to a sourdough rye starter, simply feed it medium rye flour instead
of bread flour. You will need a few extra drops of water to achieve a smooth consistency. It will take 9
feedings until you have replaced all the white flour in the starter with rye. (You can do the feedings
every 12 hours, leaving the starter at room temperature, or more gradually, refrigerating the starter as
per the chart.) Then use this starter to make the Sourdough Rye. When making the bread, feed the starter
only medium rye flour, but in the dough, omit the 3/4 cups of rye flour, and use a total of 2 cups plus 1
tablespoon (11.5 ounces/325 grams) of bread flour. The dough will rise much more quickly using this
high a percentage of rye flour (about 2 hours after the first 2 business letter turns and about 2 1/2 hours
after shaping).
UNDERSTANDING

This is the same basic recipe as the Levys Real Jewish Rye Bread, but I left out the sugar, malt, oil,
and commercial yeast because the sourdough starter provides the complexity of flavor and moistness
these ingredients added.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Dough starter:
Salt:

100% (bread: 83.1%, rye: 16.9%)

62.9%
39.25%
1.9%

Sourdough Pumpernickel

Most recipes for pumpernickel bread (including the Authentic Pumpernickel Bread) use a little vinegar

to replicate the underlying sour taste of the Old World pumpernickel bread made with sourdough starter,
like this one. This is basically the identical recipe to the one using packaged yeast but in its place I use
sourdough starter. I do omit the oil, because the sourdough starter produces enough moist elasticity in
the dough. You can also omit the coffee and cocoa and still have a fabulous pumpernickel, because the
sourdough gives the bread so much flavor dimension.
This heavy dough takes longer than most other sourdoughs to rise, so if your schedule does not
allow for this extra time, see the added commercial yeast variation below.
This bread has fantastic keeping qualities. I discovered this when I sent my father and aunt Ruth
three trial slices in a padded envelope (to test the water before committing to the expense of FedExing a
whole loaf). It somehow took an entire week to get from New York City to Pompano Beach, Florida,
but, according to my father, it was still perfectly moist and fresh.
TIME SCHEDULE

Stiff Sourdough Starter: minimum 13 hours, maximum 34 hours

Minimum Rising Time: about 12 hours
Oven Temperature: 400F, then 375F
Baking Time: 35 to 40 minutes
Makes: a 7 1/2-by-4-inch-high round loaf/about 1 pound, 13.75 ounces/846 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a heavy-duty mixer with dough hook attachment;

a half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or parchment;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Stiff Sourdough Starter

INGREDIENTS

sourdough starter
(for storing)
(for this bread)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/3 c
(scant 1/4 c)
(1 tbsp plus 2 tsp)

ounces
2 3/4 oz
(1 3/4 oz)
(scant 1 oz)

grams
75 g
(50 g)
(25 g)

about 2 c

10.6 oz

300 g

about 2/3 liquid c

5.3 oz

150 g

FLOUR AND WATER FOR FEEDING THE SEED STARTER

bread flour
water, at room temperature

(70 to 90F)
The day before baking, first thing in the morning, feed (expand) the sourdough starter. (It will be
ready to use or to rest refrigerated overnight after about 14 hours.) Allow the starter to sit at room
temperature (70 to 80F) for 1 hour before feeding it.
The Storage Starter
First, feed (refresh) and store some of the starter for future batches of bread dough (you will be
increasing it by 2 1/2 times from 50 grams to 125 grams):
Begin by tearing off a scant 1/4 cup (1.75 ounces/50 grams) of the starter. It will be soft and
stretchy. Place it in a small bowl.
Add 1/3 cup (1.75 ounces/50 grams) of the flour and 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons (1 scant
ounce/25 grams) of the water. With a wooden spoon and then your hand, mix and knead together until
all the flour is absorbed. The dough should be the consistency of a stiff biscuit dough. If after about 2
minutes of kneading there are still loose particles of flour, add water by the droplet. (Dont worry, too
much water wont hurt it but during fermentation and resting, the dough becomes softer and it is easier
to work with the starter when it is firm and not sticky, so you dont lose any on your fingers or the
bowl.)
Place this starter in a lightly oiled 1-cup storage container with a lid. Lightly oil the surface of the
starter. Allow the starter to start to ferment at warm room temperature (75 to 80F) before storing it in
the refrigerator. If you are planning to bake more bread soon, you want the starter to ferment longer at
room temperature so it will be more active sooner. If you are not planning to bake more bread for
several days, you want to slow down the fermentation by refrigerating it sooner so that the yeast doesnt
consume all the added flour.
If baking bread the next day or the day after feeding the starter, refrigerate the starter after 2 hours at
room temperature.
If baking bread 3 days after feeding the starter, refrigerate the starter after 1 hour at room
temperature.
If baking bread 1 week after feeding the starter, refrigerate the starter after 30 minutes at room
temperature.
The Starter for the Bread
1 > Give the starter the first feeding and allow it to ferment and rise (you will be increasing the
starter by 4 times, from 25 grams to 100 grams). Tear off a scant 2 tablespoons (1 scant ounce/25
grams) of the sourdough seed starter (discard any remaining starter) and place it in a small bowl.
Add 1/3 cup (1.75 ounces/50 grams) of the flour and 1 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons (1 scant
ounce/25 grams) of the water. With a wooden spoon and then your hand, mix and knead together until
all the flour is absorbed. If after about 2 minutes of kneading there are still loose particles of flour, add
water by the droplet. The starter should be a rough dough that is very stiff but holds together, with no
loose flour particles. It will measure a rounded 1/3 cup and weigh 3.5 ounces/100 grams.
Transfer the starter to an oiled 1-cup glass measure. Oil the top and press it down into the cup. It
should measure about 1/3 cup in the glass measure. Cover the measuring cup tightly with greased
plastic wrap and let rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) or until it has doubled, to 2/3 cup, 6 to 8 hours.

2 > Give the starter the second feeding and allow the yeast to ferment and rise (you will be
increasing it by 4 times, from 100 grams to 400 grams). Tear off a scant 1/2 cup (3.5 ounces/100
grams) of the starter and discard the remainder. Tear the starter into a few pieces and place in a
medium bowl.
Add the remaining 1 1/4 cups plus 1/2 tablespoon (7 ounces/200 grams) flour and scant 1/2 cup
(3.5 ounces/100 grams) water. With a wooden spoon and then your hand, mix and knead together until
all the flour is absorbed. If after about 2 minutes of kneading there are still loose particles of flour, add
water by the droplet. The starter should be a rough dough that is very stiff but holds together with no
loose flour particles. You will have a full 1 1/2 cup (14 ounces/400 grams).
Transfer the starter to an oiled 4-cup glass measure. Oil the top and press it down into the cup. It
should measure about 1 1/2 cups in the glass measure. Cover the measuring cup tightly with greased
plastic wrap and let rise (ideally at 75 to 80F). Or until it has doubled, to 3 cups about 6 hours.
Refrigerate the starter if you are not ready to mix the doughup to 18 hours.
The Dough
INGREDIENTS

stiff sourdough starter (from

above)
bread flour
pumpernickel flour
malt powder or
barley malt syrup or honey or
sugar
vital wheat gluten
caramel powder
cocoa
sugar
instant espresso powder
caraway seeds
molasses
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
salt

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 c plus
2 tbsp
3/4 c plus
2 tbsp
1 c

ounces

grams

9.5 oz

270 g

4.7 oz

134 g

2 tbsp
2 tbsp
2 tbsp
1 tbsp
1 tsp
1/2 tbsp
1 tbsp

5 oz
0.3 oz
0.7 oz
0.5 oz
0.6 oz
0.6 oz
scant 0.5 oz
scant 0.5 oz
--0.7 oz

142 g
9.3 g
21 g
12.5 g
18 g
18 g
12 g
12.5 g
1.5 g
3.5 g
22 g

3/4 liquid c

about 6 oz

173 g

1 3/4 tsp plus

1/8 tsp

--

12.3 g

1 tbsp

3 > Mix the dough.

Mixer Method
If you have refrigerated the starter, remove it to room temperature 1 hour before mixing the dough.
In the mixer bowl, whisk together the bread flour, pumpernickel flour, malt (or honey or sugar), vital

wheat gluten, caramel powder, cocoa, sugar, instant espresso powder, and caraway seeds. Add the
molasses. With the dough hook, on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid), gradually add the water until
the flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Continue kneading on low speed for 3 minutes,
enough to develop the gluten structure a little. Scrape down any bits of dough. Cover the bowl with
plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
With oiled fingers, tear off 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (9.5 ounces/270 grams) of the sourdough
starter; discard the rest. Tear it into 4 pieces, roughly the same size. On low speed (#2 KitchenAid),
knead it into the dough, about 2 minutes. Add the salt and continue kneading for 1 minute. Raise the
speed to medium (#4 KitchenAid) and knead for 3 minutes. It will be barely tacky (sticky), smooth, and
very elastic. If it is still very sticky, knead in a little flour. If it is not at all sticky, spray it with a little
water and knead it. The dough should be very smooth and firm. (The dough will measure about 3 cups
and weigh about 29.5 ounces/835 grams.)
Hand Method
If it has been refrigerated, remove the starter to room temperature 1 hour before mixing the dough.
In a medium bowl, whisk together all but 2 tablespoons of the bread flour, the pumpernickel flour,
malt (or honey or sugar), vital wheat gluten, caramel powder, cocoa, sugar, instant espresso powder,
caraway seeds, and salt. Set aside.
With oiled fingers, tear off 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons (9.5 ounces/270 grams) of the sourdough
starter; discard the rest. Tear it into 4 pieces, roughly the same size, and place in a large mixing bowl.
With a wooden spoon, stir in the water, stirring for a few seconds to soften the starter. Add the
molasses, then gradually stir in the flour mixture, mixing until the flour is moistened. Knead the dough
in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured counter. Knead the dough for 5
minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little, adding as little of the reserved 2 tablespoons
flour as possible to keep it from sticking. (To prevent sticking, it helps to use your fingertips, not the
palms of your hands.) Use a bench scraper to scrape up the dough and gather it together as you knead it.
At this point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes.
(This rest will make the dough less sticky and easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 to 10 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should be
barely tacky (sticky) to the touch. If the dough is still very sticky, add some or all of the remaining
reserved flour. The dough should be very smooth and firm. (The dough will measure about 3 cups and
weigh about 29.5 ounces/835 grams.)
Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 2-quart doughrising container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Press down the dough so you can get
an accurate measure, and lightly spray or oil the top. It will come to 3 cups. Cover with a lid or plastic
wrap and, with a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately double the height the
dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) for 1 hour. It will only have risen a
little.
Scrape the dough out onto a lightly floured counter. Push it down to deflate it, and roll it into a
rectangle (the exact size doesnt matter). (This is stiff, not very stretchy, dough, so rolling it with a pin is
better than stretching or pressing it with your hand.) Give it 1 business letter turn; it will be a little
firmer after the turn. Return the dough to the greased container and grease the top lightly with cooking

spray or oil. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and allow it to rise for another hour.
Rolling the dough again, give it 1 business letter turn, and return it to the container. Grease the top,
cover it, and allow rise until doubled, to 6 cups, 6 to 8 hours.
5 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and press it
down to flatten it slightly. Round the dough into a ball about 6 inches by 3 inches high (see Illustrations
for Shaping a Round Loaf) and set it on the prepared baking sheet. Cover it with a large container or
oiled plastic wrap. Let the dough rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until almost doubled, 4 to 5 hours. It will
be about 7 inches by 3 inches high, and when it is pressed gently with a fingertip the depression will
very slowly fill in.
Optional Shiny Glaze
Makes: full 1/4 cup (enough for 2 loaves)
INGREDIENTS

water
cornstarch
Optional:
sesame seeds, preferably raw

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/4 c plus
2 tbsp, separated
1/2 tbsp

ounces

grams

--

--

--

--

1/2 tbsp

--

--

6 > Prepare the optional glaze. In a small saucepan, bring the 1/4 cup water to a boil. Meanwhile,
whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons water and the cornstarch. When the water is boiling, whisk
in the cornstarch mixture. Return it to a boil, whisking constantly until it thickens and turns translucent.
Remove from the heat. (The glaze can be made ahead, cooled, and covered; reheat before using).
7 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 400F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place an oven stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of the
oven, before preheating.
8 > Slash and bake the dough. Brush the glaze on the bread, coating the entire surface. Cover the
remaining glaze and set aside. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, slash a 1/4- to 1/2-inchdeep cross in the dough.
Quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of
ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 5 minutes. Lower the oven to
375F and continue baking for 15 minutes. With a heavy pancake turner, lift the bread from the pan and
set it directly on the stone, turning it around as you do so for even baking. Continue baking for 35
minutes or until the crust is dark brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instantread thermometer inserted into the center will read about 190F). For a very crisp crust, prop the oven
door slightly ajar for the last 5 minutes of baking.
9 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Brush it with a
second coat of the glaze and allow it to cool completely.
VARIATIONS

USING A LIQUID SOURDOUGH STARTER

If you have a liquid sourdough starter, its easy to make it into a stiff sourdough starter for this recipe;
see instructions. Then allow it to sit until doubled, 6 to 8 hours, and use it in place of the stiff sourdough
starter, starting at Step #2.
Quicker Sourdough Pumpernickel (using added commercial yeast) If your schedule requires speeding
up the process (by about 25 percent), or if you feel more secure with the added reliability of commercial
yeast, you can add up to 0.06 percent of the total weight of the flour in this recipe (including the flour
contained in the starter). The total weight is 474 grams; 0.06 percent of 474 grams is almost 0.3 gram or
about a full 1/16 teaspoon instant yeast. This should be added after the autolyse (the 20-minute rest
before the final dough mixing). At this low a percentage, it will not affect the acidity or flavor of the
sourdough, but if it were added at the beginning, the commercial yeast would likely be killed by the
acidity of the sourdough starter.
Raisin Pumpernickel In a small bowl, place 1 cup (5 ounces/144 grams) of raisins and add 1/3 cup hot
water. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit until softened, stirring once, for 30 minutes. (Dont soak
longer, or the raisins will lose their texture.) Drain the raisins, reserving the liquid in a 1-cup liquid
measure. (You should have about 1/4 cup.) Use this water to replace 1/4 cup of the water in the recipe.
After the dough is mixed, allow it to rest, covered, for 10 minutes to relax the gluten. Then roll it
into a rectangle about 10 inches by 15 inches. Sprinkle it with the raisins, and, starting from a short end,
roll it up. Knead it for a few minutes to incorporate the raisins evenly. The dough will measure 3 1/2
cups instead of 3 cups.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS
> The amount of stiff sourdough starter in this recipe is 37.5 percent. I dont decrease it in warmer
months, because I dont want to diminish the sour flavor in this bread. Also, the density of the dough
causes it to rise more slowly than most other sourdough breads.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Dough starter:
Salt:

100% (bread: 66.1%, coarse rye: 30.1%, vital wheat

gluten: 3.8%)
60.5%
37.5%
2.6%

Sourdough Wheat Bread with Seeds

I fell head over heels in love with this rustic bread at my first dinner at The French Laundry restaurant
in Yountville, California, in Napa Valley. I discovered that it was made by a bakery in nearby Petaluma
called Della Fattoria. It is down-to-earth, dense, wheaty, crunchy with seeds, and wonderfully
wholesome, with a distinctly sour depth of flavor, and it wholly holds its own against the imaginatively
refined cuisine of Thomas Keller. I was sure Id never succeed in getting the recipe and would have
been perfectly content to buy the bread, but since distance made this impractical, I begged for the
recipe. Since bread bakers are the most generous human beings on earth, particularly Della Fattoria
baker Kathleen Weber, she FedExed me not only several loaves of the bread and the detailed recipe, but
also the flours and some of the actual starter she had created for it. Knowing how afraid I was at the
time of making bread with only a wild yeast starter and no added yeast, she wrote these loving words of
encouragement: Dont worry, just fuss over it a little bit and tell it what a wonderful piece of magic it
is, and that in fact you expect it to turn straw into gold. After all, this is alchemy. And please dont
worry. Remember, there is plenty of starter where that came from. Kathleen feels that a bread made
with no commercial yeast will taste more rich and nutty rather than sour.
The La Cloche Bread Baker (see Equipment) simulates the bakerys enviable brick ovens built by
Kathleens husband, Ed, and creates its most beautiful golden color. This was the first bread I made
using no commercial yeast, and watching it rise to perfection was like flying to the moon and being at
one with the universe.
TIME SCHEDULE

Stiff Sourdough Starter: about 36 hours

Minimum Rising Time: 5 hours
Oven Temperature: 450F, then 400F (if using La Cloche, 475F, then 450F)
Baking Time: 25 to 35 minutes
Makes: two 9-by-5 3/4-by-3-inch-high loaves, 1 3/4 pounds/795 grams each
EQUIPMENT:

2 La Cloche Bread Bakers OR 1 La Cloche Bread Baker and a baking sheet, OR 1 half sheet pan,
all lined with nonstick liners such as Silpain or parchment, and/or sprinkled with flour or
cornmeal;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Whole Wheat Stiff Sourdough Starter

INGREDIENTS

stiff sourdough starter

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/2 c minus
1 tbsp

ounces

grams

3.75 oz

106 g

1 full c
4 1/2 tbsp

6 oz
1 1/2 oz

168 g
42 g

about 1/2 liquid c

3 3/4 oz

102 g

FLOUR AND WATER FOR FEEDING THE STARTER

bread flour
whole wheat flour
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

Two nights before baking day, remove the starter from the refrigerator and let it sit overnight in a
cool place (60 to 70F).
The day before baking, first thing in the morning, expand (feed) the dough starter.
1 > Give the starter the first feeding (you will be increasing it by 2 times, from 106 grams to 212
grams. Place the starter in a small bowl.
Add: about 5 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons (2 ounces/56 grams) of the bread flour, 1 1/2
tablespoons (1/2 ounce/14 grams) of the whole wheat flour, and 2 1/2 tablespoons (1.25 ounce/36
grams) of the water. With a wooden spoon and then your hand, mix and knead together until all the
flour is absorbed. The dough should be the consistency of a stiff biscuit dough. If after about 2 minutes
of kneading there are still loose particles of flour, add water by the droplet. (Dont worry, too much
water wont hurt itbut during fermentation and resting the dough becomes softerits easier to work
with the starter when it is firm and not sticky so you dont lose any on your fingers or the work bowl.)
Cover tightly and allow it to sit at room temperature 8 to 12 hours. It will have puffed slightly. Proceed
to Step 2.
(Note: to store the starter for future baking at this point, rather than making the bread now: place the
starter into a oiled 1-cup storage container and oil the top of the dough. Cover tightly with a lid. Allow
the starter to ferment at warm room temperature [75 to 80F] for 30 minutes if planning to store for 1
week, 1 hour if planning to store for 3 days, or 2 hours if planning to bake within 2 days. Then
refrigerate until ready to proceed.)
2 > That night, give the starter the second feeding and allow it to ferment and rise (you will be
increasing the starter by 2 times, from 212 grams to 424 grams). Tear off 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons
(7.5 ounces/212 grams) of the starter; discard the rest. Place the starter in a medium bowl.
Add the remaining scant 3/4 cup (4 ounces/112 grams) bread flour, 3 tablespoons (1 ounce/28

grams) whole wheat flour, and 1/3 liquid cup (2 1/2 ounce/72 grams) water. With a wooden spoon
and then your hand, mix and knead it together until all the flour is absorbed. If after about 2 minutes of
kneading there are still loose particles of flour, add water by the droplet. The starter should be a rough
dough that is very stiff but holds together with no loose flour particles. It will measure about 1 3/4 cups
and weigh 15 ounces/424 grams.
Save some of the starter for future baking:
Tear off 1/2 cup minus 1 tablespoon (3 3/4 ounces/106 grams) of the stiff sourdough starter. Place
this starter in a lightly oiled 1-cup storage container with a lid. Lightly oil the surface of the starter.
Allow the starter to start to ferment at warm room temperature (75 to 80F) before storing it in the
refrigerator. If you are planning to bake more bread soon, you want the starter to ferment longer at room
temperature so it will be more active sooner. If you are not planning to bake more bread for several
days, you want to slow down the fermentation by refrigerating it sooner so that the yeast doesnt
consume all the added flour.
If baking bread the next day or the day after feeding the starter, refrigerate the starter after 2 hours at
room temperature.
If baking bread 3 days after feeding the starter, refrigerate the starter after 1 hour at room
temperature.
If baking bread 1 week after feeding the starter, refrigerate the starter after 30 minutes at room
temperature.
Store the rest of the starter overnight:
Set 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon (7 ounces/200 grams) of the remaining starter in another oiled
container (discard any remaining starter). Allow it to sit overnight in a cool place, 60 to 70F. It will
have puffed slightly.
Seeds and Grain
INGREDIENTS

pumpkin seeds
natural sesame seeds
sunflower seeds
polenta
flaxseed

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
3 tbsp
3 tbsp
3 tbsp
3 tbsp
3 tbsp

ounces
------

grams
25.4 g
28.4 g
25.4 g
33 g
33 g

3 > Toast the seeds. Preheat the oven to 325F.

Spread the pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds on a cookie sheet and toast for 7
minutes or until the sunflower seeds just begin to darken. Place them in a small bowl and allow them to
cool. Add the polenta and flaxseed.
Dough
INGREDIENTS

whole wheat flour (freshly

ground or under 3 months

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

about 2 1/2 c

12.6 oz

357 g

old)
bread flour
wheat germ
wheat bran
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
honey
stiff sourdough starter (from
above)
salt

2 c plus
3 tbsp
1 tbsp plus
1/2 tsp
1 tbsp plus
2 tsp
2 1/2 liquid c
4 tsp
3/4 c plus
1 tbsp
1 tbsp

12 oz

342 g

0.3 oz

10 g

--

5 g

20 oz

567 g

1 oz

28 g

7 oz

200 g

0.7 oz

21 g

4 > The next morning, mix the dough. In the mixer bowl, place the whole wheat flour, bread flour,
wheat germ, wheat bran, water, and honey. With the dough hook, mix on low speed (#2 if using a
KitchenAid) for 5 minutes to form a rough dough. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the
dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Tear the starter into 6 pieces, roughly the same size, and add to the dough. On low speed (#2
KitchenAid), knead it into the dough for 2 minutes. Add the salt and knead for 1 minute. Raise the
speed to medium (#4 KitchenAid) and knead for 2 minutes. Add the seed mixture and knead on low
speed (#2 KitchenAid) for 2 to 3 minutes or until incorporated. The dough will be very sticky but
should pull away from the bowl. If it doesnt, knead in a little flour 1 tablespoon at a time. (The dough
will weigh about 3 2/3 pounds/1680 grams.)
5 > Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a 4-quart dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased
with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container
with a lid or plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until it has puffed slightly, to
just over 2 quarts, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and press it down to flatten it slightly. With a
rolling pin, roll it into a long rectangle (the exact size doesnt matter). Give it a business letter turn. Turn
it 45 degrees so that the closed side is facing to your left, and repeat the rolling and folding process 4
times, for a total of 5 turns. With each turn, the dough will become more elastic. Set it back in the
container. Oil the top of the dough, cover it, and allow it to rise a second time until it puffs a little more
than the first rise, to 3 quarts, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
6 > Preshape the dough and let it rest. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured counter and cut it in half.
Gently pat each piece into a rectangle and shape it into a stubby log by rolling the top edge down to the
middle, then pushing it back slightly with your thumbs. Repeat this rolling motion two more times,
ending with the seam at the bottom edge of the dough (see Illustrations for Shaping a Rectangular
Loaf). Use a bench scraper to move the logs of dough to a clean, lightly floured part of the counter,
seam side down. Cover with oiled plastic wrap and allow to sit for about 30 minutes or until relaxed and
extensible (when you pull the dough gently, it stretches without tearing).
7 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Press or roll each log into a rectangle and then shape into a 7 3/4-

inch-long torpedo-shaped loaf (batard; see Illustrations for Shaping a Torpedo). Set them on the
prepared Cloche bottom(s) and/or on the baking sheet, leaving ample space between the 2 loaves for
rising. If you have only one La Cloche, set the second shaped loaf on a lined baking sheet and retard
it by letting it rise in a cooler area (65 to 70F). Place it in a warmer area when the first loaf goes into
the oven. After removing the first loaf, replace the Cloche dome in the oven to preheat until the second
loaf is ready to bake. Cover with a large container or oiled plastic wrap and let rise (ideally at 75 to
80F) until the dough puffs a bit more than the first 2 rises, about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Each loaf will be
about 8 1/2 inches by 5 1/2 inches wide. The dough will feel buoyant to the touch, and when pressed
gently with your fingertip, it will spring back.
8 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 450F, or 475F if using La Cloche, 1 hour before baking.
Have an oven shelf at the lowest level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
If not using La Cloche, place a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of the oven to preheat. If using
La Cloche, preheat the dome along with the oven.
9 > Slash and bake the bread. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make two or three 1/4to 1/2-inch-deep diagonal slashes in the top of each loaf (see Illustrations for Making Decorative
Slashes).
If using La Cloche, carefully place the hot Cloche dome onto the base and quickly but gently set it
on the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove the dome, lower the temperature to
450F, and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and a skewer
inserted into the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read
about 190F).
Alternatively, quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2
cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 15 minutes. With a heavy
pancake turner, lift the breads from the pan and set directly on the stone, turning them around as you do
so for even baking. Lower the temperature to 450F and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes or until
the crust is tawny brown and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean (an instant-read
thermometer inserted into the center will read about 190F).
10 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread(s) from the oven and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
VARIATION

Quicker Sourdough Seeded Wheat (using added commercial yeast) If your schedule requires speeding
up the process (by about 25 percent), or if you feel more secure with the added reliability of commercial
yeast, you can add up to 0.06 percent of the total weight of the flour in this recipe (including the added
bran and germ and the flour contained in the starter). The total weight is 847 grams; 0.06 percent of 847
grams is 0.5 gram or 1/8 plus a scant 1/16 teaspoon/0.5 gram instant yeast. This should be added just
before the seed mixture. At this low a percentage, it will not affect the acidity or flavor of the
sourdough, but if it were added at the beginning, the commercial yeast would likely be killed by the
acidity of the sourdough.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> It is imperative to use fresh whole wheat flour, as the bread will not rise if the flour is too old,

unless commercial yeast is added.

UNDERSTANDING

The recipe Kathleen sent me called for a proportion of reduced-bran flour, but as that flour is usually
very difficult to obtain, I have created the equivalent flour by using bread flour and adding the
appropriate amount of wheat bran and germ. Be sure to store the bran and germ in the refrigerator or
freezer as they, particularly the germ, are highly prone to rancidity.
Once the seed mixture is added, the dough should not be kneaded much, as the seeds will cut
through the gluten. The rolling and turning is a more gentle process.
This bread uses a very low amount of stiff sourdough starter, only 17.2 percent, which results in its
appealingly dense texture and mildly sour flavor. Because it is part whole wheat flour, it is somewhat
more active than an all-white flour starter, so less can be used. If you would prefer a lighter texture and
more sour flavor, its fine to increase the starter by as much as double. You will need to add 3/4
teaspoon/5 grams more salt to balance the extra flour and water.
This starter is the same as the basic stiff sourdough starter but it has part whole wheat flour. It too
has the same consistency of a stiff biscuit dough, soft but not sticky. It also has double the weight of
flour to water (or, by volume, 3 parts flour to 1 part water), 2 1/2 ounces/70 grams flour to 1 1/4
ounces/35 grams water.
If you have a stiff sourdough starter made with all-white wheat (bread flour), its fine to use it here.
By the time you have fed it twice, it will have plenty of whole wheat flour.
If you have an active liquid starter, you can turn it into a stiff sourdough starter simply by stirring in
about half its weight of bread flour until it is firm enough to knead for a few minutes on a counter to the
consistency of stiff biscuit dough. (It is difficult to give an exact volume amount of flour to add because
the liquid starter is hard to measure accurately.)
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Seeds:
Water:
Dough starter:
Salt:

100% (bread: 47.9%, whole wheat: 50%, added bran

and germ: 2.1%)
17.2%
67.7%
17.2%
2.5%

Low-Risk Sourdough Bread

What a happy day it was when I discovered Lalvain in the King Arthur catalogue. This ideal starter
from France, which contains a blend of yeast and bacteria, comes in powdered form and needs only to
be mixed with water twelve hours before mixing a dough. When I baked my first bread using the
version called Pain de Campagne, I was amazed to discover that it is a truly viable substitution for
anyone who does not want to go to the effort of starting his or her own sourdough culture.
For a delicious, mild yet complex flavor, use the starter the day after mixing it and allow the shaped
and risen bread to sit refrigerated overnight. For a true San Franciscostyle tangy bread with large holes,
use the Lalvain French Sourdough starter and let it sit for 1 week after mixing.

In order to produce a bread with the characteristic large open holes, this needs to be an exceptionally
sticky dough and is therefore best made in a mixer.
TIME SCHEDULE

Liquid Sourdough Starter: minimum 12 hours, maximum 1 week

Minimum Rising Time: about 3 1/2 hours
Oven Temperature: 475F, then 450F
Baking Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Makes: a 7-by-3-inch-high round loaf/about 14.75 ounces/421 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a heavy-duty mixer with dough hook attachment;

a banneton OR a small colander lined with a towel;
a half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or parchment;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Liquid Sourdough Starter

Makes: 1 scant cup/8.5 ounces/240 grams
INGREDIENTS

water, at room temperature

(70 to 90F)
Lalvain Pain de Campagne
starter
bread flour
whole wheat flour or kamut
flour

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/2 liquid c
(4 fl oz)

ounces

grams

4.25 oz

120 g

1/8 tsp

--

0.4 g

2/3 c

3.5 oz

100 g

2 tbsp

0.7 oz

20 g

1 > Make the starter. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients and whisk until very smooth, to
incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The starter will be the consistency of a thick batter. Scrape down the
sides of the bowl.
Cover the bowl tightly with greased plastic wrap (or place the starter in a 2-cup food-storage
container with a lid) and place it in a warm spot (70 to 80F). Allow it to sit for at least 12 hours or up
to 20 hours. It will be full of bubbles and will have risen by about one-third. It is ready to use, or it can

be refrigerated for up to 7 days. If using the mixer method, chill for 1 hour.
Dough
INGREDIENTS

liquid sourdough starter (from

above)
bread flour
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
salt

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

1 scant c

grams

scant 8.5 oz 240 g

1 1/4 c

6.5 oz

186 g

1/4 tsp

--

0.8 g

about 3 oz

88 g

--

5.2 g

6 tbsp
(3 fl oz)
3/4 tsp

2 > Mix the dough.

Mixer Method
With an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the cold liquid sourdough starter into the mixer bowl.
Add the flour and yeast. With the dough hook on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid), gradually add
the water and mix until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Continue kneading for 3
minutes, enough to develop the gluten structure a little. Scrape down any bits of dough. Cover the bowl
with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 3 minutes. The dough will still
be sticky enough to cling to your fingers and very elastic. If it is very sticky, knead in a little flour. If it
is not at all sticky, spray it with a little water and knead it. (The dough will measure about 2 cups and
weigh about 17.7 ounces/502 grams.)
Hand Method
If it has been refrigerated, remove the starter to room temperature 1 hour before mixing the dough.
With an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the starter into a large mixing bowl. With a wooden
spoon, stir in the water, then stir in all but 2 tablespoons of the flour and the salt. Continuing with the
wooden spoon or using your hand, mix until the flour is moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it
comes together, then scrape it onto a lightly floured counter. Knead the dough for 5 minutes, enough to
develop the gluten structure a little, adding as little of the reserved 2 tablespoons flour as possible to
keep it from sticking. (To prevent sticking, it helps to use your fingertips, not the palms of your hands.)
Use bench scraper to scrape the dough and gather it together as you knead it. At this point, it will be
very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This rest will make the
dough less sticky and easier to work with.)
Knead the dough for another 5 to 10 minutes or until it is very smooth and elastic. It should be
barely tacky (sticky) to the touch. If the dough is still very sticky, add some or all of the remaining
reserved flour or a little extra. (The dough should measure about 2 cups and weigh about 17.7
ounces/502 grams.)

Both Methods
3 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 4-cup glass
measuring cup or 1-quart food-storage container, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Press down
the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the measuring cup with plastic wrap; or cover the
container with a lid and, with a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where
double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) for 1 hour. (It
will not yet have doubled.)
Scrape the dough onto a lightly floured counter. Gently push it down to deflate it, and stretch it into
a rectangle (the exact size isnt important). Give it 2 business letter turns. It will be very soft and
stretchy, but it will become a little firmer after each turn. Return the dough to the greased container and
grease the top lightly with cooking spray or oil. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and allow
it to sit for another hour.
Stretch the dough again, give it 2 business letter turns, and return it to the container. Continue to let
it rise until doubled.
4 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Without deflating it, turn the dough out onto a floured counter and
round it into a ball (see Illustrations for Shaping a Round Loaf). Set it in a floured banneton or colander
lined with a floured towel, seam side up. Pinch the seam together if it starts to open. In the banneton, the
dough will be about 2 inches from the top.
Spray the dough with oil or sprinkle lightly with flour and cover it with a large container or plastic
wrap. Let the dough rise until almost doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. When it is pressed gently with a
fingertip, the depression will very slowly fill in. (Alternatively, you can refrigerate the risen shaped
dough for up to 20 hours before baking it. This will develop more sour flavor should you desire itand
possibly fit better into your schedule. Remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking.)
5 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place an oven stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of the
oven, before preheating.
6 > Slash and bake the dough. Very gently invert the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. (If you are
using a colander, and the risen bread is more than 1 inch below the top, you will need to support the
bread when inverting it so that it doesnt fall and deflate. Cut a cardboard circle small enough to fit into
the colander and touch the surface of the bread. Place a piece of parchment on top of the bread, place
the cardboard on top, and invert onto the cardboard. Then slide the bread, still on the parchment, onto
the baking sheet.) For a more evenly rounded bread, its fine to leave the dough unslashed. If you like
the rustic appearance of a slashed top crust, with sharp scissors, a sharp knife, or a single-edged razor
blade, slash a 1/4-inch-deep cross in the dough. Because the skin of the dough is very dry, it will be
difficult to slash; use a gentle touch so as not to deflate the dough. (I find that small sharp scissors work
best.)
Quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of
ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 5 minutes. Lower the oven to
450F and continue baking for 20 to 25 minutes or until deep brown and a skewer inserted into the
middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 212F).
Halfway through baking, with a heavy pancake turner, lift the bread from the pan and set it directly on
the stone, turning it halfway around as you do so for even baking. For a very crisp crust, prop the oven

door slightly ajar for the last 5 minutes of baking.

7 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
UNDERSTANDING

If you use the starter cold from the refrigerator, and add the remaining flour and water at room
temperature, the dough will be about 75F after mixing, which is the ideal temperature.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:

100% (bread: 93.5, whole wheat: 6.5%)

68%
0.39%
1.7%

French Country Sourdough Boule

This fantastic boule is the one taught at the French Culinary Institute in New York City. It boasts a deep
brown, chewy crust and a nicely distributed open and springy crumb. To my taste, it is just sour enough
without being overwhelmingly so, enabling it also to be nicely complex in flavor. This is a very wet and
sticky dough, so it is best made in a mixer. In fact, the dough is so soft it almost puddles, and each time
I make it I think it will never risebut then it reliably balloons to 3 1/2 inches in height. I have worked
out this recipe using the excellent packaged French sourdough starter called Lalvain Pain de Campagne
starter to make it possible for people who dont have their own sourdough starter to make this
wonderful bread.
TIME SCHEDULE

Liquid Sourdough Starter: minimum 12 hours, maximum 6 days

Minimum Rising Time: 3 hours
Oven Temperature: 475F, then 450F
Baking: 25 to 30 minutes
Makes: a 6 3/4-by-3 1/2-inch-high round loaf/14.5 ounces/410 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a heavy-duty stand mixer with dough hook attachment;

a banneton OR a small colander lined with a towel;
a half sheet pan lined with a nonstick liner such as Silpain or parchment;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Liquid Sourdough Starter

Makes: 1/3 cup/3.5 ounces/100 grams
INGREDIENTS

bread flour
Lalvain Pain de Campagne
starter
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/3 c

ounces
1.75 oz

grams
50 g

1/16 tsp

--

0.2 g

3 1/2 tbsp

1.75 oz

50 g

1 > Make the starter. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients and stir the mixture with a wooden
spoon for 3 to 5 minutes or until very smooth. It will be very liquid.
Cover the bowl tightly with greased plastic wrap (or place the starter in a 1-cup food-storage
container with a lid) and place it in a warm spot (70 to 90F). Allow it to sit for at least 12 hours, or up
to 20 hours. It will be full of bubbles and will have risen by about one-third. It is ready to use to make
the dough, or it can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Dough
INGREDIENTS

liquid sourdough starter (from

above)
water
bread flour
medium rye flour
whole wheat flour
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
salt

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

full 1/4 c

grams

3.5 oz

100 g

2/3 liquid c
1 c
1/3 c
3 tbsp

5.3 oz
5 oz
1.5 oz
1 oz

150 g
156 g
40 g
29 g

1/4 tsp

--

0.8 g

3/4 tsp plus 1/8 tsp

--

5.8 g

2 > Mix the dough. Place the starter in the mixer bowl and stir in the water.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the bread flour, rye, whole wheat, and yeast. Sprinkle this
mixture on top of the liquid in the mixer bowl. With the dough hook, mix on low speed (#2 if using a

KitchenAid) until the flour is moistened enough to form a rough dough. Scrape down any bits of dough.
Cover the top of the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 10 minutes. It will
be exceptionally sticky and very elastic. If it does not cling to your fingers, spray it with a little water
and knead it in. (It should weigh about 16.25 ounces/461 gramsbut only if you wet your fingers and
get every last smidgen.)
3 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 2-quart doughrising container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly
spray or oil the top. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of
the container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise
(ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough onto a floured counter and press down on
it gently to form a rectangle. Give the dough 2 business letter turns and set it back in the container. Oil
the surface again, cover, and mark where double the height of the dough would now be. (It will fill the
container fuller than before because it is puffier with air.) Allow to rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
4 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and press it
gently to flatten it slightly. Round the dough into a ball (see Illustrations for Shaping a Round Loaf),
dusting with as little flour as possible to keep it from sticking. It will still be very sticky. Set it in a
banneton or a small colander lined with a floured cloth and cover it with a large container or oiled
plastic wrap. Let it rise until almost doubled, about 1 hour. When the dough is pressed gently with a
fingertip the depression will very slowly fill in. (In the banneton, the center of the loaf should come to
the top of the banneton sides or a little above.)
5 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 475F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet or sheet pan on the floor of
the oven, before preheating.
6 > Slash and bake the bread. Very gently invert the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. (If you are
using a colander and the risen bread is more than 1 inch below the top, you will need to support the
bread when inverting it so that it doesnt fall and deflate. Cut a cardboard circle small enough to fit into
the colander and touch the surface of the bread. Place a piece of parchment on top of the bread, place
the cardboard on top, and invert onto the cardboard. Then slide the bread, still on the parchment, onto
the baking sheet.) With small sharp scissors, a sharp knife, or a single-edged razor blade, make 1/4inch-deep slashes in the top of the dough (see Illustrations for Making Decorative Slashes). Because the
skin of the dough is very dry, it will be difficult to slash; use a gentle touch so as not to deflate the
dough.
Quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet. Toss 1/2 cup of
ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 5 minutes. Lower the oven to
450F and continue baking for 20 to 25 minutes or until the bread is deep brown and a skewer inserted
in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about
212F). Halfway through baking, with a heavy pancake turner, lift the bread from the pan and set it
directly on the stone, turning it around as you do so for even baking.
7 > Cool the bread. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VERSION

If desired, at the end of Step 3, the dough can be placed in an oiled freezer-weight plastic bag and
refrigerated overnight. It will develop more flavor, but be sure to let it sit at room temperature for 1 1/2
hours before shaping.
UNDERSTANDING

When I refrigerated the finished dough for 2 days, the baked bread rose to only 2 1/2 inches, making it
denser and more chewy. It tasted very tangy and delicious. (It took 3 1/2 hours to rise after shaping.)
This dough has less than half the commercial yeast normally used because of the Lalvain sourdough
starter and the rye flour, which speed the rising.
If you have an active sourdough starter, you can certainly use it to replace the Lalvain and instant
yeast in this recipe, and eliminate the added yeast entirely. (See the French Country Boule variation of
the Basic Sourdough Recipe.) It will take much longer to rise, 6 to 7 hours for the first rise and about 3
hours for the shaped rise.
You can vary the proportion of whole wheat to all-purpose flour depending on how wheaty a taste
you crave, but keep in mind that the whole wheat also adds bitterness.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:

100% (bread: 75%, rye: 14.5, whole wheat: 10.5%)

72.7%
0.36%
2.1%

7.

The Brioche Family of Breads

THE BRIOCHE DOUGH IS SO SOFT AND SILKY, I LOOK FORWARD TO MAKING IT just to enjoy the feel of it under

my hands. The finished dough is so full of life it requires constant deflating during its maturing rest in
the refrigerator. When I worked with the legendary chocolate makers the Bernachons in Lyon, France,
translating their book A Passion for Chocolate, I learned a new word for handling brioche dough. Papa
Bernachon advised me to remember to rompre the dough at frequent intervals while it was chilling.
When I asked him the meaning of rompre he looked puzzled. He sought the help of several bakers in his
kitchen to translate the term but they could not, so I watched for its meaning as they lifted the dough
and tossed it over on itself a few times to suppress its vigorous rise. It was an indelible lesson in
witnessing the vigor of brioche dough.
Brioche is, of course, wonderful eaten on its own, but it is also the basis for a host of bread creations
from kugelhopf and challah (both a less rich brioche) to panettone (a super-rich brioche). The entire
family of egg-and-butter-rich doughs is among peoples favorites and these breads are an inevitable
feature of celebration and holiday tables, especially at Thanksgiving and Christmas. And what could be
more welcome than sticky buns (also made from brioche dough) for Sunday brunch?
Although I wrote about brioche in The Cake Bible and The Pie and Pastry Bible, I am offering it
once again because no book on bread would be complete without it. Also, I have more to say! Ive
improved the basic recipe and technique and, more important, I have significantly improved my recipe
for sticky buns, a personal favorite. I now caramelize the sugar topping before setting the unbaked buns
on top of it, to make the caramel deeper, more intense, and more gooey. And Ive also perfected the
texture of the buns, achieving a crisp outside crust and soft but not doughy crumb, by baking them in a
special mold with individual cups (you can also use Texas muffin pans). I love the sticky bun so
much, Ive come up with two new versions that rival the original: a luscious chocolate sticky bun and a
maple walnut sticky bun.
Of all the egg breads in this chapter, the Stud Muffin has the least egg, only 10 percent, compared to
brioche, which has 66 percent. Less egg would normally result in a less airy texture, but this is not the
case here because the Stud Muffin has large holes resulting from the cubes of cheese that melt into the
crumb, leaving behind air spaces, resulting in the kind of structure normally provided by egg.
The two recipes in this chapter that dont contain eggs are the Wheaten Croissants and the Monkey
Bread. Aside from this absence of egg, croissant and brioche have the same ingredients: flour, yeast,

salt, sugar, milk, and butter. There are only two significant differences: croissant dough contains almost
double the amount of butter and has only milk as the liquid component, whereas the liquid for brioche
dough comes mostly from eggs, with only a little milk. The eggs in the brioche dough give it an airy
cake-like crumb, while the large amount of butter in the croissant dough, and the way in which it is
rolled and layered into the dough, gives it its flaky crumb.
Monkey Bread is not actually a legitimate member of the brioche family because the dough used to
make it is the Soft White Bread dough from Chapter 4. It is similar in texture to the soft and airy
brioche, but it is less rich since it has no egg and less butter. However, it is in this chapter because its
filling of brown sugar, raisins, pecans, and butter make it akin to sticky buns. While I chose this dough
for Monkey Bread because the richness of the filling balances well with a less rich dough, you could, of
course, if you prefer, use brioche dough in its place.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS SPECIFIC TO BRIOCHE FAMILY BREADS

> Do not allow the dough to rise more than the number of times recommended in the recipes, or the
rise will weaken the structure and cause the bread to be heavy.
> Be sure to chill the dough thoroughly before deflating it, or the butter will leak out. If this should
happen inadvertently, chill the dough for 1 hour and knead the butter back into the dough.
> When shaping the dough, be sure to brush off any excess flour, or it will form a hard thin line inside
the soft dough.
> Steam is not used when an egg glaze is used, as it would dull the glaze.
> Slashing the top of the loaf prevents it from opening unattractively at the sides.
> Wait until the breads are completely cool before cutting to prevent collapse.
> Cut these breads with an electric knife or a serrated knife to avoid compressing and crushing the
airy crumb.
UNDERSTANDING

The proportion of basic essential ingredients in egg breads fall into the range of 39 to 77.2 percent
water, 0.83 to 2.2 percent instant yeast, 0.52 to 2.5 percent salt, and 12.1 to 53.7 percent butterfat or oil.
These percentages are based on the Bakers Percentage, in which every ingredient is based on flour
which is given the value of 100 percent. However, here the water and fat percentages include what is
contained in any added ingredient, such as eggs and butter.
Because eggs and butter contribute so much flavor, I use a shorter sponge time than for some of the
other breads, but if it is more convenient to make the sponge the night ahead, its fine to let it sit for 1
hour at room temperature and then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before mixing (cold from the
refrigerator). There will be no perceptible difference in flavor or texture.
Basic Brioche

This is my basic brioche recipe, soft, light, and intensely buttery. For those who desire even more butter,
it can be increased to 6 ounces, which will also make the crumb finer, denser, and more cake-like. This
is actually a very easy dough to make, especially in a bread machine, which handles this small amount
of dough perfectly.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 1/2 hours, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: 10 hours
Oven Temperature: 425F (350F for the loaf)
Baking Time: 10 to 15 minutes for small brioche, 35 to 40 minutes for the loaf
Makes: 16 small brioche (or one 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch-high loaf)/17.5 ounces/500 grams
Dough Starter (Sponge)
INGREDIENTS

water, at room temperature

(70 to 90F)
sugar
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
unbleached all-purpose flour
(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
1 large egg

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

2 tbsp

1 oz

29.5 g

1 tbsp

scant 0.5 oz 12.5 g

1/4 tsp

--

0.8 g

1/2 c

2.5 oz

71 g

--

2 oz
58 g
(weighed in the shell)

EQUIPMENT:

a heavy-duty mixer with dough hook attachment;

sixteen 2 3/4-inch brioche molds (OR an 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch loaf pan if making one loaf), lightly
greased with cooking spray or oil or well buttered;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

1 > One day or up to 2 days ahead, make the dough. In the mixer bowl, place the water, sugar, instant
yeast, flour, and egg. Whisk by hand until very smooth, to incorporate air, about 3 minutes. The sponge
will be the consistency of a very thick batter. (At first the dough may collect inside the whisk, but just
shake it out and keep whisking. If its too thick to whisk, it means youve added too much flour and will
need to add a little of the eggs to be added Step 3.) Scrape down the sides of the bowl and set it aside,
covered with plastic wrap.
Flour Mixture
MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)

1 c plus
1 1/2 tbsp

5.5 oz

156 g

sugar

2 tbsp

instant yeast
salt
2 large eggs, cold

unsalted butter, very soft

1 1/4 tsp
1/2 tsp
--

INGREDIENTS

8 tbsp

about 0.75
25 g
oz
-4 g
-3.3 g
4 oz
113 g
(weighed in the shells)
4 oz
113 g

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a small bowl, whisk the
flour with the sugar and yeast. Then whisk in the salt (this keeps the yeast from coming in contact with
the salt, which would kill it). Sprinkle this mixture on top of the sponge. Cover it tightly with plastic
wrap and let it stand for 1 1/2 to 2 hours at room temperature. (During this time, the sponge will bubble
through the flour mixture in places; this is fine.)
3 > Mix the dough. Add the 2 cold eggs and mix with the dough hook on low (#2 if using a
KitchenAid) for about 1 minute or until the flour is moistened. Raise the speed to medium (#4
KitchenAid) and beat for 2 minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl with an oiled spatula and continue
beating for about 5 minutes longer or until the dough is smooth and shiny but very soft and sticky. It
will mass around the dough hook but not pull away from the bowl completely.
Add the butter by the tablespoon, waiting until each addition is almost completely absorbed before
adding the next tablespoon, beating until all the butter is incorporated. The dough will be very soft and
elastic and will stick to your fingers unmercifully, but dont be tempted to add more flour at this point; it
will firm considerably after chilling. (The dough will weigh about 19 ounces/536 grams.)

4 > Let the dough rise. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough into a 1-quart dough
rising container or bowl, greased lightly with cooking spray or oil. Lightly spray or oil the top of the
dough and cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the
container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise
until doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
5 > Chill the dough. Refrigerate the dough for 1 hour to firm it; this will prevent the butter from
separating.
Gently deflate the dough by stirring it with a rubber scraper or spatula, and return it to the
refrigerator for another hour so that it will be less sticky and easier to handle.
6 > Deflate the dough and allow it to rest, chilled. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and
press or roll it into a rectangle, flouring the surface and dough as needed to keep it from sticking. The
exact size of the rectangle is not important. Give the dough a business letter turn, brushing off any
excess flour, and again press down or roll it out into a rectangle. Rotate it 90 degrees so that the closed
side is facing to your left. Give it a second business letter turn and round the corners. Dust it lightly on
all sides with flour. Wrap it loosely but securely in plastic wrap and then place it in a large zip-seal bag.
Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or up to 2 days to allow the dough to ripen (develop flavor) and firm.
7 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and gently press it down
to deflate it. Cut the dough into 16 pieces (a scant 1 1/4 ounces/33 grams each). Without a scale, the
easiest way to divide the dough evenly is to lightly flour your hands and roll it into a long cylinder. Cut
it in half, then continue cutting each piece in half until there are 16 pieces.
Pinch off a little less than one-quarter of each piece, for the topknot. Roll each larger piece of dough
into a ball and press it into a prepared brioche mold. With lightly floured hands, shape each of the dough
pieces reserved for the topknots into an elongated pear form. Using your index finger, make a hole in
the center of each brioche, going almost to the bottom of the mold, and insert the elongated part of a
topknot deeply into the hole. Cover the molds loosely with oiled plastic wrap and let rise (ideally at 75
to 80F) until the edges of the dough reach the tops of the molds, about 1 hour. (See below for step-bystep illustrations.)
8 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 425F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lower
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
Egg Glaze (if making a large loaf, glaze is optional)
INGREDIENTS

1 large egg yolk

cream or milk

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 tbsp
1 tsp

ounces
---

grams
---

9 > Glaze and bake the brioche. Lightly beat together the egg yolk and cream for the glaze. Brush the
top of the brioche with the egg glaze, being careful not to drip any on the side of the pans, or it will
impede rising. Allow it to dry for 5 minutes and then brush a second time with the glaze. Use greased
scissors or a small sharp knife to make a 1/4-inch-deep cut all around the base of the topknot so it will

rise to an attractive shape.

Set the molds on a baking sheet and place them on the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Bake for 10 to
15 minutes, or until a skewer inserted under a topknot comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer
inserted into the center will read about 190F).
10 > Cool the brioche. Remove the brioche from the oven and unmold them onto a wire rack. Turn top
side up and allow them to cool until barely warm.
NOTE The small brioche can be reheated in a 350F oven for 5 minutes.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development in Step 2, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature,
then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
VARIATIONS

Black Pepper Brioche When I tasted this brioche, filled with lobster salad, at Larry Forgiones An
American Place years ago, I imagined that it would be a great counterpoint to the smokiness of bacon in
a BLT. Simply add 1 1/2 teaspoons (4 grams) coarse or butchers grind black pepper along with the salt.
For foie gras, 1 tablespoon (12 grams) green peppercorns in vinegar (drained) can be substituted.
Sweet Potato Brioche This delightful version was inspired by Julia Carter, who used to be Susan
Spicers pastry chef at Bayona Restaurant in New Orleans. Sweet potato, or yam, adds a beautiful
golden color and moister texture to the brioche, without adding the eggy flavor that more egg would
produce. The flavor of the sweet potato, however, is so subtle as to be unnoticeable.
Add 1/2 cup (about 4.5 ounces/126 grams) of sieved baked sweet potato or yam to the dough when
adding the cold eggs. The overall sugar can be decreased by 1 tablespoon to compensate for the
sweetness of the potato.
Brioche Loaf The basic recipe, or the above variations, can be baked as one large loaf. Follow the recipe
as written through Step 6, then proceed as directed below.
7 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Deflate the dough as directed, then press or roll the dough into a
rectangle about 7 1/2 inches long and 5 inches wide. Roll it down from the top in 3 turns, being sure to
brush off any excess flour, pressing with your thumbs to seal the dough (see Illustrations for Making
Brioche). Place it seam side down in the prepared pan, pressing it down firmly. Cover it lightly with
oiled plastic wrap and allow it to rise until the top of the dough reaches the top of the pan, 1 1/2 to 2
hours.
8 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350F 30 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
lowest level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
9 > Glaze (if desired), slash, and bake the brioche loaf. For a shiny top crust, brush with the optional
egg glaze. With a sharp knife or single-edged razor blade, make a 1/4- to 1/2-inch-deep lengthwise slash
in the dough, starting about 1 inch from one end of the pan and going to within 1 inch of the other end.
Set the pan on the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until golden brown

and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the
center will read about 190F).
10 > Cool the brioche loaf. Remove the brioche from the oven and unmold it onto a wire rack. Turn
top side up and allow it to cool until barely warm, at least 2 hours.
Giant Brioche
Makes: a 9-inch-by-5-inch-high round loaf/2 1/4 pounds/1047 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a 2-quart brioche mold, well buttered or greased with cooking spray or oil

Make a double recipe of Basic Brioche dough (2 pounds 6 ounces/1 kilogram, 80 grams), following the
recipe as written through Step 6. Shape and let rise as in Step 7. Glaze and bake as in Steps 8 and 9, but
after 5 minutes at 425F turn down the oven to 375F and continue baking for 45 to 55 minutes or until
a skewer inserted under the topknot comes out clean. (An instant-read thermometer inserted into the
center will read about 190F.) After about 20 minutes at 375F, or when the top crust is brown, tent it
loosely with foil, shiny side out. Cool for several hours until barely warm.
Dairy Dinner Challah
People often complain that challah seems dry. This one isnt, because its a true brioche, made with
butter. According to kashruth (kosher) laws, bread made with butter or dairy products cannot be eaten
when meat is served at the same meal. So break with tradition, and serve fish instead of chicken one
Friday night. This challah will still be moist the next morning, ready to be lightly toasted and topped
with smoked salmon.
Makes: a 9-by-5-inch-high round loaf/2 1/4 pounds/1047 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a 9-by-3-inch round cake pan, well buttered (a 2-inch-high pan will also work, but the top
decoration may spread apart a little)
Make a double recipe of Basic Brioche dough (2 pounds 6 ounces/1 kilogram, 80 grams), following the

recipe as written through Step 6, then proceeding as directed below.

7 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Flatten it gently so as not
to activate the gluten, making it stretchy. For a loaf with a braided top, divide the dough into 3 equal
parts. Roll each on a lightly floured counter into a rope about 26 inches long. (If the dough is very
elastic, allow it to rest, covered with plastic wrap, for 5 to 10 minutes.) For the most symmetrical loaf,
braid the dough starting from the center and working toward each end, pinching it at the ends (see
Illustrations for Shaping a Three-Strand Braid). Coil the braid into the pan, starting at the center, and
tucking the end underneath. Or, for an elegant snail shape, make one long thick rope and coil it around
in the same manner.
8 > Glaze the dough and let it rise. Brush the dough with the egg glaze, going deep into the crevices.
Cover and refrigerate the remaining glaze. Cover the dough with a plastic box (see Equipment) or oiled
plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place until the dough has reached the top of the pan, about 1
1/2 to 2 hours.
9 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 425F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lowest
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
Egg Glaze
INGREDIENTS

lightly beaten egg

poppy seeds

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 to 2 tbsp
1 tbsp

ounces
-0.33 oz

grams
-9 g

10 > Glaze and bake the challah. Brush the challah again with the egg glaze, going well into the
crevices; be careful not to drip any down the side of the pan, or it will impede rising. Sprinkle the
challah with the poppy seeds.
Place the pan onto the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes. Lower the heat
to 375F and continue baking for 50 to 55 minutes or until the bread is golden and a skewer inserted
into the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about
190F). After about 20 minutes at 375F, or when the top crust is brown, tent it loosely with foil.
11 > Cool the challah. Remove the pan from the oven and unmold the challah onto a wire rack. Turn it
top side up to cool completely.
STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR MAKING BRIOCHE:

1> The dough ball in the mold

2> Shaping the topknot

3> Making a hole in the center of the dough ball

4> Inserting the topknot deep into the hole

5> Snipping a 1/4-inch cut all around the base of the topknot

6> Inserting an instant-read thermometer into the center of the baked brioche

Convenience Brioche
To make the dough in a bread machine with a programmable setting and pause button, after mixing the
sponge (Step 1), scrape it into the bread machine container and sprinkle the flour blanket on top, as in
Step 2. Add the cold eggs (Step 3) and mix the dough for 3 minutes, then let it proceed through the
knead cycle for about 8 minutes, or until the dough is smooth, shiny, and elastic. You will need to pause
the machine a few times to scrape out any flour or dough that collects in the corners of the container.
Add the softened butter at once and continue the kneading cycle until it is incorporated, about 3
minutes, pausing and scraping down the sides if necessary.
For the first rise (Step 4), turn off the machine and let the dough rise (with the lid closed) until
approximately doubled, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Remove the container from the machine, cover it with plastic
wrap, and refrigerate it for 1 hour (Step 5). Return the container to the bread machine (you can leave the
plastic wrap in place) and deflate the dough by pressing the mix button and mixing for about 30
seconds. Return the container to the refrigerator for 1 hour. Then proceed from Step 6, deflating and
chilling the dough.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> In a superb article on brioche in Pleasures of Cooking, the cookbook author Paula Wolfert
recommends melting and browning about one-fifth of the butter (2 tablespoons) for an extra rich,
delicious flavor.

> On some mixers there may not be an adjustment to raise the bowl, and the dough hook may not
work as well for this small amount of dough; if this is the case, use the paddle beater.
> If after unmolding a brioche loaf the sides are still pale in color, place the loaf directly on the oven
rack and continue baking for about 5 minutes to brown the sides and make them firm to prevent
collapse.
> If a deeper shine is desired, the brioche can be double-glazed by brushing with the glaze
immediately after shaping and then a second time just before baking. This also serves to prevent the
dough from drying out during rising.
UNDERSTANDING

This dough is exceptionally wet. Just enough extra flour is added to be able to handle it for shaping,
resulting in a very light, soft bread. I do not use the food processor for this dough because it is so sticky
that it is very difficult to remove from the bowl and blade; it also lifts up the blade when incorporating
the butter.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
55.4% (includes the water in the butter and egg white)
2.1%
1.5%
47.7% (includes the fat in the egg yolk)

Sticky Caramel Buns

A sticky bun has everything: a buttery soft moist crumb, plump sweet raisins, nutty pecans, and, most
wonderful of all, sticky/chewy caramel. My favorite caramel for these buns uses light brown sugar,
preferably muscovado for the best flavor. Adding heavy cream helps to keep the caramel smooth so that
during baking some of it is absorbed into the dough and the rest coats the tops.
Sticky buns are at their very best within minutes after baking. I discovered this simply out of
impatience! But they stay fresh, if stored airtight at room temperature, for up to two days, and a few
minutes in a 350F oven will restore them almost to their original glory.
Consider the professional method below of making sticky buns using a Flexipan Texas-size cupcake
mold. The pan is an investment, but it will probably last a lifetime and once you try it, youll never go
back to any other method. Each bun will have a perfect round shape and every last bit of caramel
topping floats out without coaxing. And baking the buns in individual cups gives them a wonderfully
crisp outside crust.
TIME SCHEDULE

Advance Preparation: make the dough 1 to 2 days ahead

Minimum Rising Time: 1 to 2 hours

Oven Temperature: 375F
Baking Time: 25 to 30 minutes
Makes: 12 buns
EQUIPMENT:

a 9-by-13-inch baking pan, lightly greased;

a baking stone OR baking sheet.

Sticky Bun Filling

INGREDIENTS

raisins
dark rum
boiling water
pecans, toasted and coarsely
chopped
light brown sugar
granulated sugar
cinnamon

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/2 c
2 tbsp
1/4 liquid c

ounces
2.5 oz
1 oz
2 oz

grams
72 g
28 g
60 g

1/4 c

1 oz

28 g

2 oz

56 g

0.5 oz
--

13 g
9.6 g

1/4 c
(firmly packed)
1 tbsp
2 tsp

1 > Make the sticky bun filling. Place the raisins in a small heatproof bowl. Add the rum and boiling
water, cover, and let stand for at least 1 hour to plump the raisins. When ready to fill the dough, drain
the raisins, reserving the soaking liquid for the glaze.
In another bowl, combine the chopped nuts, sugars, and cinnamon.
Sticky Bun Topping and Dough
INGREDIENTS

unsalted butter, softened

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/4 c

ounces
2 oz

grams
56 g

light brown sugar

Lyles golden syrup or light
corn syrup
heavy cream, heated until
warm or hot
1 recipe Basic Brioche dough

1/2 c
(firmly packed)

4 oz

112 g

1 tbsp

0.75 oz

21 g

3 tbsp

1.5 oz

42 g

--

lightly beaten egg

1 tbsp

pecan halves

1/2 c

about 19 oz 540 g
about 0.5
16 g
oz
2 oz
56 g

2 > Make the sticky bun topping. In a small heavy saucepan, off the heat, stir together the butter,
brown sugar, and syrup until the sugar is moistened. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly.
Simmer, without stirring, for 5 minutes (only 3 minutes if using a cast-iron pan, as it will continue
cooking). There will be many bubbles and the caramel will be dark brown; do not allow it to get too
brown. If you are using a thermometer, it should be 244F. Pour in the heavy cream and swirl the pan to
mix it in. Continue simmering for 3 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally, or if you are using a
thermometer, until it returns to 244F. Pour the syrup evenly into the prepared pan. Cool completely.
3 > Fill the dough. Roll out the dough on a well-floured surface into a 14-by-12-inch rectangle. Move it
around from time to time to make sure it is not sticking, and add more flour if necessary. Brush it with
the lightly beaten egg, right up to the edges, and sprinkle it with the sugar mixture and drained raisins.
Roll it up from a long end, brushing off excess flour as you go (it helps to use a long ruler slipped
slightly under the dough to lift and roll it). Push in the ends so that they are the same thickness as the
middle and the roll is 12 inches long. For ease in slicing, you can slide the dough onto a baking sheet
and refrigerate it for 30 minutes, or freeze it for 5 to 10 minutes covered with plastic wrap.
4 > Cut the dough and let the buns rise. Using a piece of dental floss or heavy kitchen string, or a
sharp knife, cut the roll into 4 pieces, then cut each piece into thirds (each piece will be about 1 inch
thick). Place 3 pecan halves onto one cut end of each bun and place pecan side down in the prepared
pan. Push down the tops so that the sides of the buns touch. Cover with oiled plastic wrap. Let the buns
rise in a warm place (ideally 75 to 85F) until they double, 1 to 2 hours. They should be airy and puffy
and about 3/4 inch from the top of the pan. (Note: If you want to bake the sticky buns the following day,
as soon as they are shaped, refrigerate them for up to 14 hours. They will take about 2 1/2 hours to rise
before baking. You can speed the rising to about 1 1/2 hours by placing them in a proof box with hot
water; see Equipment.)
Sticky Bun Glaze
INGREDIENTS

reserved raisin soaking liquid

unsalted butter

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
-1 tbsp

ounces
-0.5 oz

grams
-14 g

5 > Make the sticky bun glaze. In a small saucepan, boil the reserved raisin liquid over medium heat,
stirring constantly to prevent scorching, until reduced to 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons, or reduce in a 2-cup
heatproof measuring cup in a microwave oven on high power. Add the butter and stir until melted. (It
should be no more than warm when brushed onto the buns.)
6 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lower
level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
7 > Glaze and bake the buns. Brush the buns with the glaze. Place the pan on the hot stone or hot
baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. To keep the buns from becoming too brown, cover them loosely
with foil, and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out
clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 180F).
8 > Cool the buns slightly. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the buns to cool in the pan for 3
minutes, then unmold them onto a serving plate or foil-lined counter. If any of the topping sticks to the
pan, lift it off with a metal spatula and apply it to the buns. They can be eaten at once or cooled and
reheated later. Reheat loosely wrapped in foil, in a 350F oven for 15 minutes, or wrapped in a damp
paper towel in a microwave oven on high power for 30 seconds.
STEP-BY-STEP ILLUSTRATIONS FOR MAKING STICKY BUNS:

1> Rolling up the dough from a long side, using a ruler

2> Cutting the dough with dental floss

3> Buns placed in a rectangular pan

4> Buns placed in a copper tarte Tatin pan

THE PROFESSIONAL WAY

Use a Flexipan number 1601 moldthe mold has 15 cups, so either make 1 1/2 times the recipe and
make each bun a little larger, or simply make the basic recipe and pour a tablespoon of water into each
empty cup. If your oven is not large enough to hold a full-size sheet pan, the Flexipan can be cut apart.
You could also use Texas muffin pans, but they are more conical and I prefer the shape of the Flexipan
molds.
Set the Flexipan on the sheet pan. When the topping is done, pour it into a 1-cup measure. If you
have used a nonstick pan and captured all of the caramel, you will have 3/4 cup, or 1 tablespoon per
sticky bun; (if you increased the caramel recipe by 1 1/2 times you will have a generous cup). Pour the
caramel into 15 of the cups if you made 1 1/2 times the recipe, or into 12 of the cups if using the basic
recipe. If you work quickly, the caramel will stay fluid, but if it starts to thicken too much, simply put it
in the microwave oven for a few seconds to liquefy it again. Allow the caramel to cool completely in
the pan.
Set the (nut-encrusted) buns on top of the caramel (alternatively, you can place the nuts directly on
the caramel) and then cover the top with plastic wrap. Allow the buns to rise until double. They will not
reach the top of the mold but will be light and airy.
Bake as above and unmold immediately when done. To unmold, place a second sheet pan on top of
the mold and invert the pans. Lift off the Flexipan (or muffin pan).
Maple Bungee Buns
When I attended college in Burlington at the University of Vermont I was introduced to the favorite
local flavor combination of maple and walnut. It stayed in my taste memory to create this sticky bun
variation.
Pure maple syrup forms hard crystals during baking, so I like to use a good brand of syrup with
maple flavoring for these buns. Not only does it result in a perfect sticky texture, it also offers a rounder,
more mapley flavor. The syrup is made from corn syrup, which contains fructose, preventing

crystallization. Using maple sugar in the filling makes for the most complete maple flavor.
To make this variation, omit the glaze and replace the pecans with walnuts.
For the topping, replace the light brown and granulated sugars with 1/2 cup/6 ounces/170 grams
maple-flavored syrup, such as Log Cabin. In a small, heavy saucepan over medium heat, bring the
butter and syrup to a boil, stirring constantly, and simmer on low heat for about 8 minutes, swirling the
pan or stirring occasionally with a heatproof spatula. There will be many bubbles. If you are using a
thermometer it should register 230F. Stir in the heavy cream and broken nuts and continue simmering
for 3 to 5 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally, until, if you are using a thermometer, it reaches 244F.
Pour the syrup evenly into the prepared pan.
For the filling, if desired, you can replace the light brown sugar with maple sugar.
Proceed as for sticky buns.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> If using a very strong specialty cinnamon, use only 1 1/2 teaspoons.
> You can also bake the buns in a round pan. My favorite is a 9 1/2-inch (bottom measurement) by 2inch-high copper tart Tatin pan (see Equipment). (Place 8 buns evenly around the perimeter of the pan
and 4 in the middle.) You can also use a 10-by-2-inch cake pan. For half the dough, use a 7-by-2-inch
cake pan or an 8-inch tarte Tatin or cake pan with a ball of crumpled foil in the center.
> Be sure to brush off all the flour from each bun before placing them in the pan, or they will shrink
away from each other while baking.
> Lyles golden syrup has a slightly tart flavor and I find it to be more delicious than corn syrup.
UNDERSTANDING

Although this dough is given a long chilling time when making brioche, for sticky buns its fine to use it
after 2 hours or once it is well chilled, as there is so much flavor in the filling the subtle difference in the
flavor of the dough from longer chilling would be unnoticed.
Chocolate Sticky Buns

Walnuts and chocolate meld with caramel and brioche for a delectable variation on the traditional sticky
bun. I developed this for the chocoholic and fell in love with them! Dont serve these for breakfast, its
too early in the day to have everyone swooning to the floor.
TIME SCHEDULE

Advance Preparation: make the dough 1 to 2 days ahead

Minimum Rising Time: 1 to 2 hours
Oven Temperature: 375F
Baking Time: 20 to 30 minutes

Makes: 12 buns
EQUIPMENT:

a 9-by-13-inch baking pan, lightly greased;

a baking stone OR baking sheet

Sticky Bun Chocolate Ganache Filling

INGREDIENTS

fine-quality semisweet
chocolate, broken into pieces
heavy cream, heated until
warm or hot
Lyles golden syrup or corn
syrup
1 large egg white

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

--

2 oz

56 g

2 tbsp

1 oz

28 g

1 tbsp

0.7 oz

21 g

2 tbsp

1 oz

30 g

1 > Make the sticky bun filling. In a small microwave proof bowl, place the chocolate and microwave
it, stirring every 15 seconds, until almost completely melted. Then stir until melted. (Or melt in a double
boiler over very hot, but not simmering, water.) Stir in the heavy cream and syrup until completely
uniform in color. Gently stir in the egg white until incorporated.
Set aside to firm up for at least 2 hours, or refrigerate just until set. It should be firm but spreadable.
Sticky Bun Topping and Dough
INGREDIENTS

unsalted butter, softened

light brown sugar
Lyles golden syrup or light
corn syrup

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1/4 c
1/2 c
(firmly packed)

ounces
2 oz

1 tbsp

0.75 ounce

4 oz112 g

g
56 g
112 g
21 g

heavy cream, heated until

3 tbsp
warm or hot
coarsely broken walnut pieces
3/4 c
(not toasted)
1 recipe Basic Brioche dough -chocolate chips (semisweet or
1 scant c
milk chocolate)

1.5 oz

42 g

3 oz

85 g

about 19 oz 540 g
6 oz

170 g

2 > Make the sticky bun topping. In a small heavy saucepan, off the heat, stir together the butter,
brown sugar, and syrup until the sugar is moistened. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly.
Simmer for 5 minutes (only 3 minutes if using a cast-iron pan as it will continue cooking), without
stirring. There will be many bubbles and the caramel will be dark brown; do not allow it to get too
brown. If you are using a thermometer, it should register 244F. Pour in the heavy cream and swirl the
pan to mix it in. Continue simmering for 3 minutes, swirling the pan occasionally, or if you are using a
thermometer, until it returns to 244F. Pour the syrup evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the broken
walnut pieces on top of the caramel. Cool completely.
3 > Fill the dough. Roll out the dough on a well-floured surface into a 14-by-12-inch rectangle. Move it
around from time to time to make sure it is not sticking, and add more flour if necessary. Spread it
evenly with the chocolate ganache filling, going right up to the edges on all sides. Sprinkle it evenly
with the chocolate chips. Roll it up from a long end, brushing off excess flour as you go (a long plastic
ruler is very helpful for lifting the dough evenly and supporting it while rolling). Push in the ends so
that they are the same thickness as the middle and the roll is 12 inches long. For ease in slicing, you can
slide the dough onto a baking sheet and refrigerate it for 30 minutes, or freeze it for 5 to 10 minutes,
covered with plastic wrap.
4 > Cut the dough and let the buns rise. Using a piece of dental floss or heavy kitchen string, or a
sharp knife, cut the roll into 4 pieces, then cut each piece into thirds (each piece will be about 1 inch
thick). Place them in the prepared pan and push the tops down so that the sides touch. Cover with oiled
plastic wrap and let the buns rise (ideally at 75 to 85F) until they double, 1 to 2 hours. (In a tart Tatin
pan [see Pointers for Success], the highest point of the dough will be about 3/4 inch from the top of the
pan.) The dough will be airy and puffy. (Note: If you want to bake the sticky buns the following day, as
soon as they are shaped, refrigerate them for up to 14 hours. They will take about 2 1/2 hours to rise
before baking. You can speed the rising by placing them in a proof box with hot water; see Equipment.)
5 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 375F 45 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
lower level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
6 > Bake the buns. Place the pan on the hot stone or hot baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. To keep
the buns from becoming too brown, cover them loosely with foil, and continue baking for 15 to 20
minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted
into the center will read about 180F).
7 > Cool the buns. Remove the buns from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for 3 minutes,
then unmold them onto a serving plate or foil-lined counter. If any of the topping sticks to the pan, lift it

off with a metal spatula and apply it to the buns. They can be eaten while still warm or allowed to sit for
a few hours to set the chocolate. They can also reheated, loosely wrapped in foil, in a 350F oven for 15
minutes, or, wrapped in a damp paper towel, in a microwave oven on high power for 30 seconds.
THE PROFESSIONAL WAY

Use a Flexipan number 1601 moldthe mold has 15 cups, so either make 1 1/2 times the recipe and
make each bun a little larger, or simply make the basic recipe and pour a tablespoon of water into each
empty cup. If your oven is not large enough to hold a full-size sheet pan, the Flexipan can be cut apart.
You could also use Texas muffin pans, but they are more conical and I prefer the shape of the Flexipan
molds.
Set the Flexipan on the sheet pan. When the topping is done, pour it into a 1-cup measure. If you
have used a nonstick pan and captured all of the caramel, you will have 3/4 cup, or 1 tablespoon per
sticky bun; if you increased the caramel recipe by 1 1/2 times, you will have a generous cup. Pour the
caramel into 12 of the containers. If you work quickly, the caramel will stay fluid, but if it starts to
thicken too much, simply put it in the microwave oven for a few seconds to liquefy it again. Sprinkle 1
tablespoon of the walnuts into each cup. Allow the caramel to cool completely.
Set the buns on top of the caramel and then cover the top with plastic wrap. Allow the buns to rise
until double. They will not reach the top of the mold but will be light and airy.
Bake as above and unmold immediately when done. To unmold, place a second sheet pan on top of
the mold and invert the pans. Lift off the Flexipan (or muffin pan).
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> You can also bake the buns in a round pan. My favorite round pan is a 9 1/2-inch (bottom
measurement) by 2-inch-high copper tarte Tatin pan (see Equipment). Place 8 buns around the perimeter
of the pan and 4 in the middle. You can also use a 10-by-2-inch-high round cake pan. For half the
dough, use a 7-by-2-inch cake pan or an 8-inch tarte Tatin or cake pan with a ball of crumpled foil in the
center.
> Be sure to brush off all the flour from each bun before placing them in the pan, or they will shrink
away from each other while baking.
> Lyles golden syrup has a slightly tart flavor and I find it to be more delicious than corn syrup.
Monkey Bread

This bread consists of clusters of sticky buns layered in an angel food pan and baked. Each person gets
to tear off a bun with cinnamon sugar, rum raisins, and toasted pecans clinging to it. The breads name
is believed to have come from the haphazard way in which the balls of dough are piled into the pan.
And, in fact, the more irregular the size of the buns, the more fun to eat.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 hour, maximum 24 hours

Rising Time: about 3 1/2 hours

Oven Temperature: 350F
Baking Time: 60 to 70 minutes
Makes: about ninety 1 1/2-inch buns
EQUIPMENT:

a heavy-duty stand mixer with dough hook attachment;

a 10-inch (12-cup) two-piece angel food pan, lightly sprayed with nonstick vegetable coating;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Dough Starter (Sponge)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

2 c plus 6 1/2 tbsp

12 oz

341 g

scant 1 3/4 c

14.3 oz

405 g

honey

2 tbsp plus
1 tsp

1.5 oz

45 g

instant yeast (see Ingredients

for brands)

3/4 tsp

--

2.4 g

INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

1 > Make the sponge. In the mixer bowl, preferably with the whisk attachment (#4 if using a
KitchenAid), beat together the flour, water, honey, and yeast until very smooth, to incorporate air, about
3 minutes. The sponge will be the consistency of a thick batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and
set it aside, covered with plastic wrap.
Flour Mixture
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
dry milk, preferably nonfat
instant yeast
unsalted butter, softened
salt

volume

ounces

grams

2 c plus
3 tbsp

11 oz

311 g

1/4 c plus 2 tbsp

3/4 tsp
9 tbsp
2 1/2 tsp

about 2 oz
-4.5 oz
--

60 g
2.4 g
128 g
16.5 g

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a medium bowl, whisk
together the flour, dry milk, and yeast. Sprinkle this on top of the sponge and cover it tightly with plastic
wrap. Allow it to ferment for 1 to 4 hours at room temperature. (During this time, the sponge will
bubble through the flour mixture in places; this is fine.)
3 > Mix the dough. Add the butter and mix with the dough hook on low speed (#2 KitchenAid) until
the flour is moistened. Then mix on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 3 minutes. Allow the dough to
rest for 20 minutes.
Sprinkle on the salt and knead the dough on medium speed (#4 KitchenAid) for 10 minutes. It
should be smooth, shiny, and slightly sticky to the touch. (It will weigh about 45.2 ounces/1282 grams.)
4 > Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a 4-quart dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased
with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container
with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where
double the height of the dough would be. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled
about 1 1/2 hours.
Scrape the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and press or roll it gently into a rectangle. (The
exact size is not important.) It will be full of air and resilient; try to maintain as much of the air bubbles
as possible by not pressing too hard. Fold the dough into a tight package or give it 2 business letter turns
and set it back in the container. Oil the surface again, cover, and mark where double the height of the
dough would now be. Allow it to double, about 1 hour.
Filling
INGREDIENTS

raisins
dark rum
boiling water
pecans, toasted and coarsely
broken
unsalted butter
light brown sugar
cinnamon

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 c
1/4 liquid c
1/2 liquid c

ounces
5 oz
---

grams
144 g
---

1 1/2 c

6 oz

168 g

16 tbsp
1 c (firmly packed)
4 tsp

8 oz
7.6 oz
0.3 oz

227 g
217 g
8.6 g

5 > Make the filling. Place the raisins in a small heatproof bowl. Add the rum and boiling water, cover,
and let stand for at least 1 hour. When ready to roll the dough, drain the raisins, reserving the liquid for
the glaze.
In a medium microwaveable bowl (or saucepan), melt the butter with the brown sugar and
cinnamon, stirring once or twice (or constantly if over direct heat). Set aside to cool until just warm.
6 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured counter and divide it in
half. Return one half to the greased bowl, cover, and set it aside. Pinch off small pieces of the remaining
dough, flouring your fingers lightly if necessary, and roll them on the lightly floured counter into 1-inch
balls (0.5 ounce/14 grams each). It is fine and even desirable for them to vary slightly in size. Cover the
shaped balls with oiled plastic wrap while rolling the rest of the dough.
Dip the balls one at a time in the butter/sugar mixture and set them in the prepared pan, placing
them slightly apart, as they will expand during rising. After forming the first layer, scatter in some of the
pecans and raisins. (Use all of the raisins before finishing with the final layer, as they tend to overbrown
when on top.) Stir the butter/sugar mixture often to keep it from separating. When all the balls from the
first batch of dough are arranged, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate it while you roll the
second batch of dough into balls.
Continue making layers with the balls as before, reheating the butter/sugar mixture if necessary to
keep it liquid. The layers of balls will be uneven, as the balls will vary in size, but when completed they
will fill the pan three-quarters full. Drizzle any remaining butter/sugar mixture on top. Cover the pan
with a large container, or loosely with oiled plastic wrap, and allow the rolls to rise until they reach the
top of the pan, 50 to 60 minutes.
7 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350F 45 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
lowest level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it.
8 > Bake the bread. Set the pan on the hot baking stone. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until the bread is
golden and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into
the center will read about 190F). After the first 50 minutes, place a sheet of foil on top to prevent
overbrowning.
9 > Glaze and unmold the bread. While the rolls are baking, boil the raisin liquid down to about 2
tablespoons, or until syrupy (use a 2-cup microwaveproof measure or a small saucepan).
Remove the bread from the oven and set the pan on a rack. Brush the raisin syrup evenly over the
top. Allow the bread to cool on the rack for 10 minutes. Unmold by setting the pan on top of a canister
that is smaller than the side portion of the pan and pushing the sides down firmly and evenly. Then
invert it onto a rack and reinvert it onto a serving plate. Serve immediately, or while still warm (it will
stay warm for about an hour). Encourage people to use their fingers to break off the warm buns. (The
bread resembles an attractive Roman ruin as it is consumed.)
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 2, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature,
then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> You can omit the dry milk and instead use nonfat or whole milk, scalded and cooled to lukewarm,
to replace the water in the sponge.
> Toast the pecans on a baking sheet in a preheated 325F oven for 7 minutes to bring out their flavor.
UNDERSTANDING

A little extra salt is used in this dough to balance the sweetness.

THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Butterfat:

100%
66.3% (includes the water in the butter and honey)
0.83%
2.5%
15.9%

Panettone with Chestnuts

I adapted this recipe from my basic brioche dough, adding an extra egg yolk, replacing the egg white
with water, using the maximum butter, and replacing the sugar with syrup to hold the moistness. The
mystery ingredient here is fiori di Sicilia (flowers of Sicily), an extract unlike any other, containing
notes of jasmine, citrus, and vanilla (see Sources). If you are not a fan of chestnuts, omit them and
double the raisinsor use an equivalent amount of chopped candied fruit, if that is your preference.
This bread is not to be missed. And it is the silkiest, most sensual dough you will ever put your hands
to.
This sweet bread keeps well frozen or at room temperature for as long as four days. When it starts to
dry out, place cut slices in a 350F oven for about 2 minutes and it will soften immediately. It is also
great lightly toasted. It may be gilding the lily, but it is sublime with butter.
This recipe is best made in a heavy-duty electric mixer, and it can be doubled. Although you can use
a coffee can or a 6-cup souffl dish with a collar, the beautiful paper pans from Italy work best and
make a lovely presentation (see Sources).
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 1/2 hours, maximum 24 hours

Rising Time: about 7 1/2 hours
Oven Temperature: 325F
Baking Time: 55 to 65 minutes
Standing Time: at least 8 hours
Makes: a 5 1/2-by-6 1/2-inch-high loaf (5 1/2 inches by 6 inches if baked in a paper liner)/1 3/4
pounds/810 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a heavy-duty mixer with paddle attachment;

a 6-by-4-inch paper panettone pan, OR a 6-inch-high coffee can, greased and lined with
parchment, OR a greased souffl dish with a collar

Filling
INGREDIENTS

6 large or 16 small chestnuts

in syrup
raisins, preferably moist
raisins for baking
unbleached all-purpose flour
(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

2/3 c

4.2 oz

120 g

1/4 c

1.25 oz

36 g

2 tbsp

0.6 oz

18 g

grams

1 > Make the filling. Drain the chestnuts, reserving the syrup, and crumble them coarsely. In a small
bowl, combine them with the raisins and flour and toss to mix. Cover and set aside.
Dough Starter (Sponge)
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

water, at room temperature

(70 to 90F)
reserved syrup from the
chestnuts (or Lyles golden
syrup or corn syrup)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
unbleached all-purpose flour
(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
2 large egg yolks

1/2 liquid c

4 oz

118 g

1 tbsp

0.7 oz

20 g

3/4 tsp

--

2.4 g

3/4 c

3.5 oz

100 g

--

1.25 oz

36 g

2 > Early in the morning or the night before, make the sponge. In the mixer bowl, place the water,
syrup, yeast, flour, and egg yolks and whisk until very smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The
sponge will be consistency of a very thick batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and set aside,
covered with plastic wrap.
Flour Mixture and Dough
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast
Optional:
granular lecithin
dry milk
salt
reserved syrup from the
chestnuts (or Lyles golden or
corn syrup)
3 large egg yolks (cold)
fiori di Sicilia or:
pure vanilla extract
pure orange oil or:
grated orange zest
unsalted butter, very soft

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 c plus 1 1/2 tbsp

5.5 oz

156 g

3/4 tsp

--

2.4 g

1 tbsp

--

6 g

1 1/2 tbsp
1/2 tsp

---

14 g
3.3 g

2 tbsp

about 1.5
oz

40 g

2 oz

54 g

--

--

3 fl oz
1/4 tsp
1 tsp
1 tsp
1 tbsp
10 tbsp

-5 oz

--
6 g
142 g

3 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a small bowl, whisk
together the flour and yeast, then add the lecithin, dry milk, and salt. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the
sponge to cover it completely. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and let it stand for 1 1/2 to 2 hours at
room temperature. (During this time, the sponge will bubble through the flour mixture in places; this is

fine.)
4 > Mix the dough. Add the syrup, egg yolks, and extracts (or oil) with the paddle attachment, and beat
on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) for about 1 minute or until the flour is moistened. Raise the
speed to medium (#4 KitchenAid) and beat for about 5 minutes or until the dough is smooth and shiny
but still very soft and sticky. It will not pull away from the bowl completely.
Add the butter by the tablespoon, waiting until each addition is almost completely absorbed before
adding the next tablespoon, beating until all the butter is incorporated. The dough will be very soft and
elastic and will almost completely pull away from the bowl. Scrape the sides of the bowl, cover with
plastic wrap, and allow it to rest for 10 minutes.
Scrape the dough onto a very lightly floured counter, flour the top of the dough, and pat it into a
rectangle. The exact size is unimportant. Sprinkle on the chestnut/raisin mixture, draw up the sides of
the dough to enclose it, and knead briefly until incorporated. Dont be concerned if the mixture is not
evenly distributed, as the turns after rising will accomplish this. (The dough will weigh about 30.25
ounces/858 grams.)
5 > Let the dough rise. Transfer the dough to a 2-quart dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased
with cooking spray or oil. Lightly spray or oil the top of the dough and cover it with a lid or plastic
wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where double the height of
the dough would be. Cover it with a large plastic box or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and
allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until doubled in bulk, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
6 > Chill the dough. Refrigerate the dough for 1 hour to firm it; this will prevent the butter from
separating.
Gently deflate the dough by stirring it with a rubber scraper, and return it to the refrigerator for
another hour so that it will be less sticky and easier to handle.
7 > Deflate the dough and allow it to rest, chilled. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface
and press or roll it into a rectangle (the exact size is not important), lightly flouring the top of the dough
if needed. Give the dough 1 business letter turn, brushing off any excess flour, and again press or roll it
out into a rectangle. Rotate it 45 degrees so that the closed side is facing to your left. Give it a second
business letter turn and round the corners. Wrap it loosely but securely in oiled plastic wrap and then
place it in a large zip-seal bag, or wrap it in foil, and refrigerate it for at least 6 hours, or up to 2 days, to
allow the dough to ripen (develop flavor) and firm.
8 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Round it into a
ball, trying to keep as much air as possible in the dough. Set it into the paper panettone pan, coffee can,
or souffl dish. It will be about 2 1/2 inches high.
Set it in a plastic box with a cup of hot water (see Equipment), or cover it loosely with greased
plastic wrap. Let rise in a warm spot (ideally 75 to 80F) until almost doubled, 2 to 3 hours. It should
come to the top of the paper or be about 4 inches high in the coffee can or souffl dish. (The dough is
slow to rise, as it was shaped cold from the refrigerator and takes at least an hour to come to room
temperature.)
9 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 325F 45 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
lower level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.

10 > Bake the panettone. Uncover the dough and let the surface dry for 5 minutes to crust. Then use
greased sharp scissors to snip a 1-inch-deep cross into the top of the dough.
Place the pan on the hot stone or hot baking sheet and bake for 60 to 65 minutes or until a skewer
inserted into the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read
about 195F). Tent the bread with foil after the first 30 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning.
11 > Cool the panettone. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer to a rack to cool, still in its pan,
for 30 minutes. Or, if using the paper pan, allow it to cool completely in the pan.
If using a coffee can or souffl dish, unmold the bread and finish cooling it, top side up, on a soft
pillow on the counter (covered with a piece of plastic wrap to keep it clean); the pillow gently supports
the fragile crust until it firms up on cooling.
When it is cool, wrap the bread in airtight plastic wrap or foil and then in a freezer-weight storage
bag. Allow it to mellow for at least 8 hours for the best flavor.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 3, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature,
then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. Remove it to room temperature 45 minutes before mixing.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> If desired, melt and brown about one-fifth of the butter (2 tablespoons if using 10 tablespoons) for
an extra rich, delicious flavor.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
57.7% (includes the water in the butter and chestnut syrup)
1.8%
1.3%
53.7% (includes the fat in the egg yolk)

Traditional Challah

In all the years I was growing up, I cannot remember a Friday night without a loaf of challah sitting on
the table and the long serrated bread knife by its side. Grandma didnt bake the challah on our Sabbath
table, she bought it from a kosher bakery in the neighborhood. I remember it with fondness because of
its appealingly plump four-braided symmetry, but the cottony texture was not appealing to me. I would
eat one small slice drizzled with a little honey and never wanted more. Usually I ate it out of reverence
for the ceremony (I remember the Hebrew prayer for bread to this day). So when I set out to formulate
my own challah recipe, it was only that braided appearance I was trying to duplicate. Challah is actually
a brioche, with more egg and less liquid and fat. In order to add moistness and extend the shelf life, I
replaced the sugar with honey, thinking that since it was so compatible as a topping it might be
appropriate as a sweetener for the dough itself. I discovered that not only did it improve the flavor, it

also gave it a more golden crumb and a firmer texture. Here then is my idea of a pareve (dairy-free)
challah at its best. If youre making a dairy dinner, see the Dairy Dinner Challah variation.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 hour, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: 4 hours
Oven Temperature: 350F
Baking Time: 45 to 55 minutes
Makes: a 14-by-6-by-4 1/2-inch-high loaf (a 3-braid challah will be 17 inches long)/3 pounds, 2
ounces/1415 grams
EQUIPMENT:

an 18-by-12-inch baking sheet, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil or lined with Silpat or
parchment;
a baking stone OR baking sheet
Dough Starter (Sponge)
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)
honey
3 large eggs, at room
temperature

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 c

5 oz

142 g

1 tsp

--

3.2 g

2/3 liquid c

5.5 oz

156 g

2 tbsp

about 1.5
oz

40 g

scant 2/3 liquid c

5.25 oz

150 g

(weighed without shells)

1 > Early in the morning or the night ahead, make the sponge. In a mixer bowl or other large bowl,
place the flour, yeast, water, honey, and eggs. Whisk until very smooth to incorporate air, about 2
minutes. The sponge will be the consistency of a very thick batter. Scrape down the sides of the bowl
and set aside, covered with plastic wrap.
Flour Mixture and Dough
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
salt
2 large eggs (cold)

corn oil
honey
cider vinegar

volume
4 2/3 c (plus
2 to 3 tbsp
for kneading)

ounces
23.3 oz
(plus 0.7
oz)

grams
662 g
(plus about
20 g)

1 1/4 tsp

--

4 g

1 tbsp
6 tbsp
(3 fl oz)
1/3 liquid c
6 tbsp
(3 fl oz)
1 tbsp

0.7 oz
19.8 g
3.5 oz
100 g
(weighed without shells)
2.5 oz
72 g
4.25 oz

120 g

--

--

2 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. Whisk the flour and the
yeast. Then whisk in the salt (this keeps the yeast from coming in direct contact with the salt, which
would kill it). Sprinkle this mixture on top of the sponge. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and let it
stand for 1 to 4 hours at room temperature. (During this time, the sponge will bubble through the flour
mixture in places; this is fine.)
3 > Mix the dough.
Mixer Method
Add the eggs, oil, honey, and vinegar. With the dough hook, beat on medium speed (#4 if using a
KitchenAid) for about 5 minutes or until the dough is smooth and shiny. Lightly sprinkle some of the
flour for kneading onto a counter and scrape the dough onto it. Knead the dough, adding a little flour if
necessary so that it is just barely tacky (sticky). (The dough will weigh about 3 pounds 5 ounces/1504
grams.)
Hand Method
Add the eggs, oil, honey, and vinegar. With a wooden spoon or your hand, stir the mixture until the flour
is moistened. Knead the dough in the bowl until it comes together, then scrape it onto a floured counter.
Knead the dough for 5 minutes, just to begin to develop the gluten structure, adding as little of the extra
flour as possible. Use a bench scraper to scrape the dough and gather it together as you knead it. At this
point, it will be very sticky. Cover it with the inverted bowl and allow it to rest for 20 minutes. (This rest
will make the dough less sticky and easier to handle.)
Knead the dough for 5 minutes or until it is very elastic and bounces back when pressed with a
fingertip. Add a little more flour if necessary so that it is just barely tacky (sticky). (The dough will
weigh about 3 pounds, 5 ounces/1504 grams.)
Both Methods
4 > Let the dough rise. On a lightly floured countertop, round the dough into a ball. Place the dough in
a 4-quart dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking spray or oil. Push down the

dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of
tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where double the height of the dough would be.
Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) until it has doubled, 1 to 2 hours.
Gently deflate the dough by pushing it down and give it a business letter turn. Return the dough to
the container. Oil the surface again, cover, and mark where double the height would now be. (It will fill
the container fuller than before because it is puffier with air.) Allow to rise a second time until doubled,
about 45 minutes to an hour, or refrigerate it overnight.
Flatten the dough by pressing down on it gently, so as not to activate the gluten, making it stretchy.
5 > Shape the dough (see Shaping a Braided Loaf).
Three-Strand Braided Challah
Divide the dough into 3 equal pieces. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
One at a time, roll each piece of dough under your palms into as long a rope as possible, at least 13
inches. (Keep the rest of the dough covered while you work with each piece.) Lift the rope of dough up
at one end with one hand and use the other hand to pull and stretch it gently downward to form a 15- to
16-inch-long rope, flouring your hands lightly if the dough is sticky. Taper the ends so that they are
narrower than the rest of the rope, as this part of the dough tends to bunch up and be too fat.
For the most symmetrical braid, start at the middle and braid out to each end, pulling and stretching
the dough slightly as you go. Moisten the ends with a little water, pinch the strands together at each end
of the braid, and tuck each end under a little, then push the ends in slightly so that the loaf is about 15
inches long and wider in the middle. Place the loaf on the prepared baking sheet.
Four-Strand Braided Challah
Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
One at time, roll each piece of dough under your palms into as long a rope as possible, at least 12
inches. (Keep the rest of the dough covered while you work with each piece.) Lift the rope of dough up
at one end with one hand and use the other hand to pull and stretch it gently downward to form a 14- to
15-inch-long rope, flouring your hands lightly if the dough is sticky. Taper each end of the dough rope
to about 5 inches down so that it is narrower than the rest of the rope, as this part of the dough tends to
bunch up and be too fat.
Lay the ropes side by side on the counter, pinch them together at the tops, and braid them, pulling
and stretching the dough slightly as you go. Keep pinching the ends together, as they tend to pull apart
as you braid; pull the dough more as you come to the end of the braid so that it comes to more of a
point. Pinch the ropes together at the end of the braid. Moisten the pinched ends with a little water to
help them hold together during rising, and tuck them under a little at each end, then push the ends in a
little so that the loaf is about 12 inches long by 3 inches high. Place the loaf on the prepared baking
sheet.
Egg Glaze
INGREDIENTS

lightly beaten egg

water

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
2 tbsp
1 tsp

ounces
---

grams
33 g
--

Optional:
poppy seeds

4 tsp

0.50 oz

12 g

6 > Glaze the bread and let it rise. In a small bowl, lightly whisk together the egg and water. Brush the
loaf lightly with the glaze, and cover it loosely with greased plastic wrap. Cover the egg glaze and
refrigerate it. Allow the loaf to rise (ideally at 75 to 85F) until doubled, about 1 hour. It will be 1 inch
longer, 1/2 inch wider, and 3/4 inch higher.
7 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350F 45 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
lowest level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it before preheating.
8 > Glaze and bake the challah. Remove the plastic wrap and brush the challah all over with the egg
glaze, going well into the crevices of the braid. Sprinkle the top with the poppy seeds, if desired, tilting
the pan slightly so you have access to the sides.
Quickly but gently set the baking sheet on the hot baking stone or hot baking sheet. Bake for 20
minutes. Tent loosely with a large sheet of heavy-duty aluminum foil and continue baking for 25 to 35
minutes or until the bread is deep golden brown and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean
(an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 190F).
9 > Cool the challah. Remove the pan from the oven and, using a peel or two large pancake turners,
transfer the challah to a wire rack to cool completely.
NOTE The challah can be baked as two 9-inch loaves instead of one large one. Since there is less dough

for each loaf, it will be easier to use the 3-strand braid (roll them to 10 to 11 inches long). Baking time
will be 30 to 35 minutes, and the baked breads will measure 13 inches by 5 inches by 3 inches.
The challah can also be baked as 3 single-strand braids, using a special knotting technique (see
Illustrations for Shaping a Single-Strand Braid).
NOTE If you prefer to use sugar rather than honey, use 2/3 cup (4.7 ounces/132 grams) and increase the

water to 3/4 cup (6.2 ounces/177 grams). A 4-braid loaf made with sugar will be 14 inches by 7 inches
by 5 inches high.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 2, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature,
then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. If using the hand mixing method, remove it from the refrigerator 1
hour before mixing the dough.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> If desired, for maximum flavor development, the dough can be wrapped loosely with plastic wrap,
placed in a 2-gallon plastic bag, and refrigerated overnight. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 30
minutes before shaping.
> The 3-strand braided loaf is most symmetrical if started from the center.
> To prevent overbrowning, dont use a dark pan for this bread.

UNDERSTANDING

You can see from the percentage of water why challah is usually such a dry bread. The addition of
honey and oil and the lecithin from the egg yolk help considerably to add moisture. The texture of this
bread is best the day it is made, but, if desired, you can add 1 to 2 tablespoons of granular lecithin to
extend the keeping qualities, or freeze any leftover bread. It reheats perfectly and the flavor even seems
to improve!
The vinegar both strengthens and relaxes the gluten in the dough, making it easier to stretch into
long strands. It also adds a subtle depth of flavor.
This dough needs to be firm enough to hold the braid well. It is best to allow the shaped bread to
rise until doubled so that there is less oven spring and, therefore, fewer pale unglazed parts.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Oil:

100%
39% (includes the water in the egg whites and honey)
0.9%
2.4%
12.1% (includes the fat in the egg yolks)

Chocolate Almond Swirl Kugelhopf

In Europe, kugelhopf is traditionally a dry bread, baked in a fluted tube pan, meant to be dunked in
coffee. Since we are not a nation of dunkers, I came up with this much moister version with a
delicious swirl of chocolate schmear filling. The schmear recipe was given to me by baker Norbert
Grave when I admired it at the Mandalay Bay resort in Las Vegas. He said he had formulated it at a
Jewish bakery where hed worked in Great Neck, Long Island, to make use of the ever-present leftover
cake crumbs by moistening them with chocolate and almond paste. But the schmear works perfectly
with fresh cake crumbs too. And, I discovered that with the addition of an egg, the filling would expand
along with the rising dough and not form gaps. I used the same technique to create the Chocolate Sticky
Buns. If you like poppy seeds, see the poppy seed filling variation that follows.
Instead of using the traditional kugelhopf pan, I like to use Nordicwares Rose Bundt pan. This soft
bread dough molds beautifully into the petaled crevices, resulting in a stunning giant rose with a
surprise spiral of delicious filling.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 20 minutes, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: 40 minutes
Oven Temperature: 350F
Baking Time: 55 to 65 minutes
Makes: an 8-by-5-inch-high loaf/2 pounds, 10.75 ounces/1 kilogram, 214 grams (3 pounds, 4.5
ounces/1 kilogram, 500 grams with poppy seed filling)

EQUIPMENT:

a heavy-duty mixer with paddle attachment;

a 9 to 10-cup kugelhopf or tube pan, OR a Rose Bundt pan, well buttered or greased with
cooking spray or oil;
a baking stone OR baking sheet

Chocolate Schmear Filling

Makes: 1 1/3 cups/12.6 ounces/360 grams
INGREDIENTS

cake crumbs, fresh or stale

almond paste
unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg

Lyles golden syrup or corn
syrup
fine-quality dark chocolate,
melted

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 c (loosely packed)
3 tbsp
4 tbsp
3 tbsp

ounces
grams
4 oz
113 g
1.5 oz
42 g
2 oz
56 g
2 oz
56 g
(weighed in the shell)

1 tbsp

0.7 oz

20 g

--

3 oz

85 g

1 > Make the schmear. In a food processor fitted with the steel blade, process the cake crumbs,
almond paste, butter, egg, and syrup for a few seconds or until smooth. Add the melted chocolate and
process for another few seconds until uniformly blended. Cover and allow to sit for at least 1 hour (or
refrigerate for up to several hours) to firm.
Dough Starter (Sponge)
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1/2 c

2.7 oz

78 g

instant yeast (see Ingredients

for brands)
milk, scalded and cooled to
warm or room temperature

1 1/4 tsp

--

4 g

1/2 liquid c

4.2 oz

121 g

2 > Make the sponge. In the mixer bowl, place the flour, yeast, and milk. With the whisk beater, beat
on medium speed (#4 if using a KitchenAid), for about 3 minutes or until very well mixed. Scrape down
the sides of the bowl and set aside, covered with plastic wrap.
Flour Mixture
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
sugar
instant yeast
salt

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

2 3/4 c

13.7 oz

392 g

3 tbsp
1 tsp
1 tsp

1.25 oz
---

40 g
3.2 g
6.6 g

3 > Combine the ingredients for the flour mixture and add to the sponge. In a medium bowl, whisk
together the flour, sugar, and yeast. Then whisk in the salt (this keeps the yeast from coming in direct
contact with the salt, which would kill it). Sprinkle this on top of the sponge and cover it tightly with
plastic wrap. Allow it to stand for 1 to 4 hours at room temperature. (During this time, the sponge will
bubble through the flour mixture in places; this is fine.)
Dough
INGREDIENTS

2 large eggs (cold)

milk, scalded and chilled
unsalted butter, very soft
melted butter, preferably
clarified

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
6 tbsp
(3 full fl oz)
1/4 liquid c
5 tbsp

ounces
grams
4 oz
113 g
(weighed in the shell)
2 oz
60 g
2.5 oz
70 g
about 0.7
24 g
oz

2 tbsp

4 > Mix the dough. Add the eggs, milk, and softened butter and beat with the dough hook on low speed
(#2 KitchenAid) for about 1 minute or until the flour is moistened. Raise the speed to medium (#4
KitchenAid) and knead for about 7 minutes or until the dough is smooth, shiny, and very elastic. It
should be a little tacky (sticky) but not enough to stick to your fingers. If necessary, knead in a little
extra flour. (The dough will weigh about 30 ounces/850 grams.)
5 > Let the dough rest. Using an oiled spatula or dough scraper, scrape the dough onto a lightly floured

counter. Lightly flour the top and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rest for 30 minutes or until extensible
(when you pull it up gently, it stretches without tearing).
6 > Fill the dough and let it rise. Remove the plastic wrap. With a rolling pin, roll the dough into a
rectangle 16 to 17 inches by 12 to 14 inches, flouring the counter as necessary to keep it from sticking.
Using an offset metal spatula, spread the chocolate filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch
margin at the top and bottom and 1/4 inch on the sides. Roll up the dough, from a long edge, using a
long plastic ruler to help support the dough as you roll it (slip the edge of the ruler slightly under the
dough and use it to lift up and roll the dough). With each roll, dust any flour from the bottom of the
dough and press gently all along the top of the dough to keep it from separating. Work carefully, without
rushing! Then pinch the edge of the dough firmly to make a tight seam; if it doesnt hold well, brush the
seam lightly with water. Turn the dough seam side down and pinch the ends of the dough firmly
together. Lift the dough and coil it into the prepared pan, overlapping the ends by about 2 inches: start
with the seam side up, as this will be the bottom of the bread when unmolded. The dough will fill the
pan two-thirds to three-quarters full. Cover the pan with a large plastic box or oiled plastic wrap and let
rise (ideally at 70 to 80F) until the dough puffs and the center is at least level with the top of the pan,
40 minutes to 1 1/2 hours.
7 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350F 45 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
lowest level and place a baking stone or baking sheet on it, and a cast-iron skillet sheet pan on the floor
of the oven, before preheating.
8 > Bake the kugelhopf. Quickly but gently set the kugelhopf pan on the hot stone or baking sheet.
Toss 1/2 cup of ice cubes into the pan beneath and immediately shut the door. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes
or until golden brown (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 180F). The
seam will open slightly, revealing some of the chocolate filling, which is fine. After 30 minutes, turn the
pan around, and cover loosely with foil if it is already golden brown.
9 > Glaze and cool the kugelhopf. Remove the kugelhopf from the oven and brush the top with enough
of the melted butter to cover the entire surface. Unmold the kugelhopf onto a rack and brush it all over
with the remaining melted butter. Cool until warm or room temperature. Slice and serve with softened
unsalted butter, if desired.
VARIATION

Poppy Seed Filling

Ground poppy seeds make a wonderful filling. They can be ground in a special poppy seed mill or a
spice mill or blender, but for the best texture, they should not be so finely ground that they become a
paste. Solo brand poppy seed filling, available in many supermarkets, makes an excellent substitute for
homemade. You will need to buy 2 cans. Measure out 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon (18 ounces/517 grams),
and stir in the lightly beaten egg.
Makes: 2 cups (almost 20 ounces/567 grams), without the raisins
INGREDIENTS

MEASURE

WEIGHT

milk
poppy seeds, ground

volume
1/2 c
about 1 2/3 c whole,
2 2/3 c ground
2/3 c
1/2 tsp
2 1/2 tbsp
3 tbsp

sugar
lemon zest, finely grated
lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Optional:
golden raisins, plumped in 1/4 c 1/2 c
of warm water and drained

ounces
4.2 oz

grams
121 g

8 oz

227 g

4.6 oz
--1.75 oz

132 g
-39 g
50 g

2.5 oz

72 g

In a small saucepan, heat the milk until hot. Stir in the poppy seeds until they absorb the milk (a few
seconds). Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until incorporated.
Cool the filling to room temperature.
Stir in the egg until evenly incorporated, then stir in the optional raisins. The filling can be made
several days ahead, covered, and refrigerated. If desired, the soaking water from the raisins can be used
in the dough to replace an equal volume of water. Fill the kugelhopf, as directed in the recipe.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 3, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature,
then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> The cake crumbs for the schmear filling can be from any butter cake, either homemade or a
good-quality frozen one, such as Sara Lee plain or chocolate swirl pound cake.
> If necessary the whole milk can be replaced with dry milk and water. In the sponge, use 2
tablespoons (0.7 ounce/20 grams) dry milk plus 1/2 cup (4 ounces/118 grams) water. In the dough, use 1
tablespoon (0.3 ounce/10 grams) dry milk plus 1/4 cup water. (The dough will weigh 31 ounces/887
grams.)
> If the outside is pale when you unmold the kugelhopf, place it on a baking sheet, raise the heat to
400F, and bake for 5 minutes or just until golden.
> The flavor and texture of the bread improves on standing for 8 hours, but be sure to store it airtight,
covering the cut portions with plastic wrap.
UNDERSTANDING

This bread is like a firmer, less rich brioche because the dough contains less liquid (48.2 percent
compared to 55.4 percent), one-third the egg, and about one-third less fat. The result is a denser and less
moist bread but one that can support a delicious filling.

THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
48.2%
1.6%
1.4%
15.7% (includes the fat in the milk and egg yolk)

Stud Muffin

This three-cheese bread looks like a soufflthat never falls. It was inspired by a recipe from Perugia,
Italy, by cookbook author Jane Freiman, called torta di Pasqua, or Easter cake. When sliced, it reveals a
crumb that is almost lacy, with many medium-sized pockets that become coated with melted Gruyre.
My favorite part of this bread is the crispy bits of Gruyre that work their way to the outside of the
dough and melt and brown on the crust, so I stud the top surface all over with extra little cubes of it
before baking, hence its name.
Prosciutto is a traditional accompaniment, laid on thin slices of the bread to serve as an appetizer,
but Ive also discovered a combination that serves brilliantly as a cheese course: inch-thick strips of the
bread spread with poisses (a runny pungent French cheese), and a glass of Burgundy. Eat this, and
swoon with pleasure!
This dough is very quick to mix in a food processor. It requires a long slow rise, but the actual work
involved is minimal. You will need either a souffl dish or large coffee can to bake it.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough Starter (Sponge): minimum 1 hour, maximum 24 hours

Minimum Rising Time: 11 hours
Oven Temperature: 350F
Baking Time: 45 to 50 minutes
Makes: a 7-by-5 1/2-inch-high round loaf/2 pounds, 2.7 ounces/992 grams
EQUIPMENT:

a 2-quart souffl dish (7 inches by 3 1/2 inches high) OR a 6-inch-high coffee can, well greased;

a baking stone OR baking sheet

Dough Starter (Sponge)

INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
water, at room temperature
(70 to 90F)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

1 c plus
1 1/2 tbsp

5.5 oz

156 g

3/4 tsp

--

2.4 g

3/4 liquid c

6.2 oz

177 g

1 > Make the sponge. In a mixer bowl or medium bowl, place the flour, yeast, and water. Whisk until
very smooth, to incorporate air, about 2 minutes. The sponge will be the consistency of a thick batter.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and allow it to stand for 1 to 4
hours at room temperature.
Dough
INGREDIENTS

Parmigiano-Reggiano, cut
into 1-inch or smaller chunks
imported Romano cheese, cut
into 1-inch or smaller chunks
unbleached all-purpose flour
(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
salt
black pepper

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

--

2 oz

56 g

--

2 oz

56 g

2 c plus a scant
1/2 c

12 oz

343 g

1 1/4 tsp

--

4 g

1 tsp
1 1/2 tsp

---

6.6 g
2.5 g

unsalted butter, softened

water (cold if using a food
processor, room temperature
if using a mixer)
1 large egg (cold if using the
processor, room temperature
if using the mixer)

imported Gruyre cheese, cut
into 1/4-inch dice

4 tbsp

2 oz

56 g

1/2 liquid c

4 oz

118 g

--

2 oz

56 g

(weighed in the shell)

1/2 c plus
2 tbsp, divided

2.5 oz

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
1 tsp

ounces
--

70 g

Glaze
INGREDIENTS

lightly beaten egg

grams
--

2 > Mix the dough.

Food Processor Method
In a food processor fitted with the metal blade, process the Parmesan and Romano cheeses until finely
grated (powdery). Transfer to a bowl, and switch to the dough blade.
In a medium bowl, whisk together all but a scant 1/4 cup of the flour, the yeast, salt, and black
pepper. Empty it into the food processor, and scrape the sponge on top. Add the butter.
In a measuring cup with a spout, whisk together the cold water and egg. With the machine running,
slowly pour the mixture into the feed tube. Stop the machine, add the grated Parmesan and Romano,
and process for about 15 seconds, until the dough forms a soft, shaggy ball. If the dough does not form a
ball, add some or all of the remaining flour by the tablespoon, processing in 4-second bursts. The dough
should feel slightly sticky.
Empty the dough onto a lightly floured counter and flatten it into a rectangle. Press 1/2 cup of the
Gruyre cubes onto the dough, roll it up, and knead it to incorporate evenly. The dough will weigh
about 2 pounds 5 ounces/1050 to 1060 grams.
Mixer Method
Grate the Parmesan and Romano cheeses with a hand grater. In a measuring cup with a spout, whisk
together the water and egg.
In a medium bowl, whisk together all but a scant 1/4 cup of the flour, the yeast, salt, and black
pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the sponge.
Add the softened butter and mix with the dough hook on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid) while
gradually adding the water/egg mixture until the flour is moistened, about 1 minute. Add the Parmesan
and Romano cheeses, raise the speed to medium (#4 KitchenAid), and knead the dough for 5 minutes or
until elastic and bouncy. The dough should be slightly sticky. If it does not pull away from the bowl,
beat in some or all of the remaining flour by the tablespoon. The dough should feel slightly sticky.
Empty the dough onto a lightly floured counter and flatten it into a rectangle. Press 1/2 cup of the

Gruyre into the dough, roll it up, and knead it to incorporate evenly. (The dough will weigh about 2
pounds 5 ounces/1050 to 1060 grams.)
Both Methods
3 > Let the dough rise. Place the dough in a 2-quart dough-rising container or bowl, lightly greased
with cooking spray or oil. Push down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container
with a lid or plastic wrap. With a piece of tape, mark the side of the container at approximately where
double the height of the dough would be.
Refrigerate the dough. Allow it to chill for at least 8 hours or up to 2 days to firm and ripen (develop
flavor). Pat it down two or three times after the first hour or two, until it stops rising. Once the dough is
cold, it will stop rising.
4 > Shape the dough and let it rise. Turn the dough out onto a counter and knead it lightly. Round it
into a ball (see Illustrations for Shaping a Round Loaf). Push it down into the prepared mold; it will fill
the souffl dish or the coffee can half-full. Cover it lightly with a piece of wax paper and let it rise in a
warm area (80 to 85F) until it almost triples, about 3 to 4 hours. (To reduce the rising time to 2 hours,
place it in a proofer without water; see Equipment.) The center should be at least 1/2 inch, preferably 1
inch, above the top of the dish or can.
5 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 350F 45 minutes before baking. Have an oven shelf at the
lowest level and place a baking stone or baking sheet lined with foil on it before preheating.
6 > Glaze, stud, and bake the bread. Brush the surface of the dough with the lightly beaten egg, being
careful not to brush it over the top of the dish or can, which would impede rising. Gently insert the
remaining 2 tablespoons Gruyre cubes into the dough using a chopstick; first gently twist it into the
dough to make a shallow hole, then use the chopstick to push in a cheese cube; it should be visible.
Place the dish or can on the hot stone or hot baking sheet. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the
bread is golden and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean (an instant-read thermometer
inserted into the center will read about 190F).
7 > Cool and unmold the bread. Remove the pan from the oven and set it on a wire rack for 30
minutes.
With the tip of a sharp knife, loosen the sides of the bread where the cheese may have crusted on
and unmold the bread onto its side onto a soft pillow (covered with a piece of plastic wrap to keep it
clean) on the counter to finish cooling. This will prevent the soft fragile sides from collapsing; turn it a
few times to speed cooling, but always leave it on its side. It will take about 1 hour to cool completely.
ULTIMATE FULL FLAVOR VARIATION

For the best flavor development, in Step 1, allow the sponge to ferment for 1 hour at room temperature,
then refrigerate it for 8 to 24 hours. If using the mixer method, remove it from the refrigerator 30
minutes before mixing the dough.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> The bread stays moist and soft for 2 days but is great lightly toasted or heated for 3 to 4 minutes in

a 400F oven to remelt the cheese.

THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Fat:

100%
77.2% (includes the water in the cheese and egg white)
1.3%
1.3%
19.2% (includes the fat in the cheese and egg yolk)

Wheaten Croissants

A well-made croissant has a crisp crust and a somewhat flaky crumb that is soft but never doughy.
Croissant is actually the missing link between puff pastry and brioche. Take puff pastry dough, add a
little extra liquid, add some yeast, and you have croissant dough. Take brioche dough, add as much as
almost double the butter, replace the eggs with milk, and you have the makings of croissant dough.
Some people think of a croissant as a pastry, others as a bread. Most dont think much about it at all,
they just eat it with great pleasure.
Since this recipe first appeared in The Pie and Pastry Bible, I have received countless e-mails from
home bakers eager to make the dough but unable to find the reduced-bran whole wheat called for. I
used that flour because it offers a sweet, slightly nutty flavor and beautiful golden color without the
bitterness or heaviness of texture of 100 percent whole wheat flour. Reduced-bran flour, available
commercially in large quantities, is simply whole wheat flour with most (98 percent) of its sweet,
flavorful germ still in it but only 20 percent of its branjust enough to add flavor intensity without
bitterness. Once I investigated flour milling in depth, I realized that its a simple matter to add this
amount of germ and bran back to white flour to make your own reduced-bran flour! This recipe makes
it possible. In fact, since I am adding the coarse bran and germ separately, I incorporate them into the
butter package. The butter coats their sharp edges and help to keep them from cutting through the gluten
network of the dough. Of course, if you prefer a traditional croissant, just omit the germ and bran.
Now that high-fat European-style butter is nationally available to home bakers, it makes it a lot
easier to produce quality croissants. Because the butter is more pliable even when cold, its easier to roll
the dough. I also find I prefer the lighter texture of a croissant dough made with less of this rich butter.
Classic croissants are given a total of four turns (business letter folds). But if the butter starts

breaking through the dough, its fine to stop after three turns; you will still have plenty of flaky layers.
The fact that the butter breaks through the dough layers is what makes the croissant so much more
tender than puff pastry, where the butter layers remain perfectly intact.
TIME SCHEDULE

Dough: minimum 2 hours, maximum 12 hours

Minimum Rising Time: 4 hours
Oven Temperature: 450F, then 400F
Baking Time: 20 to 25 minutes
Makes: twelve to fourteen 5-by-2 1/2-by-1 1/2-inch-high croissants
INGREDIENTS

unbleached all-purpose flour

(use only Gold Medal, King
Arthur, or Pillsbury)
wheat germ
wheat bran
instant yeast (see Ingredients
for brands)
sugar
salt
milk, scalded and cooled to
room temperature (70 to
90F)
unsalted butter, preferably a
higher-fat European-style
butter, such as Vermont
Cultured, Plugra, or Land O
Lakes ultra

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

2 c

10 oz

284 g

1 tbsp
2 tsp

---

4 g
2 g

1 1/2 tsp

--

4.8 g

2 tbsp
1 tsp

scant 1 oz
--

25 g
6.6 g

3/4 c

6.3 oz

181 g

12 tbsp

6 oz

170 g

EQUIPMENT:

a heavy-duty mixer with dough hook attachment;

2 large baking sheets OR half sheet pans, lined with Silpat or parchment;
optional: two 18-by-2-inch-high sheet pans, for proof boxes
1 > Mix the flour, germ, and bran for the butter square. In a small bowl, whisk together 1
tablespoon of the flour, the wheat germ, and wheat bran. Cover and set aside.
2 > Make the dough. In the mixer bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, the yeast, and the sugar.

Then whisk in the salt (this keeps the yeast from coming in direct contact with the salt, which would kill
it). With the dough hook, add the milk and mix, starting on low speed (#2 if using a KitchenAid), until
the dry ingredients are moistened. Raise the speed to medium (#4 KitchenAid) and knead for 4 minutes.
The dough will be silky-smooth and have pulled away from the sides of the bowl, but it will still cling
to your fingers slightly. (The dough needs to be soft and not too elastic to make it easier to roll and so
the butter package will not break through.)
Place the dough in a 1-quart or larger food-storage container or bowl, lightly greased with cooking
spray or oil. Press down the dough and lightly spray or oil the top. Cover the container with a lid or
plastic wrap. Allow the dough to rise (ideally at 75 to 80F) for 30 minutes.
Using an oiled spatula, gently fold the dough by lifting it from the sides and pressing it into the
middle to deflate it slightly. Cover and refrigerate it for a minimum of 2 hours, or up to overnight.
3 > Make the butter square. Place the bran mixture on a sheet of plastic wrap and put the butter on top
of it. Wrap the plastic wrap loosely around it. Pound the butter lightly with a rolling pin to flatten and
soften it, then knead it together with the bran mixture, using the plastic wrap and your knuckles to avoid
touching the butter directly. Work quickly, and as soon as the bran mixture is incorporated, shape it into
a 4 1/2-inch square (no thicker than 3/4 inch). At this point, the butter should still be cool but workable
60F. Use it at once, or keep it cool. The butter must not be colder than 60F when rolled into the
pastry, or it will break through the dough and not distribute evenly. A cool cellar, or a wine cellar, is an
ideal place to maintain this temperature. Alternatively, refrigerate it, but then allow it to soften slightly
before using it. The butter should be cool but malleable.
4 > Roll the dough and make the butter package. Roll out the dough on a well-floured surface to an
8-inch square. Place the butter square diagonally in the center of the dough square and, with the back of
the knife, lightly mark the dough along the edges of the butter. Remove the butter and roll each marked
corner of the dough into a flap. (The dough will be slightly elastic.) Moisten these flaps lightly with
water and replace the butter on the dough. Wrap it securely by stretching the flaps just so they overlap
slightly. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for no longer than 30 minutes.
5 > Turn the dough. Place the dough seam side up on a well-floured surface. Keeping it lightly floured,
gently roll the dough package into a long rectangle 7 inches by 16 inches. Brush off all the flour from
the surface of dough and give it a business letter turn. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it
for 40 minutes before the next turn. (Mark the number of turns on a slip of paper, as the fingertip
impressions in the dough used for puff pastry would disappear in this yeast dough as rises.)
For each turn, clean the work surface and reflour it. Position the dough so that the closed side is
facing to your left, and press down on the edges of the dough with the rolling pin to help keep them
straight. (The upper part tends to roll out more than the bottom part.) Roll and fold the dough a second
time exactly the same way, but this time turn it over occasionally to keep the seams and edges even. Be
sure to roll into all four corners of the dough, and use a pastry scraper to even the edges. Do a total of 4
turns, resting the dough for 40 minutes between each. Dont worry if the butter breaks through. Just
cover the exposed butter layer with flour and keep going. This dough contains so much more butter than
a pie dough that a little extra flour wont make much difference to the texture.
After the last turn, refrigerate the dough for at least 2 hours before rolling it.
6 > Shape the croissants. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and allow it to sit for 15 minutes.
Roll the dough on a floured counter to a rectangle about 14 inches by 24 inches. Brush off all the

flour. Fold the dough over lengthwise so that it is about 6 inches by 22 inches. Using a pizza wheel or
sharp knife, trim one short side on an angle (reserve the scraps), cutting through the two layers, then
make another diagonal cut to make a triangular piece of dough with a 5-inch base. Continue making
diagonal cuts to form triangles down the entire length of the dough. Make a 1/2-inch notch in the center
of the base of each triangle. Open up the two layers of each triangle and cut in half to form 2 triangles.
Shape the croissants one at a time, keeping the rest of the triangles covered with plastic wrap.
Use the scraps to make 12 to 14 balls (depending on the number of triangles) the size of green
grapes (about 4 grams each). Scissors work best to cut the dough for the balls. Keep these covered with
plastic wrap too.
To shape the croissants, gently stretch each triangle to about 9 inches long: first pull the base
sidewaysgently but firmlythen, holding the base in your left hand, use your thumb and two fingers
of your right hand to work down the length of the dough, elongating it. Place the triangle on the counter
with the narrow point toward you. Shape one of the little balls of dough into a 1 1/4-inch-long football,
and place it at the base of the triangle. Roll the base over the football to encase it by about 1/2 inch.
Continue rolling with the fingers of your left hand, keeping the triangle stretched with your right hand.
Place the croissant on the lined half sheet pan, with the point underneath. Curve in the sides so that they
turn in on the side of the croissant opposite the point. Keep the croissants covered with plastic wrap
while you shape the others. Set 6 to 7 croissants evenly spaced on each pan, so there will be room for
them to expand to the baked size of 5 inches by 2 1/2 inches.
Egg Glaze
INGREDIENTS

1 large egg
water

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
3 tbsp
1 tbsp

ounces
2 oz
--

grams
56 g
--

7 > Glaze the croissants and let them rise. Lightly beat together the egg and water for the glaze. Brush
the croissants with the glaze. Cover and refrigerate the remaining glaze. If you have two large plastic
containers or 2-inch-deep 18-inch sheet pans, invert them over the croissants. Alternatively, cover them
lightly with very well-oiled plastic. Let rise (ideally at 75 to 85F) until the croissants double in size
and are very light in texture, about 2 hours. (At 70F, they can take as long as 3 to 4 hours to rise.)
8 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 450F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lower
level.
9 > Glaze and bake the croissants. Gently brush the croissants again with the egg glaze, being careful
to use a light touch so as not to deflate them. Place the croissants in the oven and turn the oven down to
400F. Bake for 10 minutes. Reverse the position of the two sheets, turning them around as you do so,
and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes or until the croissants are golden brown (an instant-read
thermometer inserted into the center will read about 210F). The texture will be slightly doughy inside,
but on cooling they will continue to cook through perfectly.
10 > Cool the croissants. Remove the croissants from the oven and transfer them to racks to cool for 20
to 30 minutes. They are best eaten warm (when the outside is crisp and light, the center soft and tender)

or within 3 hours after baking:

VARIATION

Chocolate-Filled Croissants (Pains au Chocolat) Rectangles of Wheaten Croissant dough wrapped

around small rectangles of bittersweet chocolate make a delectable variation on the traditional whiteflour pains au chocolat. They are most delicious when eaten still warm from the oven when the
chocolate is still slightly melted. Of course, they can be reheated to achieve this same effect.
Use your favorite bittersweet chocolate. I prefer a milder chocolate, not one that is too bittersweet,
as it would contrast too sharply with the dough.
Makes: 12 pains au chocolat
INGREDIENTS

1 recipe Wheaten Croissant

dough (above)
dark chocolate, such as
Cluizel (60%), Valrhona
Gastronomie (61%), or
Scharffen Berger (62%)

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume

ounces

grams

--

27 oz

765 g

--

6 oz

170 g

EQUIPMENT:

2 large baking sheets or half sheet pans lined with Silpat or parchment;
optional: two 8-by-2-inch-high sheet pans for proof boxes
1 > Shape the pains au chocolat. Remove the dough from the refrigerator and allow it to sit for 15
minutes. Meanwhile, with a sharp knife, cut the chocolate into coarse chunks.
Roll the dough on a floured counter to a rectangle 6 inches by 24 inches. Using a pizza wheel or
sharp knife, cut the dough lengthwise in half. Cut each rectangle crosswise into 4-inch pieces. You will
now have twelve 4-by-3-inch rectangles of dough.
Brush off all the flour from the dough. Shaping the pains one at a time, keeping the rest of the dough
covered with plastic wrap, set a row of the little chunks of chocolate on each piece of dough close to a
longer edge of the dough and, starting from that long side, roll up the dough so that it encloses the
chocolate. Moisten the end of the dough with a bit of water, and place the pain seam side down on the
lined baking sheet. Space the pains at least 2 inches apart.
Egg Glaze
INGREDIENTS

1 large egg
water

MEASURE

WEIGHT

volume
3 tbsp
1 tbsp

ounces
2 oz
--

grams
56 g
--

2 > Glaze the pains au chocolats and let them rise. Lightly beat together the egg and water for the
glaze. Brush the pains au chocolat with the egg glaze. Cover and refrigerate the remaining glaze. If you
have large plastic containers or 2-inch-deep by 18-inch sheet pans, invert them over the pains.
Alternatively, cover them lightly with very well oiled plastic. Let rise (ideally at 75 to 85F) until the
pains au chocolat double in size and are very light in texture, about 2 hours. (At 70F, they can take as
long as 3 to 4 hours to rise.)
3 > Preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 450F 1 hour before baking. Have an oven shelf at the lower
level.
4 > Glaze and bake the pains au chocolat. Gently brush the pains au chocolat with the egg glaze,
being careful to use a light touch so as not to deflate them. Place the pains au chocolat in the oven and
turn the oven down to 400F. Bake for 10 minutes. Reverse the position of the two sheets, turning them
around and as you do so, continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pains are golden brown (an
instant-read thermometer inserted into the center will read about 210F). The texture will be slightly
doughy inside but on cooling will continue to cook through perfectly.
5 > Cool the pains au chocolat. Remove the pain au chocolats from the oven and transfer them to
racks to cool for 20 to 30 minutes. They are best eaten warm (when the outside is crisp and light, the
center soft and tender) or within 3 hours after baking.
POINTERS FOR SUCCESS

> Higher-fat European-style butters, such as Vermont Cultured butter, Plugra, or Land OLakes
ultra butter, contain less water than our regular butter so they stay pliant in the dough even when cold.
Vermont Cultured butter contains 86 percent fat, the highest butterfat of all American brands. Because it
is cultured, it has a lower pH level (higher acidity), which makes it especially soft and pliant, ideal for
rolling into the dough without breaking through the layers.
> Flour with too high a protein content (over 12.5 percent) makes it harder to roll the dough and
results in a chewy texture. It is also important not to knead the dough to the point where it becomes very
elastic, as with each rolling and folding it becomes more stretchy and harder to roll.
> If you have a Cuisinart mini processor, you can reduce the size of the bran and germ by processing
them with the 1 tablespoon of the flour before adding it to the butter.
> If you prefer to use dry milk instead of liquid milk, substitute 3 tablespoons (1 ounce/30 grams) dry
milk plus 3/4 liquid cup (6.25 ounce/177 grams) water.
> You can use up to 9 ounces/255 grams butter. Its easier to roll the dough if you use the smaller
amount listed in the recipe. I prefer the lighter texture it gives the croissants, and the flavor is still very
buttery.
> A tutove (ridged) rolling pin can be used, for added ease in rolling, for the first four turns, after
which the dough layer becomes too thin, and the butter could break through.
> Make each turn after 40 minutes of chilling, but no longer. If the dough is too cold, when you roll

it, the outside of the dough softens while the center remains firm, which makes it hard to roll and
destroys some of the layering. Once you have completed all the turns, however, the butter is evenly
dispersed in thin sheets so the dough stays evenly pliant.
> Brush off all loose flour when rolling, and keep the unused dough covered to avoid crusting, which
would cause separation of the rolled layers during baking. The inside of the croissant should consist of
numerous little open cells with no visible striations.
> If the room is cool (68F or under), it is desirable to leave the rolled dough covered on the counter
for up to 30 minutes to relax before the final shaping.
> After cutting the dough triangles or rectangles, you can set them on a baking sheet, cover them
tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for several hours, or up to overnight. Remove them from the
refrigerator and allow them to soften for about 10 minutes before shaping them. Alternatively, you can
shape them, set them on the baking sheets, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them.
Allow them to rise until doubled before baking.
> Although a tightly rolled croissant with the classic 7 distinct sections is attractive, I find that the
texture is lighter and better if they are not rolled too tightly.
> After proofing and egg glazing the croissant (so your fingers wont stick to the dough), to get a
more pronounced curve, very gently recurve the ends inward.
> Unbaked croissant dough can be refrigerated for 2 days. Baked croissants or pains au chocolat can
be held at room temperature for a day or frozen for several months. Reheat them in a preheated 300F
oven for 5 minutes (8 minutes if frozen).
> If you have cushioned cookie sheets or enough to stack one on top of the other to make a doublelayered baking sheet, it helps keep the bottoms of the croissants or pains from getting too brown.
THE DOUGH PERCENTAGE

Flour:
Water:
Yeast:
Salt:
Butterfat:

100%
64% (includes the water in milk and butter)
1.65%
2.3%
73.4 to 75.3% (depending on the type of butter)

Bibliography

Books
Raymond Calvel, The Taste of Bread, translated by Ron Wirtz. Gaithersburg, Md.: Aspen Publishers,
2001.
Helen Charley, Food Science. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1982.
Shirley O. Corriher, CookWise. New York: William Morrow and Company, 1997.
Suzanne Dunaway, No Need to Knead: Handmade Italian Breads in 90 Minutes. New York: Hyperion,
1999.
Carol Field, The Italian Baker. New York: Harper & Row, 1985.
Maggie Glezer, Artisan Baking Across America. New York: Artisan, 2000.
Pauline C. Paul and Helen H. Palmer, Food Theory and Applications. New York: John Wiley & Sons,
1972.
Peter Reinhart, The Bread Bakers Apprentice. Berkeley, Calif.: Ten Speed Press, 2001.
Amy Scherber and Toy Kim Dupree, Amys Bread. New York: William Morrow and Company, 1996.
Alan Scott and Daniel Wing, The Bread Builders. White River Junction, Vt.: Chelsea Green Publishing
Co., 1999.
Gail Sher, From a Bakers Kitchen. Berkeley and Los Angeles, Calif.: Aris Books, 1984.
Nancy Silverton, Breads from the La Brea Bakery. New York: Villard Books, 1996.
Jeffrey Steingarten, The Man Who Ate Everything. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1998.
William J. Sultan, Practical Baking. Westport, Conn.: AVI Publishing Co., 1980.
Reay Tannahill, Food in History. New York: Crown Trade Paperbacks, 1989.
Bernice K. Watt and Annabel L. Merrill, Composition of Foods: Agriculture Handbook No 8.
Washington, D.C.: United States Department of Agriculture, 1963.
Magazines and Reprints
Maggie Glezer, Baking a Flatbread with an Inlay of Herbs, Fine Cooking, November 1998.

Tim Huff, Creating Artisan Breads, General Mills Bakers Flour, November 1999.
Kay Rentschler and Julia Collin, Understanding and Using Yeasts, Cooks Magazine, January and
February 2001.
Didier Rosada, Exploring the Life of a Sourdough, Modern Bakings Bread and Rolls Handbook,
supplement to Modern Baking, November 1999.
Didier Rosada, Pre-Ferments (Part One), Bread Lines, The Bread Bakers Guild of America, Volume
8, Issue 1, February 2000.
Didier Rosada, Pre-Ferments (Part Two), Bread Lines, The Bread Bakers Guild of America, Volume
8, Issue 2, May 2000.
Bakers Special Websites
Reggie and Jeff Dworkin, Bread Bakers Digest: www.bread-bakers.com
The Bread Bakers Guild of America: www.bbga.org

Glossary of Bread Baking Terms

When you overhear bread bakers talking it often sounds like a foreign language, because their
conversation is peppered with so many terms unique to the industry. Some actually are foreign words
(mostly French) but most are merely familiar terms used in a different way. All professions have
jargona terminological shorthand designed for communicating quickly and precisely with a
minimum of words. I have used many of these bread bakers terms throughout the book, such as tacky
and extensible and put the more familiar translation in parenthesis (slightly sticky and stretchy).
Here is a glossary of commonly used bread-baking terms to make you feel completely at home when
you enter the world of bread baking.
NOTE

Ingredient and equipment terms are detailed fully in their respective chapters.

active dry yeast: Commercial dried yeast that contains a higher amount of dead yeast cells than instant
yeast. This yeast requires soaking in warm water to activate it.
altus brat: Old bread added to bread dough, usually pumpernickel, to give more complexity of flavor.
autolyse: The rest, usually 20 minutes, given to the dough after the initial mixing, to give it a chance to
absorb the water more evenly before developing the dough fully.
barm: A fully mature dough starter created from wild yeast.
benching: Allowing the dough to rest before shaping.
biga: A stiff pre-ferment or dough starter close to the consistency of dough, created from commercial
yeast.
bannetons: Round or oblong baskets or containers used for shaped bread dough during the final rise, to
give extra support and a rustic floured crust.
batard: A torpedo or football-shaped loaf.
bloom: See grigne.
boule: A round ball-shaped loaf.
chef: A dough starter created from wild yeast at the stage before it becomes fully mature or active.
couche: A word for bed in French, this is the name given to the cloth that is folded to make a bed for
long bread doughs, such as baguettes, to rest during rising.
crumb: The interior structure of a baked loaf.
degas: To deflate or press down or punch down the dough to release air.

desem: The Flemish word for a fully mature dough starter created from wild yeast.
dimpling: Pressing indentations into the dough with your fingers.
dividing the dough: Cutting the dough into smaller pieces for shaping.
dormancy: A state of slowed down yeast activity in the dough produced by chilling.
dough elasticity: Springinessthe ability of the dough to spring back when pulled or stretched.
dough extensibility: The ability of the dough to stretch without pulling back.
enriched dough: Dough containing fat, dairy, eggs, or sugar.
expanding the dough starter: Feeding it with flour and water to increase its quantity.
fermentation: The yeast-produced breakdown of sugar in the flour into carbon dioxide and alcohol.
This term is generally used to refer to the first rise of the dough.
flour blanket: When flour is sprinkled on top of a sponge or batter consistency pre-ferment to cover it
completely.
friction factor: The amount of heat produced by a mixer or processor when bread dough is mixed.
glazing: Brushing the shaped, risen dough with egg wash, melted fat, or a cornstarch mixture to produce
a shine to the baked bread.
gluten: The protein network produced when flour that contains gluten-forming proteins is mixed with
water.
grigne: The French word for grin, referring to the opening of the baked dough where it has been
slashed. This is called bloom in English.
hydration: The percentage of water contained in a dough.
hygroscopicisty or hygroscopic: Refers to ingredients that retain moisture, such as honey.
inoculating the dough: Adding sourdough culture to dough.
instant yeast: Dry yeast that is produced to contain more live yeast cells than active dry yeast. Instant
yeast does not require proofing, or soaking in warm water to activate it, and can be added directly to
the flour in a mixture. Instant yeast is nationally available in supermarkets under the following brand
names:
Fleischmanns Bread Machine Yeast or Rapid Rise
Red Stars QuickRise
Red Stars Instant Active Dry
SAF Instant

SAF Gourmet Perfect Rise

kneading: The second stage of more vigorous mixing of the dough after it has come together to form a
mass.
lame: A curved razor blade used to slash bread dough.
laminated dough: A dough that contains a high percentage of fat that is layered into it.
lean dough: A dough that contains little or no fat, eggs, or sugar.
levain: The French word for leavening, it refers to a fully mature dough starter created from wild yeast.
It can be batter consistency or a stiff dough consistency.
madre bianca, or mother: A fully mature dough starter created from wild yeast.
misting: Spraying the dough with water before baking.
pte fermente: Old dough, i.e., dough that has already undergone its first fermentation or rising.
peel: A large, flat paddle used to slide loaves in and out of the oven. (A bagel peel is a narrower paddle
designed to move bagels around in the oven for even baking and to remove them when baked.)
peeling: The process of transferring bread from the peel to the oven.
poolish: A batter-consistency pre-ferment or dough starter created from commercial yeast, usually
consisting of equal weight flour and water. It is made the same day or the day before the bread is baked
and is always fermented at room temperature to produce milder lactic flavors.
pre-ferments (or dough starters): Start the fermenting process before the final mixing of the dough,
extending the length of fermentation and allowing more flavor to develop.
preshaping: Rounding the dough and allowing it to relax afterward so that the dough is not too elastic
to shape well.
primary bulk fermentation: The first rising of the dough before it is divided and/or shaped.
proofer or proof box: A contained environment to raise the dough, both temperature and humidity
controlled.
proofing: Refers to both the development of yeast when activated with warm water (see active dry
yeast) and the final rising of shaped dough, also referred to as secondary fermentation.
refreshing the sourdough starter: Feeding it with flour and water.
retarding dough: Chilling the dough to slow down fermentation and allow complex flavors to develop.
rich dough: Dough containing 20 percent or more fat.

ripening dough: Chilling the dough and allowing it to rest to develop more complex flavors.
rounding the dough: Tucking under the edges of the dough to form a smooth skin or outer surface.
scaling: Weighing the dough.
seed culture: A dough starter created from wild yeast at the stage before it becomes fully mature or
active.
slashing (scoring or slitting): Making cuts or slashes in the dough to release the steam during baking.
soaker: A mixture consisting of whole or coarsely milled grains and/or seeds and water, which softens
them and activates the enzymes in the grains that convert starch in the grains to sugar.
sourdough culture or sourdough starter: A fully mature dough starter created from wild yeast. It can
be a batter consistency, referred to as a liquid starter, or a stiff consistency, referred to as a stiff starter.
sourdough bread: Naturally leavened (risen) bread (made with wild yeast as opposed to commercial
yeast).
sponge: A batter consistency pre-ferment or dough starter created from commercial yeast (some bakers
use the term sponge to mean any form of pre-ferment).
spritzing: Spraying the dough with water before baking.
straight dough or direct dough method: Mixing the dough without a pre-ferment.
strong flour: Flour that contains a high amount of gluten-forming proteins.
tacky: Refers to dough that is slightly sticky. It does not stick to your fingers but feels like it might.
taring (pronounced tairing): Removing the weight of a container or ingredient on a scale by
pressing a button, which enables you to determine the weight of the next ingredient added to it.
turning the dough: This process is a gentle way to stretch and develop the gluten of a dough by pulling
and stretching or rolling it and then folding it into a tight package.
window pane test: Also referred to as membrane test, used for moist dough to determine if adequate
gluten development has taken place. A small piece of dough when stretched will form a translucent
membrane without tearing.

Credits and Acknowledgments

As I get older, I am ever more appreciative of the steadily enlarging network of friends and colleagues
who participate in my life and work. Thankfully, the central core has remained a constant: My husband
of 28 years, Elliott R. Beranbaum, who never once complained about my turning our apartment into a
bakery production site, and my soul mates and loyal friends Jeanne Bauer and David Shamah, who have
participated so generously in the creation of this book.
The greatest energy, passion, and commitment equal to my own, making this book all it could be,
came wholeheartedly and unconditionally from my beloved and gifted editor and friend, Maria D.
Guarnaschelli. This is our seventh book together, our third bible, and the magic is better than ever.
I also want to acknowledge the significant contributions of my friends and business managers
Monica Netupsky and Norman Perry; my dearest friend Elizabeth Karmel, who gave them to me; Erik
Johnson of Norton for his wonderful judgment and calm organizational skills; Judith Sutton, copy editor
beyond my dreams; Alexandra Nickerson for an excellent index; and the entire production and sales
department of W. W. Norton: Andrew Marasia; Nancy Palmquist; Susan M. Sanfrey; Debra Morton
Hoyt; William Rusin and his team throughout the country; Drake McFeely, president; Jeannie Luciano,
publishing director; Starling Lawrence, editor in chief. Never have I felt more welcomed, supported,
and at home at a publishing house.
Thank you Alan Witschonke for your extraordinary line drawings; Gentl & Hyers for your amazing
photographs; Michael Pederson and Amy Quazza for putting your hearts and skills into styling the
bread for photography and rising to the occasion on the coldest week of the winter of 2003; Alex Gant
for your hospitality as studio manager, not to mention drop-dead cappuccino; Helen Raffels for your
continued friendship and artistry.
Thank you Pat Adrian, for keeping my books in the forefront in The Good Cook; Diane Gregory
for your unfailing support and spiritual genius; Yoko Nakajima for recipe testing; Kenny Sossa and
Eddy Perez, for your ever present willingness to taste and critique.
Special thanks to the many bread bakers who welcomed me so enthusiastically into the fold: Vicky
J. Caparulo, Maggie Glezer, Lauren Groveman, David Norman, Mark Fiorentino, friends at the King
Arthur Flour Company (Brinna Sands, Shannon Zappala, Joe Caron, Tod Bramble, Jeffrey Hamelman,
Robin Sargeant, Sue Gray, Sue Baker, Sue Miller), Dan Lieder, Cat (Catherine) Liviakis, Amy Quazza,
Peter Reinhart, Didier Rosada, Amy Scherber, Vinnie Scotto, Kathleen Weber, Hans Welker, chef
Director Bread Program at the French Culinary Institute, and friends at Tom Cat Bakery (Noel Comess,
James Rath, Matthew Reich).
Deep gratitude to the technical expertise and generosity of Tim Huff of General Mills, Bill Weekley
of SAF Yeast, and science/food writer Bob Wolke, for reviewing the extensive technical sections of this
book; also to the flour millers Paul Drumm of Kenyon Grist Mill in Rhode Island and Joe Lindley of
Lindley Mills in North Carolina for sharing their unique expertise, my friend Jens Schmidt for his
profound knowledge of wine production and fermentation, and Ruth Dundas Schmidt for her brilliantly
detailed bread machine reports.
Also deep gratitude to Daniel Boulud for my invaluable stage in the bread baking kitchen of his
Restaurant Daniel.

Heartfelt thanks to my friends at Food Arts magazine: Michael Batterberry, publisher, for his
beyond-words foreword for this book; Jim Poris, senior editor, for his generous supply of flour research
information; Gary Tucker, senior editor, for his loyal support and true friendship, taking me out for
regular culinary airings. And to my friend Barbara Kuck, of The Culinary Archives and Museum at
Johnson and Wales, for providing a home both for my archives and my PBS baking series Baking Magic
with Rose; and to my friend Madeleine Morris, for her generous heart and for keeping me and the entire
production crew so well-fed; as well as Susan and Bob Jassie of Alysons Orchard in Walpole, New
Hampshire, for providing us with a wonderful location.
Undying gratitude to my dear friends and producers Margie Poore, Alec Fatalevich, and most of all
their daughter Jennifer Fatalevich, for believing in me and providing the show to my tell. Also great
appreciation to my friend Brian Maynard of KitchenAid for continuing to improve an already
magnificent mixer.
Special thanks to my dear friends and colleagues Reiko Akehi, Neil Bernstein, Diane Boate, Lois
Daish, Angelica Pulvirenti, and Suvir Saran for their contributions; Dorothy Cann Hamilton of the
French Culinary Institute; Syndi Seid of Advanced Etiquette; and Charlie Trotter, for celebrating my
books with fantastic parties; John Guarnaschelli for his concern and wisdom; Jerry Ruotolo both for his
beautiful authors photo and for introducing me to his son Rob Ruotolo, now my computer guru, who
has kept my computers impressively fit and able to complete this book. And heartfelt gratitude to Bruce
Frank for creating an amazing computer program that ensured the accuracy of all the innumerable
numbers in the charts of these recipes!
Also special thanks to Kenny Amador, my tech-support knight of the Wolf Range, hearth of my
bread baking existence.

Ingredients

What is bread at its most elemental level?

Referred to ubiquitously as the staff of life, bread satisfies on such a primal level Ive often felt that I
would be happy on a diet of bread and wine alone (although cheese would always be welcome, as
would a little sweet butter to enhance the flavor of the bread). My American Heritage dictionary
actually defines bread as regarded as necessary for sustaining life. Im convinced that this refers
to more than just nutrition.
There are many types of bread, including flatbreads, such as pita, which often dont contain yeast,
and quick breads, such as banana bread, which usually use baking powder or baking soda instead of
yeast and are more like cakes in texture. But to me, when I think of bread, first and foremost it is a freeform or shaped loaf of yeast-raised dough with a crust and a chewy crumb.
There are many delightful things that can be added to basic bread dough to make it special, but the
true miracle of bread is that it takes only four essential, and inexpensive ingredients (plus temperature
control and timing) to produce a soul-satisfying good loaf. The ever-present magic is that one of these
ingredients (the yeast) is visibly very much alive, and if using whole wheat flour, the enzymes in the
germ contained are active as well. The four essential ingredients are: unbleached wheat flour, water,
yeast, and salt.
Essential Ingredient #1: Flour
Although the U.S. government code of federal regulations considers the word flour when used alone to
refer to wheat flour, the dictionary definition of flour is a fine, powdery foodstuff obtained by grinding
and sifting the meal of a grain, especially wheat, used chiefly in baking. The word is thought to have
evolved from the word flower, so-called because it is produced from the best part of the grain. The
term flour, however, also often applies to food substances that are not grains, such as the fine powders
made from grinding nuts, dried legumes, potatoes, or corn. (In my opinion, most alternative grains and
legumes are used as flour in bread primarily for nutritional or health reasons, such as allergies to wheat
flour, and in most cases are far less desirable in terms of texture, volume, color, or flavor.) Wheat flour
is the only flour that contains a sufficient amount of the proteins glutenin and gliadin. When they are
combined with water to make a dough, they form gluten, an elastic network that enables the gases
produced by the yeast to expand without breaking through the dough, resulting in a high rise and chewy
crumb. The protein glutanin is thought to be responsible for elasticity in the doughthe capability to
spring back when stretched. The protein gliadin is responsible for extensibility in the doughthe ability
of the dough to stretch. When the two are combined, they are capable of absorbing three times their

weight in water. This explains why a flour containing a high degree of protein will require more water
to make a workable dough.
THE THREE MOST CRITICAL CRITERIA FOR FLOUR ARE

> Variety
> Protein content
> Freshness
Variety
Wheat flour is the foundation of most breads and, therefore, the most important ingredient. A grain (also
referred to as a kernel or berry) of wheat flour is amber in color (think America the Beautiful, and
amber waves of grain). The wheat grain has an oval shape and consists of the three main parts:
1 The bran, the hard, fibrous outer coating that surrounds the wheat grain. It contains phenolic acid,
which makes it bitter.
2 The endosperm, the inner part of the wheat grain. It contains the starch from which our basic white
flour is made.
3

The germ, located at the bottom of the oval wheat grain. It is high in oil, with a sweet/nutty flavor.

A grain of wheat is a complete universe unto itself. It is 83 to 85 percent endosperm, 2.5 percent
germ, and 12.5 to 14.5 percent bran. When harvested, a grain of wheat may appear dry and lifeless, but
unless it is very old it is alive and can remain alive, in a dormant state, for several years! As in any seed,
the germ is the potential life, or embryo, of the grain, capable of germinating and producing more
wheat, even after it is picked. When combined with water, it is awakened from dormancy and will begin
to sprout. The endosperm, the starch/protein component, is the germs food and the bran is the
protective layer that contains it.
When baking bread with flour ground from the whole wheat grain, it is necessary for the germ to
still be alive when ground to make bread with good texture and flavor. The germ is viable for only a few
weeks after grinding, which is why whole wheat flour over six weeks old is no longer good for baking
bread.
Wheat varieties
There are many varieties of wheat, and millers often blend them to achieve their desired results.
However, the two basic types of wheat grown are soft wheat and hard wheat.
The term hard refers to the structure of the wheat kernel; that of hard wheat is harder than that of
soft wheat. Most hard wheat flours have a high protein content. All soft wheat flours have a low protein
content. Most nationally available brands of all-purpose flour are made with hard wheat flour. Allpurpose flour from the South is usually made with soft wheat flour.
Hard wheat flours are usually used for yeast-raised breads, whereas soft flours are usually used for
chemically leavened (baking powder or baking soda) quick breads, biscuits, cakes, and so forth.

Hard wheat is mostly grown in the northern Great Plains, Minnesota, the Dakotas, and Canada. Hard
wheat is planted in the spring and harvested in late summer, so it is called spring wheat.
Soft wheat flour is grown in regions such as the Carolinas, where the winters are mild and dry. The
wheat is planted in the fall and harvested in late spring, and it is called winter wheat because its major
growing period is during the winter. It can be either a hard wheat or soft wheat variety.
Spring wheat flour results in bread with a redder crust than bread made with winter wheat flour,
which yields a more golden crust. Spring wheat also provides a slightly bitter afternote.
When you purchase whole wheat or flour, you may see the term red wheat or white wheat. These
refer to the color of the bran, or outer coating, of the wheat kernel. Red wheat has been around for
centuries, but white (whole) wheat was developed only about twenty years ago as the result of efforts
to produce a wheat without the bitter phenolic acid contained in the bran but with its other nutritional
attributes.
Current theories are that white flour is more digestible than whole wheat and that whole wheat
flours major benefit is the laxative benefits of fiber. If you prefer the flavor or health benefits of whole
wheat flour. I recommend using a lower proportion of the traditional red whole wheat to get the wheaty
flavor with just a slight accent of bitterness. The white wheat has a much milder flavor and can be used
as the sole flour in a bread without imparting a bitter taste. There is no difference in flavor, however,
between red wheat and white wheat bread or all purpose flours, as the bran and germ are removed
during milling.
White wheat flour is appealing to millers because when they separate the bran and germ from the
endosperm of the grain to grind it to produce white flour, they can use the portion of the endosperm that
is closest to the bran without it showing up as dark specks the way it would with red wheat flour. This is
called a higher extraction rate. Flour that is ground with portions of the endosperm closer to the bran
usually has a higher mineral (ash) content. Another advantage to white wheat flour is that there is less
phenolic acid in the bran, so it is less apt to turn rancid. Apart from that, the hardness (gluten-forming
protein) of red and white wheat flours will be similar if both are from winter wheat. Some mills offer
flours with a blend of red and white.
Of all the wheat flour varieties, hard red spring wheat usually has the highest percentage of
gluten-forming protein. Hard red winter wheat, however, is the flour preferred by most artisan bakers,
because of its higher extensibility. Before the artisan bread movement, American bakers valued
elasticity (the ability to stretch and shrink back to its original size), which can hold up to machine
methods of mixing dough, while French bakers, such as the world-renowned Lionel Poilane, who
spearheaded the artisan bread movement, valued extensibility (the ability of the dough to stretch in a
relaxed way without shrinking back to its original shape).
Durum wheat
Durum is a variety of wheat with the highest protein content of all wheat flour, but durum flour does not
form gluten that is as elastic or stretchy (extensible) as other hard wheat flours. It is, therefore, usually
used in combination with all-purpose or bread flour. Because of its high protein content, if it is
overworked, it will produce an excessively chewy bread. Both durum flour and semolina are ground
from the endosperm of durum wheat, but durum flour is finely ground and semolina is coarsely ground.
Durum flour gives a lovely golden color and absolutely delicious flavor to bread. The golden breads of
Sicily all contain a high percentage of durum flour. Durum flour is sometimes labeled extra-fancy
pasta flour or patent durum flour, or farina grade. It is as silky-fine as all-purpose or bread flour.

Kamut
This grain is the Egyptian ancestor of todays wheat. Kamut flour lacks the bitterness associated with
whole wheat while at the same time contributing a delicious sweet nuttiness to bread. I now use kamut
in place of whole wheat for many of my recipes.
Wheat flours
There are two basic types of flour produced from all the varieties of wheat, whole wheat flour, which is
made by grinding the entire grain, and white wheat flour (usually referred to as white flour), which is
produced from only the endosperm.
White flour comes in several types suited to different uses, from cakes to breads. The different
types are determined not only by the protein content of the flour but also by the portion of the grains
endosperm that is used.
The milling process (for all wheat flour), known as the gradual reduction method, involves grinding,
sifting, and separating the flour multiple times. The separating allows the miller to segregate different
parts of the flour from the endosperm. The interior of the endosperm contains no bran and has the least
amount of protein. Although there is no special government classification, in the industry this is referred
to as short patent flour. Short patent flour made from soft wheat is the type of flour used to produce
cake flour. Long patent flour is produced from the part of the endosperm closer to the bran and is
therefore higher in protein. It is used for all-purpose flour. Long patent flour made from hard wheat is
used for bread flour. Clear flour (sometimes referred to as common flour) is considered to be a lower
grade than these because it contains some of the bran. Toward the end of the milling process, some of
the bran is reduced to particles and is no longer separated out, and the result is clear flour. The bran
raises the mineral (ash) content but not the gluten-forming protein content, so clear flour is usually
made from a hard wheat to maximize its strength. It is this flour, in combination with rye flour, that sets
the old-style Jewish rye bread, with its compact coarseness of crumb, apart from other breads.
Most flours are closer to what is referred to as long patent or straight grade, derived from a 75
percent extraction. (Short patent flour, by contrast is only 45 percent extraction.) The extraction
percentage refers to the amount of the entire grain retained in the flour.
Ash content
The ash content (also referred to as the mineral content on the package) of flour is related to fiber and
flavor. Since the minerals are concentrated in the outer layers of the wheat berry, a flour processed from
parts of the wheat berry closest to the bran has a higher ash content. Flour with a higher ash content is
darker in color, because of the bran particles. These provide both an increase in flavor and in
fermentation capability. French flour generally has a higher ash content than American flour, although
some millers, such as some of those who mill flour for King Arthur, produce a European-style flour of
this type.
Reduced-bran whole wheat flour
Some millers also produce for commercial sources what they call reduced-bran flour, which contains
about 98 percent of the raw germ and only 20 percent of the bran. Although its not available to
consumers, you can make your own in two different ways, either by sifting out part of the bran from the
whole wheat flour or by adding wheat bran and wheat germ to unbleached all-purpose or bread flour. Of
course, if you sift out part of the bran from whole wheat flour, you will also lose some of the flavorful

and nutritious germ. Alternatively, if you make your own blend, you will usually need to find germ that
is very fresh, as the high oil content makes it extremely prone to rancidity. Stabilized wheat germ,
however, available from King Arthur, has been treated to give it a shelf life of up to a year (in a cool,
dry place) without altering its taste as would the toasted germ available in supermarkets. You can add up
to 10 percent germ to white flour to make reduced-bran whole wheat flour. (If the germ has not been
toasted or stabilized, there is a lot of the enzyme activity that would cause decomposition of the flour
and a decrease in volume of the loaf if the germ is in excess of 10 percent.)
To make 3.5 ounces/100 grams (about 3/4 cup) reduced-bran flour, use 93 percent unbleached allpurpose, 5 percent germ, and 2 percent bran. For example:
93 g bleached all-purpose flour (about 2/3 c)
5 g germ (2 tsp)
2 g bran (2 tsp)
BASIC VARIETIES OF WHITE WHEAT FLOUR USED IN BREADS AND QUICK BREADS

The term organic flour refers to agricultural growing methods and is more a
philosophical/environmental issue than a quality issue. Because there is the potential of bugs in organic
flour (as storage bins are not sprayed with insecticides), it should be stored as for whole wheateither
no more than 3 months at cool room temperature or up to a year in the freezer. (Freezing for 72 hours
will kill any weevils.)
High-gluten flour: Generally made from the highest gluten-forming protein wheat, which is hard
red spring. Since there are no government standards for this type of flour, it may vary in protein content.
Bread flour: Made from hard red winter wheat or a blend of hard wheats.
All-purpose flour: A mix of hard and soft wheats.
Instant or quick-mixing flour: Wondra flour, produced by General Mills, is a bleached all-purpose
flour that has been processed in a special way that makes it possible to dissolve it instantly in liquid. It
makes terrific popovers that have a spongy, almost cake-like texture.
Unbleached and bleached all-purpose and cake flour: The natural pigments present in wheat
flour give it its creamy color and wheaty aroma. This is destroyed by bleaching. Most all-purpose flour
is not bleached by chlorine bleach, which weakens the proteins, but some are. Also, a softer variety of
wheat is used in some brands of bleached flour. Consequently, it is best to use only unbleached flour for
making bread.
NOTE

Milling techniques
There are several different ways of milling flour. The roller milling machinery of large-scale highproduction flour mills heats the grains, resulting in a certain measure of deterioration. This damage
affects the water-absorption capacity of the flour, as well as speeding up fermentation and reducing the
stretching capacity (extensibility) of the dough. Artisan bread bakers prefer flour produced by specialty
mills that use the traditional stone-grinding method, which does not damage the grain in this way. Flour
that is labeled stone-ground has been ground between heavy, slowly rotating mill stones.
Another method of milling is the hammermill, which is a grinder with a screen. The wheat goes into
the center, where the shaft turns (driven by a motor) hammers at the end of the motor shaft. Metal
projections sling out from centrifugal force and beat the wheat through the screen. This method
produces a higher degree of uniformity than stone grinding, with less damaging heat generated than in

roller milling. Stone grinding, however, is preferable for bread flour, because hammermilling leaves
particles of the endosperm that are not reduced down enough to absorb water (hydrate) properly, with
the result that the flour produced behaves like a lower protein flour than it actually is.
Since I never have enough room in my freezer to store flour, and whole wheat flour has only a three
month shelf life if not frozen, for the small proportion of whole wheat flour I use in my breads, I usually
prefer to grind it myself in a home flour mill. But, when I do buy whole wheat flour, my favorite is
Kenyons stone-ground (see Sources). It is a hard wheat flour with flecks of bran that are unusually
large and flat, giving breads a lot of texture and a beautiful speckled appearance. The milling process
used is what produces the texture (in their cornmeal as well); it is unusual in that their millstones are
made of very hard westerly granite from Rhode Island and are flat rather than grooved. The grains are
shaved down between the stones, resulting in the flatter particles as opposed to the more granulated
grind that results from the chopping action of the grooved stones.
To speed up production, some mills first coarsely grind the wheat between millstones and then pass
it through roller mills. Unfortunately, there is no government restriction against labeling this flour as
stone-ground, since that was part of the process.
Protein Content and Brands
There is a great variance from brand to brand in terms of varieties, consistency of quality, and methods
of milling, and since the type of flour used is so critical to the taste and texture of the bread, I have
listed the flours that have given me the best results. All are national brands and can be found in most
supermarkets or mail-ordered. Regional brands may be much lower in protein and may produce loaves
that do not rise well due to lack of good structure. However, there are many wonderful flours, some
from smaller mills, such as Heartland (see Sources), around the country and abroad, and once youve
mastered a recipe, its fun and interesting to experiment with other brands of flours.
Flours protein content can vary from harvest to harvest. King Arthur Flour has a justly earned
reputation for consistency, valued particularly by commercial bakers where variation would be readily
apparent in the large batches of dough they produce. It is impossible to determine the exact protein
content from what is listed on the bag, because it is given as an approximate percentage for only a very
small portion size and it is allowed to vary within the 1 ounce/30 grams, so when multiplied to 3.5
ounces/100 grams the variance is magnified.
APPROXIMATE RANGE OF PROTEIN IN NATIONALLY AVAILABLE FLOURS

Note that millers can achieve different protein contents by buying and blending different wheats which
are classified by protein content. When manufacturers order flour in bulk, they get the specifications but
still usually need to adjust their formulas.
Gold Medal unbleached all-purpose flour: 10 to 12%, usually 10.5%
Gold Medal bread flour: 12.1 to 12.6%, usually 12.3%
Pillsbury unbleached all-purpose flour: 10.5 to 11.5%
Pillsbury bread flour: 11 1/2 to 12 1/2%
King Arthur high-gluten (Sir Lancelot) flour: 14%
King Arthur bread flour (all hard red spring wheat): 12.7%
King Arthur all-purpose flour (all hard red winter wheat): 11.7%
King Arthur whole wheat flour: 14%
King Arthur white whole wheat flour: 13%

King Arthur Italian-style flour: 7.4%

King Arthur European-style Artisan flour (contains organic whole wheat and ascorbic acid): 11.7%
King Arthur French-style Flour (contains high-ash hard white wheat): 11.5%
King Arthur organic flour: 11.7%
King Arthur all-purpose flour has a higher percentage of protein than most other all-purpose flours,
but the others listed above will perform about the same, with perhaps a slightly less chewy crumb. Most
recipes that call for bread flour will work well with an equal weight of unbleached all-purpose flour and
simply be a little less chewy. Because lower-protein unbleached all-purpose flour is usually more
stretchable (extensible), you may even get more volume than with the higher-protein bread flour.
To replace bread flour with all-purpose flour, by volume:
1 cup bread flour = 1 cup plus 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
Vital wheat gluten
Vital wheat gluten is removed from the flour by a washing process. It is then added to flours to increase
their strength (adding 1 percent of the weight of the flour in vital wheat gluten increases the protein
content by 0.6 percent). It will result in a more chewy crumb and provide more support for added
ingredients that cut through the gluten, such as seeds and grains. When I use it, I add from 1/2 teaspoon
to 2 teaspoons per cup of flour (1 to 4 percent of the weight of the flour). If adding vital wheat gluten to
your own recipes, you will also need a little more water, as this higher-protein wheat gluten is capable
of absorbing more liquid (equal in weight to the amount of the vital wheat gluten). If you add too much
vital wheat gluten, the crumb will be very chewy. Hodgson Mill recommends a maximum of 3
tablespoons per 4 cups of flour (which would be a shade more than 2 teaspoons per cup at the high end)
but they report that some people use as much as 2 tablespoons per cup. And if you are experimenting
with alternative grains that do not contain gluten-forming protein, you will want to start with as much as
1 tablespoon per cup of flour (6 percent).
Vital wheat gluten will keep refrigerated for up to 16 months. To test its vitality, place 1 teaspoon of
it in a small bowl and gradually stir in 1 scant teaspoon cold water until the wheat gluten is completely
moistened. It should form a putty-like mass that can be stretched to 1 or 2 inches before breaking apart.
Malting and enzymes
All of the flours listed above (except King Arthur organic flour) contain malted barley flour, which is
added to make enzyme activity consistent during fermentation and the rising process. The germ has the
highest enzyme content. Dark-colored flours have higher enzymatic activity than lighter-colored flours,
because they contain more particles from the outer layer of the grain (the bran also contains some
enzymes). The amylase and protease enzymes in flour are important factors in the development of a
dough. Amylase has the potential to act upon some of the starch to convert it into a simple sugar that
feeds the yeast and flavors the bread. The starch, which is a complex carbohydrate, is contained in the
endosperm. Protease has the important function of converting a portion of the proteins into a soluble
form, adding to the elasticity of the gluten by mellowing and softening it.
Diastatic versus nondiastatic barley malt
Diastatic barley malt contains the alpha-amylase enzymes that convert the starch in flour to sugar, to
feed the yeast during fermentation of the dough. Nondiastatic barley malt does not contain this active

enzyme, so it can be added in larger quantities as a flavor enhancer. If too much diastatic barley malt is
added to a dough, there will be too much breakdown of the starch and the result will be a sticky dough
and gummy bread with an overly brown crust, from the residual sugar (bakers sometimes use a small
amount of diastatic malt to improve crust color). Since the flour I use is already malted, I use
nondiastatic barley malt for its flavor. The listing on the flour bag will indicate if it contains malted
barley flour. Organic flour is not usually malted and so will benefit from a small amount of diastatic
malt to supplement the enzymes present in the flour.
If you want to experiment with diastatic malt, if using malted flour start with only 0.5 percent the
weight of the flour (about 1/8 teaspoon per cup). If the flour isnt malted, start with 0.75 to 1 percent the
weight of the flour (about 1/4 teaspoon per cup). It is best to divide the malt between the dough starter
(pre-ferment) and the rest of the dough, but keep in mind that it takes 45 minutes to an hour for diastatic
malt to become functional in a mixed dough, and then the enzymes in the diastatic malt require at least
8 hours to work effectively.
Ascorbic acid
Gold Medal and Pillsbury bread flour and King Arthur European-style flour contain a very tiny amount
of ascorbic acid, an oxidizing agent added to strengthen the gluten. This is important when a dough does
not have a long fermentation to strengthen it or when it is being retarded (held at a cool temperature) for
an extended period of time, such as the baguette dough. During baking, the ascorbic acid completely
dissipates, leaving no aftertaste.
Other wheat flours or derivatives
Cracked wheat is produced by cracking the entire wheat grain into small pieces.
Bulgur is produced by removing the bran from the grains, cracking them, partially steaming them,
and then drying them.
Graham flour originally was simply coarsely milled whole wheat flour, but today it can also
contain extra bran or even a certain percentage of rye flour.
Freshness
I have to confess that for years I never believed flour could get stale, as long as I couldnt smell any off
flavors, but I was dead wrong. I learned the now-unforgettable lesson when developing the recipe for
the baguette. No matter what I tried, I couldnt get those lovely open holes in the crumb. I called
everyone I could think of, and somewhere along the line someone suggested that maybe it was the flour.
What I was using was three years old. I bought a new batch and the favorable results forever changed
the way I think about the shelf life of any dry ingredient. I learned that unless you freeze flour, it is
essential to date it the moment you bring it into the house and then ruthlessly throw it out after 3 months
if its whole wheat or rye, after one year if its white flour. No ifs, ands, or buts. As flour ages, it loses
its strength. If it isnt stored airtight, it will absorb air in a humid environment or dry out in a dry
environment. Only cake flour, which is chlorine bleached, seems to have a virtually indefinite shelf life,
if stored airtight. Flour isnt expensive enough to risk wasting your time with an expired one.
Excess oxidation is the enemy of good bread. In the mixing phase, a certain amount of incorporated
air is desirable, but in ground flour, undesirable oxidation starts to takes place from the moment the
grain is cracked and exposed to air. This is why the whole unground grain can keep for as long as five

years, if cleaned and kept dry and cool, but whole wheat flour keeps for only about 3 months. A
common practice in milling is to moisten the grains to make separation of the bran easier. One of the
benefits of this practice is that the bran flakes into attractive little pieces instead of powdering and
merely darkening the bread. If the moistening and drying is done quickly, there is no down side, but if
not, the moisture is likely to activate enzymes that will cause the flour to deteriorate more quickly.
If you are in doubt as to whether your whole grains are still viable after prolonged storage, soak
some of the grains in water. If most of them dont start to germinate (sprout) after 2 or 3 days, the grain
is no longer alive and should be discarded.
How fresh is too fresh? Before aging, wheat flour is referred to as green. There is a big debate
over freshly ground whole wheat and aging vis-a-vis the absorption capability of water when mixing the
dough. According to Joe Lindley of Lindley Mills in Graham, North Carolina, Whole wheat is better
within the first three or four days after it is ground flavor and nutrition wise, but it wont be noticeable
in home baking to 95 percent of people. After five days, there is a less stable product because of enzyme
activity. Three weeks later, it is already more consistent. Using new-crop wheat that hadnt aged a
month or one and a half months could be a problem with large-scale baking so bromation was used to
enabled bakers to use flour right from the mill. This artificially aged it, improving the grain and texture
of the bread. Nowadays this is accomplished by another chemical process, referred to as ADA. Flour
will age naturally if allowed to stand for eight to twelve weeks. By the time the consumer receives it,
the aging will be sufficient.
When making a dough with a very short process time as opposed to one with a long dough starter
(pre-ferment), aging of the flour is important because new flour can be weak and produce loaves with
little volume. However, most of my doughs are made with a pre-ferment, which helps the flour to
mature, and in any event the percentage of whole wheat (that might be freshly ground) is very low.
Storage: It is best to store flour and other grains in airtight containers or freeze them in freezerweight plastic bags. If the flour comes in a bag, leave it in the bag and place it in a freezer-weight
plastic bag. Flour will lose or gain moisture if not stored airtight. If stored airtight in the freezer, most
grains will keep for up to 2 years.
Other grains
Ezekiel Flour: This is a blend of different flours, the name inspired by the Bible, Ezekiel 4:9, where
God tells the prophet: Take wheat and barley, beans and lentils, millet and spelt; put them in a single
vessel and make bread out of them.
White Rice Flour: This silky-soft flour is ideal for dusting work surfaces when shaping the dough.
Because it does not absorb liquid quickly, it is ideal to keep it from sticking. It is also great for dusting
bannetons to keep the dough from sticking, and it tends to clump less on the dough than wheat flour. It
can substitute for 5 percent of wheat flour used in the bread without affecting the quality. It is very
prone to rancidity and best used soon after grinding or stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Red, Purple, and Green Rice Flours: These exquisite rice flours give a beautiful color to the bread
as well as subtle flavor. The red rice is Bhutanese, the purple Forbidden Rice, and the green is roasted
Kaipen, a fresh water algae, finely milled with rice. (See Lotus Foods in Sources.)
Rye Flour: Rye is a strong-flavored grain. Rye flour is low in gluten-forming protein, so, unlike
bread made with wheat flour, its structure is based more on starch than on protein. Rye flour is almost
always used in combination with wheat flour to give the bread a better, more airy structure and to
contribute flavor to the wheat flour. The carbohydrate portion of rye flour contains a gummy substance
called pentosan that results in breads with a sticky crumb if more than 20 percent rye flour is used in the

dough. In addition, the germ and bran of rye are exceptionally high in amylase enzymes, which add to
gumminess by breaking down the starch. This same quality, however, makes rye a desirable flour to use
as part of a dough starter (pre-ferment). A long, cool pre-fermentation develops acidity in the dough that
serves to counteract the potential stickiness.
White rye flour is milled from the center of the endosperm and has little, if any, of the characteristic
rye flavor. Medium rye flour is generally milled from the entire endosperm, but may sometimes be a
flour that is finely milled from the entire rye berry. Dark rye flour is milled from the outer part of the
endosperm, which contains some of the bran. Pumpernickel or rye meal, milled from the entire rye
grain, is the darkest of the rye flours. Pumpernickel is usually ground coarse; rye meal can be fine,
medium, or coarse. Rye chops are the equivalent of cracked wheat, in that they are the whole rye berry
that has been coarsely cracked. Any rye flour containing the whole grain is prone to rancidity, though
not quite as readily as wheat flour since rye is lower in phenolic acid. It is therefore best to store it in the
freezer if you wont be using it within 3 months.
Spelt (farro in Italian): An ancient grain, spelt, which has a slightly nutty flavor, is related to wheat
but is sometimes tolerated by those who have wheat-related allergies. Using it as the only flour in a
bread will make the crumb very dense. It has a high protein content, but because it is a fragile sort of
protein, it can be substituted for whole wheat flour without compromising texture in recipes where only
a small percentage is used in proportion to a high-protein white wheat flour. However, although it has its
fans, I find that in bread it produces a slightly odd, unpleasant flavor.
Triticale (pronounced tritaKAYlee): Developed in Scotland, this grain is a hybrid of wheat and
rye. The goal was to produce a flour that had ryes superior nutritive value and wheats better baking
qualities. Triticale has a high protein content, but the protein is weak.
Other flours
Flours from varying sources can be added to bread doughs for increased nutritional value, but I find that
they often have a bitter or strange aftertaste and most are extremely prone to rancidity. Health food
stores are a good source of grains and flours, but as there is no way to assess freshness, it is safer to
grind your own flour from the grains or mail-order them and store in the freezer.
Barley Flour: This can be substituted for 5 percent of the wheat flour in bread.
Buckwheat Flour: Buckwheat is actually a seed, not a grain, that is in the rhubarb family. It has a
strong, earthy, slightly bitter flavor. The flour is best used in combination with bread flour, both to cut
its flavor intensity and to supply gluten-forming protein to give the bread good structure. Coarse or
medium-grind buckwheat, available in supermarkets and health food stores, makes an excellent
substitute for the bulgur in the Cracked Wheat Loaf.
Corn: I adore the flavor corn flour gives to bread and cornmeal gives to muffins. The variety of
corn used to produce cornmeal is the highly starchy but more flavorful field corn. It may be yellow,
white, or even blue. Blue corn has an almost identical flavor to yellow but offers its intriguing blue/gray
color. It is usually ground finer than yellow and as a result absorbs slightly more liquid. White corn has
a milder flavor than yellow or blue.
A kernel of corn is made up of the same basic components as a grain of wheat: the hull, the
endosperm, and the germ. Cornmeal, like wheat flour, also comes as whole-grain or degerminated and
hulled. Whole-grain meal has a much fuller and more delicious flavor, without the bitterness associated
with whole wheat flour. Because of the oil in the germ, cornmeal and corn flour are very prone to
rancidity and so should be ordered from a mill and stored in the freezer. The best varieties are stoneground, hammermilled, or steel cut, grinding methods that avoid deteriorating heat.

Corn is dried and ground to varying degrees, from coarse to medium to fine cornmeal to the
powdery fine flour. Corn flour is not the same as cornstarch, which is only the starch component of the
kernel. Corn flour can be difficult to find. If you have a flour mill, you can grind it yourself from dried
corn kernels. Kenyons Grist Mill (see Sources) sells the dried corn kernels. Or you can grind coarse
cornmeal to flour consistency. Alternatively, Gary Leavitt of Kitchen Resource, who represents the
Bosch mixers and flour mill, recommends grinding (unpopped) popping corn, saying it is a little sweeter
in flavor. Because of its high oil content, however, it requires a flour mill with an air-cooling system,
such as the Bosch.
Legume Flour: Dried legumes such as peas, beans, peanuts, chickpeas, and soybeans can be ground
into flour. Generally, legume flour can be substituted for 5 to 15 percent of the wheat flour in a dough
without loss of quality. Neutrally flavored white beans, pea beans, or navy beans do not alter the flavor
of the bread, and produce a very soft bread because they contain no gluten-forming proteins and can be
ground exceptionally fine.
Unheated soy flour contains lipoxygenase, an enzyme that oxidizes unsaturated fats in flour,
creating off flavors and bleaching the flour. This type should be purchased from a reputable source and
should be either refrigerated, for up to 2 weeks, or frozen, for up to 1 year. The recommended amount to
use is up to 0.5 percent the weight of the wheat flour in the dough. (Because the lipoxygenase has been
deactivated in the heated variety, it can be used in a slightly larger amount, up to 2 to 3 percent.) Soy is
added to bread to increase protein (for nutritional purposes), to extend the shelf life, and to make the
bread softer.
Millet Flour: Ground to a flour, millet can be substituted for 25 percent of the wheat flour in bread.
Unground, the small seeds make a flavorful and appealing addition to breads.
Oat Flour: Because it contains 17 percent protein, oat flour can be substituted for as much as 30
percent of the wheat flour in bread.
Potato Flour: Potato flour is ground from dried whole potatoes. It can replace up to 15 percent of
the wheat flour in bread.
The advantage of using potato flour is that you can add more of it without having to add excess
water, and then use a larger amount of buttermilk as part of the liquid as in the Potato Buttermilk Bread.
Also it is less chewy. The advantage of using (plain) mashed potatoes is that you can use the potato
boiling water for extra flavor. Thus, both potato flour and mashed potato produce a very flavorful bread.
I find the flour an easier solution.
TO SUBSTITUTE MASHED (OR RICED) POTATOES FOR POTATO FLOUR

By weight: Use 4.9 times the weight of the flour in mashed potatoes and subtract 79.8 percent of its
weight from the water used in the recipe.
By volume: Use 3.3 times the volume of the potato flour in mashed potatoes and subtract 85 percent
of its volume in water from the recipe.
Example:
To substitute mashed (or riced) potatoes for 1 cup (6 ounces/172 grams) potato flour, use 3 1/3 cups
(29.5 ounces/844 grams) of mashed potatoes and subtract 2 3/4 cups plus 1 1/2 tablespoons (23.5
ounces/673.3 grams) water from the recipe.
TO SUBSTITUTE POTATO FLOUR FOR MASHED (OR RICED) POTATOES

By weight: Use 20.2 percent of the weight of the mashed potatoes in potato flour and add 79.8

percent of their weight in water.

By volume: Use 30 percent the volume of the mashed potatoes in potato flour and add 86 percent of
their volume in water.
Example:
To substitute potato flour for 1 cup mashed (or riced) potatoes, use 5 tablespoons (about 1.7
ounces/51.5 grams) potato flour plus 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (about 7 ounces/203.5 grams) water
Essential Ingredient #2: Water and Other Liquids
When bread doesnt turn out as anticipated, people are usually very quick to blame the water. While its
true that a very heavily chlorinated water will affect the dough, it is rare to encounter such water, since
most types of chlorine dissipate when exposed to air. If in doubt, simply leave the water uncovered for a
few hours, and the chlorine will probably vanish. (This is particularly important when working with a
starter made from wild yeast.) The minerals in very hard water or the lack of minerals in very soft water,
however, may noticeably affect the taste and texture of bread. Very hard water will toughen the dough
and slow down fermentation, and very soft water will soften the dough and make it sticky. If your water
quality is suspect, use bottled water. You dont want one too high in minerals, neither do you want
distilled water, which has none at all. Alternatively, you can adjust the salt level, which will affect the
gluten structure: increase it slightly if using soft water or decrease it slightly if using hard water.
Obviously, in areas where there is sulfur in the water, that will give an unpleasant taste to the bread.
Otherwise, begin with tap water and go from there.
I call for warm water in some recipes and room temperature water (70 to 90F) in others. I dont
want to risk anyones adding too hot water (above 120F which would kill the yeast) or cold water
which would not activate it fully. For room-temperature water, simply let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
Potato water from boiling potatoes makes an excellent addition to bread dough. Not only does it
impart a delicious subtle flavor, it also keeps the bread moist. Beet water turns the crumb the most
gorgeous shade of rose and the crust a rosy golden brown. Other vegetable cooking water can also be
used, but then it is more for health virtues than flavor, as the taste is usually very subtle.
Milk contributes flavor, strengthening of the gluten (which results in higher volume), and browning
of the crust, from the lactose it contains. The lactose sugar is not consumed by the yeast, so it is
available for caramelization during baking, giving the crust a good color. The protease enzyme in milk,
however, slows down yeast production and can cause breakdown of the protein in the flour, resulting in
a sticky and weakened dough. But this enzyme is deactivated by heat, which makes it advisable to scald
the milk (bring it to just under the boiling pointsmall bubbles appear around the edges) and then
allow it to cool until only warm before adding it to the dough. Actually, I find it much easier to use the
Bakers Special Dry Milk from King Arthur. Unlike instant dried milk, it is heated to a high enough
temperature during production to deactivate the protease. It will not reconstitute in liquid so must be
added to the flour. To substitute it for regular milk in recipes, use 1/4 cup (about 1 1/2 ounces/40 grams)
plus 1 cup of water per cup of milk. Up to 8.2 percent of the weight of the flour is the recommended
amount; I use 6 percent in my soft white sandwich loaves.
Buttermilk makes a wonderful addition to bread dough because of its mellow delicious flavor and
dough-strengthening acidity. I prefer liquid buttermilk, which has much more flavor than the powdered
variety. Sour cream has a similar mellow flavor and dough-strengthening acidity, and it also has almost
eleven times the butterfat. The extra butterfat tenderizes the dough very slightly and adds moisture and
shelf life to the baked bread.

Beer produces a luxuriously supple dough and lovely flavor. Encouraged by my success with beer
and ale, I went on to try hard cider, which was a flavor disaster, and then apple cider, which was merely
insipid. That has discouraged me from trying other fruit juices, at least for the time being. Champagne,
which I expected to be wonderful, gave one loaf huge attractive holes from the natural acidity of the
grapes, but the vague champagne flavor in the bread was surprisingly just short of awful. (I persevered
through three tries and variations before giving up.)
Eggs are sometimes used to enrich bread and replace some of the liquid. Although they are certainly
liquid in the raw state, when the dough is baked, the egg yolk and white, of course, solidify; in addition,
the albumin in the egg white has a drying effect. That is why breads like challah, which are high in egg,
can be so dry just a few hours after baking, and why they benefit from the addition of water-retaining
(hygroscopic) honey or sugar. But what eggs in bread lack in moisture they make up for in flavor and
color, particularly the bright orange yolks of true free-range eggs. Furthermore, the lecithin in the egg
yolk has a softening effect on the crumb and produces a finer crumb, while the egg white makes it
lighter in texture.
Cheeses, particularly soft cheeses such as cottage or ricotta, have a high moisture content (see chart)
and add delicious flavor to bread dough.
Essential Ingredient #3: Yeast
Breads that are made with baking powder or baking soda, which are chemical leavening agents, are
called quick breads because they are baked immediately after mixing. Yeast breads, rather than
relying on chemical reaction to produce carbon dioxide to leaven the bread (make it rise), rely on the
metabolic action of yeast known as fermentation. Yeast is a microscopic single-cell organism present in
the air. When added to flour and water, it feeds on the sugar in the flours carbohydrates. In the process,
the yeast multiplies and grows, producing alcohol, which flavors the dough, and carbon dioxide, which
is held by the gluten network of the dough and creates the structure of the bread. If fermentation takes
place for a prolonged period of time at a cool temperature, acetic acid is also produced, which adds
flavor and strengthens the dough.
Before commercial yeast was available, bread baking relied on airborne wild yeasts to ferment flour
and water. The starters made from wild yeast are often maintained for years, but there are widely
diverging opinions on natural yeast versus commercial yeast (see the Sourdough chapter for more
detail). Some believe that the strain of natural yeast developed in a specific environment, such as the
strain used to create the famous San Francisco sourdough bread, loses its individual attributes when
transferred to another location with different water, bacteria, and airborne yeast strains. Others think that
a strong yeast strain can fight off invasion from other strains and maintain its character, particularly if a
small percentage of commercial yeast is added to boost the natural one. And some believe that these
cultures can be kept going for years while others think that a starter or yeast culture should be discarded
after a few months because aging causes it to lose its strength and flavor attributes. Wild starters, which
by nature lack the consistency of commercial starters, are also more fragile or susceptible to higher
fermentation temperatures (I experienced this firsthand when mixing a dough made with one in a food
processor).
In her book The Italian Bread Baker, Carol Field writes that the yeast in the air resulting from a lot
of bread baking adds to the bread. After several years of baking bread just about every day I can testify
to this. Bread now seems to rise faster and improve in flavor in my kitchen.
I use commercial yeast in all my bread baking except when I make sourdough bread from my own
sourdough culture. Commercial yeast is derived from varying strains of the yeast called Saccharomyces

cervisiae, used in the brewing industry. When it comes to commercial sourdough culture, the flavor that
pleases me most comes from the powdered starters called Lalvain du Jour starters. These are produced
in France, and there are two types available: Pain de campagne LA2 (my favorite, containing the
lactobacillus pediococcus pentosaceu) and French Sourdough LA4 (containing the lactobacillus
brevis and lactobacillus plantarum, similar to the San Franciscotype bacteria). Both of these starters
also contain Saccharomyces cervisiae, brewers yeast. These starters require only 12 hours to develop,
as opposed to the lengthy process of keeping a wild yeast starter alive and fed. For me this is not a
viable alternative, because I find the flavor to be so excellent. They also require the addition of
commercial yeast, such as instant yeast.
For breads where I dont want any sour flavor, I use 100 percent instant yeast. In most cookbooks,
this type is referred to as instant yeast, but sometimes you will see it called rapid-rise. I see this as a
misnomer, because used in correct proportion, it does not speed the fermentation of the dough (which
would be undesirable for full flavor development). Because of the manufacturing process, there are
fewer dead yeast cells in instant yeasts than in active dry yeast. This special process also enables the
yeast to wake up more quickly and makes it possible to use less yeast.
Instant yeast is available nationally in supermarkets under the following brand names:
Fleischmanns Bread Machine Yeast or Rapid Rise
Red Stars QuickRise
Red Stars Instant Active Dry
SAF Instant
SAF Gourmet Perfect Rise
If unopened, instant yeast will keep at room temperature for up to two years. Once its opened, it is
best to store it in the freezer. If you buy it in bulk, it is best to transfer a small amount to another
container for regular use and freeze both the larger and smaller amount to ensure maximum shelf life,
which is at least 1 year.
This type of yeast, which can be added directly to the flour without dissolving and soaking
(hydrating) it in water, is an enormous boon to the home baker, because it all but eliminates the
possibility of killing the yeast by using water that is too hot. Note, however, that the yeast will die if
subjected to ice-cold water. It is fine to whisk the yeast into the flour before adding the water, but the
yeast can also be soaked (hydrated) in warm water (at least three times its volume) for ten minutes if
allowed to come to room temperature first if the yeast has been frozen.
Compared to fresh compressed yeast, instant yeast increases the relaxing (slackening) of the gluten
during mixing. This adds to the glutens extensibility, but ascorbic acid is usually added to ensure its
strength.
Active dry yeast, with its higher amount of dead yeast cells, is favored by pizza dough makers
because the dead yeast cells contain glutathione, which relaxes the gluten bonds, adding further to
extensibilitymaking it easier to stretch out the dough. Dead yeast cells add a desirable flavor as well.
YEAST CONVERSIONS

To convert recipes calling for instant yeast to active dry yeast: Use 1.25 times the weight; or, for 1
teaspoon instant yeast, use about 1 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast.

To convert recipes calling for active dry yeast to instant yeast: Use 0.75 times the weight; or, for 1
teaspoon active dry yeast, use 3/4 teaspoon instant yeast.
To convert recipes calling for fresh compressed yeast to instant yeast: Use 0.32 times the weight; or, for
1 packed tablespoon (21 grams) fresh yeast, use 2 teaspoons instant yeast.
Though it is necessary to soak (hydrate) active dry yeast, it actually is not necessary to proof it.
Proofing is done as reassurance that the yeast is still active. It is necessary to add a small amount of
sugar to the water in order to have the yeast foam to demonstrate that it is alive and active. It is equally
unnecessary but acceptable to soak (hydrate) instant yeast. You will need at least 4 times the weight, or
3 times the volume, of the yeast in water.
To proof 1 teaspoon dry yeast: Dissolve about 1/4 teaspoon sugar in 1 to 3 tablespoons of the
water in the recipe, warmed only to hot bath temperature (110F). Sprinkle the yeast on top and
stir to dissolve it. Set it in a warm spot for 10 to 20 minutes. As the yeast activates, it will rise to
the surface and will have a crown of bubbles.
Osmotolerant yeast is a special form of dry yeast designed for doughs with high amounts of sugar,
because sugar competes with the more traditional types of yeast for available water. The two brands
available through catalogues are Fermipan Brown and SAF Gold. Alternatively, instant yeast can be
substituted but you need to use more.
Essential Ingredient #4: Salt
Jeffrey Steingarten said it best in his book The Man Who Ate Everything: Nearly all recipes call for
about 2 percent salt compared to the weight of the flourmuch more, and you kill the yeast and
bacteria; much less, and the yeast grow without restraint and exhaust themselves too soon. Salt also
strengthens the gluten, keeping it elastic in the corrosive acid environment of pain au levain and helping
the bread rise. Can it be mere chance that the chemically ideal level of salt is precisely the amount that
makes bread taste best?
All I would add (the French have a great expression used to describe opinionated people that
translates as always having to add ones grain of salt!) is that because salt contributes to the moisture
retention of bread, it also keeps it fresh longer. Incidentally, too much salt would toughen the crust, but
the right amount aids in making it crisp and crusty. Oh yes, a few final grains: the presence of salt
improves the color of the crust by slowing down the rate of the yeasts consumption of the sugar. And
salt also helps to preserve the color and flavor of the flour. Finally, during warm weather, 0.2 to 0.3
percent salt is added to the starter to slow down yeast activity and thereby prevent overacidity.
I use sea salt because it is uniodized, as the iodized variety can give an unpleasant taste to the bread.
Fine sea salt is easier to measure (if not weighing), and it integrates more readily into the dough than
coarse sea salt. Its very difficult to measure salt accurately for two reasons: measuring spoons vary
from brand to brand, and salt is extremely hygroscopic: that is, it will readily grab water from the air,
increasing its weight. Using the same scale and the same salt, I have found a teaspoon to vary between
5.2 grams and 6.6 grams. When you find the level of salt that you prefer, if not weighing the salt, for
consistency, it is best always to use the same measuring spoon. But whether measuring by weight or
volume, in very humid conditions it may be desirable to add a little extra salt, or, conversely, in very dry
conditions, a little less.

Other Ingredients Commonly Used in Bread

Various flavorful ingredients such as sugar, honey, butter, and olive oil (as well as eggs, described
above) are employed to create more tender and richer breads with finer crumb, usually considered to be
special occasion breads. Some of these breads can stand in quite nicely for cakes, as on the baking
spectrum they come fairly close though they are neither quite as tender nor as rich.
Sweeteners
Sugar: It irks me no end to hear the statement sugar is sugar. Sugar is not sugar any more than flour
is flour. The varieties are manifold, explained in a fifteen-thousand word article I wrote for Food Arts
magazine. It is permanently posted on my website, www.thecakebible.com, for anyone interested in
learning about the subject in depth.
What is essential to know about sugar and other sweeteners in bread baking is that in high
proportions, not only do they limit the yeast activity, they also limit the amount of gluten that can be
developed in the flour. This is because, like yeast, they compete with the flour for the water necessary
for gluten formation. Because of this water-retention ability, called hygroscopicity, sugar also serves to
hold in moisture, making the crumb softer and keeping the bread fresher longer. And, although too
much sugar (in excess of 13 percent of the weight of the flour) will decrease the strength of the dough
and be detrimental to the development of the yeast, a moderate amount (6 percent of the flour) increases
the strength of the dough and provides extra food for the yeast, thereby increasing fermentation. (A
good example of the opposite effect is the Basic Brioche. The 16.5 percent sugar used requires 2.1
percent yeast, four times as much as the amount of yeast, but in this bread, the reduction in gluten
strength is desirable because it makes for a very tender crumb.)
A bread that is made without the addition of any sugar but is allowed a long fermentation will have a
sweet, wheaty quality. Breads that contain a high proportion of whole wheat flour or rye flour, however,
benefit from some sugar to balance the slight bitterness of the grain.
I never use refined sugar for bread baking because the dead-white color is not necessary as it is in
some sweet baked goods and all it would add flavorwise is sweetness. I prefer the partially refined
sugars, such as the golden fine granulated sugar from Florida Crystals or Billingtons Golden Bakers
Sugar (See Sources), and the coarser turbinado sugar, such as Sugar in the Raw, which offer much more
interesting flavor. When I use light brown sugar, I choose muscovado from the volcanic soil of the
island of Mauritius, off the coast of India (see Sources).
Always store brown sugar in an airtight container. If it gets hard, make a small shallow cup from a
piece of aluminum foil and set it on top of the sugar. Tear a paper towel in half, wet it, and squeeze out
most of the water. Set it on top of the foil, not touching the sugar. Cover the container tightly, and within
several hours the sugar will have drawn the moisture from the towel and become soft and loose again.
Other Sweeteners
Honey is an ideal sweetener for bread for several reasons. It ferments more slowly than other syrups,
which is beneficial to flavor development. It caramelizes more readily than sugar, resulting in a more
golden brown crust. And it is extremely moisture-retentive (hygroscopic) because of its high fructose
component, which aids greatly in keeping the bread moist, and antibacterial, which helps to keep it fresh
and free from mold. Some honey, however, is so strongly antibacterial it will kill the yeast. It is
therefore safer to use mild, mellow clover honey, but it is fun to experiment with other varieties, as they
can add interesting flavor notes. Personal favorites are thyme honey from Greece, blue borage honey

from New Zealand, and wildflower honey from New York State.
I agonized for years each time I tried to replace sugar with honey in a recipe, or honey with sugar. It
is confusing because fructose is a sweeter sugar than sucrose, so you actually need less honey than
sugar by volume, but because honey also contains 17.2 percent water, which is heavy, that smaller
volume of honey will weigh more than the sugar you are replacing. That is, by weight you need to use
more honey than sugar to get equal sweetness but by volume you need less. It also means that you have
to adjust the water content of the recipe.
One day I sat down for a couple of hours and laboriously, but I hope definitively, worked out the
equivalencies of sugar and honey by both volume and weight.
When replacing sugar with honey, for 1 cup of sugar you will need 80 percent the volume, or
about 3/4 cup of honey, but you will also need to remove 3 tablespoons of water from the recipe. By
weight, you will need to multiply the sugar by 128 percent to get the weight of the honey and then
multiply the weight of the honey by 17.2 percent to determine how much liquid to remove from the
recipe.
When replacing honey with sugar, for 1 cup of honey you will need 125 percent the volume or
about 1 1/4 cups of sugar plus 1/4 cup of water. By weight, you will need to multiply the honey by 78
percent to get the weight of the sugar and also multiply the weight of the honey by 17.2 percent to
determine how much water to add to the recipe.
Because honey is essentially a supersaturated solution (water that holds an extra amount of sugar), it
tends to crystallize over time. It is best stored at room temperature or in the freezer. Crystallized honey
can be reliquified easily by placing the container in warm water until the crystals dissolve or by
microwaving it in the jar with the lid off, stirring every 30 seconds. (One cup will take 2 to 3 minutes on
high power.)
Maple syrup lends its distinctive maple flavor to bread, but the intensity depends on the type of
syrup used. Grade A pure maple syrup is so mild it barely has a maple flavor. Grade B pure maple
syrup, which King Arthur sells as Cooking Maple, offers a much more intense flavor, as does a goodquality syrup with maple flavoring.
Molasses has a unique flavor that is essential to pumpernickel bread. However, I much prefer the
lighter variety to the darker, which I find overpoweringly bitter.
Barley malt syrup is barely sweet, but it is used both for its flavor and its moisture-retaining
quality. It is valued by bakers because, unlike sucrose or other sugars, it does not interfere with gluten
development.
Fat
The two main fats I add to breads are butter and oil. A small amount of fat, such as the 1.2 percent
added to the rye bread, actually increases the volume of a loaf by lubricating the gluten strands and
enabling them to expand more, but a larger amount of fat will reduce the volume of the loaf by making
it heavier and more compact. Breads made with the addition of fat also have a softer crumb and crust
and longer shelf life. Excess fat, however, coats the flour particles, preventing them from absorbing the
water necessary for gluten formation and in effect overtenderizes the dough. Excess fat also prevents
the yeast from getting to the flour, thereby lengthening or in extreme cases even preventing
fermentation.

When a larger proportion of fat is added, such as butter in a brioche, where the total fat content is
47.7 percent of the flour, the dough is mixed first in order to develop the gluten before coating it with
the fat.
Unsalted butter is preferable to salted both to make it possible to control the amount of salt added
to the dough and for its fresher flavor. I recommend a top-quality butter such as Horizon Organic, Hotel
Bar, or Land OLakes. I prefer to weigh butter, as when unwrapped, a 4-ounce stick of butter often
weighs only 3.86 ounces. For spreading, I adore the barely salted (0.3 percent salt), extraordinarily
flavorful Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery butter (see Sources), the type of butter known as demi-sel
in France. The U.S. government standard for butter is that it must contain a minimum of 80 percent
butterfat. The European standard for unsalted butter is 83 percent minimum. Vermont Butter & Cheese
Creamery butter contains 86 percent fat, the highest butterfat of all American brands. Because it is
cultured, it has a higher acidity (lower pH), which makes it softera desirable quality when it is used
chilled.
With very few exceptions, I prefer spreading bread with butter rather than dipping it in oil after the
bread is baked, as butter heightens and accentuates the flavor of the bread. Olive oil imparts a very
intense flavor of its own that, though divine, can mask the more subtle flavor of some breads.
Among my favorite olive oils are the Tuscan oils of Montecastelli, in particular the Simone Santini
(see Sources), and of Laudemia. Also worth seeking out are the very fruity Sicilian olive oils. All these
oils are best stored in a cool area. Walnut oil is a fabulous addition to Walnut Fougasse and Walnut
Onion Bread. Walnut oil is very prone to rancidity and must be stored in the refrigerator. When I am
looking for a more neutral background sort of oil to add to a dough, I use safflower or corn oil. I also
store these oils in the refrigerator to prevent rancidity.
Lecithin, naturally present in egg yolks, is available in granular or liquid form. It is derived from
soy and is used to soften the crumb and extend the shelf life of bread. I prefer the granular variety for
ease in weighing or measuring, but liquid lecithin is incorporated more easily into the bread with hand
kneading. Both are extremely prone to rancidity and should be stored in the refrigerator, where they will
keep for up to 1 year. The recommended amount is 1 tablespoon of lecithin (either granular or liquid)
for 3 cups of flour (remove 1 tablespoon of oil from the recipe if using it).
Cooking spray, which is mostly oil and lecithin, is ideal for keeping the dough from sticking to a
dough-rising container or crusting and drying out.
Bakers Joy is a soy oil/lecithinbased spray that also contains flour, making it ideal for keeping
quick breads and scones from sticking to the baking pan. It can also be used to grease the dough-rising
container.
Special Additions
Dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, figs, and pears blend beautifully with the soft chewy crumb of
a firm bread. I like to soften them slightly in hot water and then use the water in the sponge (dough
starter), which seems to please the yeast because it speeds fermentation. The baking raisins from SunMaid are extra moist and are a pleasure to use as they dont require waiting time for softening. They
also dont discolor dough as much as soaked raisins do. Some bakers dont soak dried fruit because the
fruit will soften to a certain extent during baking, stealing a little moisture from the dough, but this is a
matter of personal preference.
Seeds and small whole grains, such as millet, pumpkin, sesame, sunflower, and poppy, add both a
delightful texture and flavor to bread. They are best stored in the refrigerator or freezer as they are rich
in oil and prone to rancidity. Poppy seeds become bitter when old. Poppy seed filling for rolls or the

kugelhopf can be made or purchased. Solo makes a canned filling that is fully as good as homemade.
Flaxseed, a shiny dark brown oval grain, is extraordinarily healthful. Its oil is high in antioxidants,
but the nutrients are not readily absorbed by the body unless it is cracked or ground. This can be
accomplished easily in a wheat mill or blender. As flaxseed becomes rancid very quickly, it is best to do
this yourself rather than purchasing cracked or ground flaxseed.
Nuts that are soft, such as pecans, or a little crisper, such as walnuts, blend beautifully with the
crumb of the bread and can even be ground fine and used as part of the flour (see Raisin Pecan Bread
and Cranberry Walnut Bread). Almonds are delicious both in bread and as a coating (see New Zealand
Almond and Fig Bread). Some people also enjoy hazelnuts in bread, but I find them too firm and
overpowering.
Chocolate combined with a yeast dough that is not high in sugar, such as Chocolate-Filled
Croissants (Pains au Chocolate), can be combative if it is too bitter but wonderful when the chocolate is
well balanced and mellow. The percentage of cocoa solids in the chocolate does not necessarily indicate
the degree of bitterness. Quality of flavor comes more from the variety of beans used and the methods
of production. Some chocolates with a high percentage of cocoa solids, such as Valrhona Grand Cru
Guanaja, at 70.5 percent, are more mellow to my taste than some chocolates with a lower percentage of
cocoa solids, such as their Manjari, at 64 percent. Another Valrhona chocolate that is more widely
available to the consumer, and an excellent choice, is the 61 percent Le Noir Gastronomie. (WilliamsSonoma carries it; it is labeled as Extra Bitter when sold in bulk to the trade.)
Other favorite chocolates to use in bread are the 60 percent Cluizel Dark Chocolate and the 62
percent Scharffenberger Semisweet Chocolate.
Olives, particularly the Greek kalamata and the small oil-cured Moroccan, are fantastic chopped and
added to bread.
Blueberries make the best muffins, especially if you use the hard-to-find tiny, flavorful, wild Maine
variety. I was thrilled this year to find a source for frozen ones, which keep well for months in the
freezer. They should be added frozen to the muffin batter. To my taste the dried blueberries have very
little blueberry flavor.
Coloring, such as BlackJack Caramel Color or Burnt Sugar, which are in liquid form, or powdered
caramel color, is the secret to near-black pumpernickel bread. These natural colorings are made from
caramelizing corn syrup or sugar until black. At this point they have lost all of their sweetening powder
and merely serve as coloring. It pays to be conservative, as a little goes a long way and too much will
add bitterness. The suggested amounts, indicated on the product, are 2 teaspoons per 6 cups of flour for
the liquid coloring and 2 teaspoons per 1 cup for the powdered coloring.
Extracts, such as pure vanilla extract, pure orange oil, and fiori di Sicilia provide the extra magic
perfumed touch for many quick breads and holiday breads, such as Panettone with Chestnuts. Fiori di
Sicilia, which translates as flowers of Sicily, contains vanilla and citric oil and also a mysterious
haunting floral notethat a recent trip to Sicily revealed possibly to be broom, the little yellow flower
that grows on the volcanic lava of Mt. Etna.
When using candied ginger, crystallized ginger from Fouquets in Paris, which is Thai ginger, and
Australian ginger are my first choices. I also love the convenience of the excellent-quality mini ginger
chips from King Arthur, made from Chinese ginger. They are not as moist, nor quite as vibrant, but they
are still an excellent product and so much easier than having to chop the moister larger pieces of the
other gingers.
Spices, such as nutmeg and pepper, are always more vibrant when ground fresh. My favorite
cinnamon is the Korintje cassia from Indonesia. It is the variety that is most often sold as cinnamon in

supermarkets. I also like the more powerful Vietnamese cinnamon, but when using specialty cinnamons,
which are more aromatic, be sure to use no more than three-quarters the amount specified in the recipe.
To keep spices fresh, store them in a cool, dark area (not near the stove.)
Water, Fat, and Fiber Contents of Basic Ingredients Used in Bread
Liquids
beer: 92.1% water
buttermilk: 90.5% water, 1.75% fat
milk: 87.4% water, 3.6% fat
sour cream: 71.5% water, 19% fat
heavy cream: 56.6% water, 36% fat
Sweeteners and Syrups
barley malt powder: 5.2% water
sugar: 0.5% water
barley malt syrup: 15% water
honey: 17.2% water (but behaves like 12.9% in bread dough)
molasses: 24% water
glucose: 15 to 19.7% water
corn syrup: 24% water
Fats
butter: 15.5% water, 81% fat
oil: 100% fat
Eggs
egg white: 87.6% water
yolk: 51% water, 30.6% fat
Vegetables and Fruit
carrots: 88.2% water, 10.7% carbohydrate/fiber
potato: 79.8% water, 20.2% starch/fiber
pumpkin (canned): 90.2% water, 7.6% carbohydrate/fiber
sweet potato: 63.7% (baked in skin) 33.4% carbohydrate/fiber, 10% sugar
banana: 75.7% water, 22.7% carbohydrate/fiber
cranberries: 87.9% water
Cheese
cottage cheese: 79% water, 0.3 fat%
Cheddar: 37% water, 32% fat
Parmigiano-Reggiano: 30% water, 26% fat
Swiss: 39% water, 28% fat

Weights
NOTE the weight of flour will vary slightly from year to year in relation to the variations in supply of

wheat available to the miller.

INGREDIENT

OUNCES

Fats
butter
clarified butter
olive, safflower, or walnut oil
Sugars
granulated sugar
light brown sugar
Flours and Other Dry Ingredients
cake flour: sifted
lightly spooned
all-purpose flour (dip-and-sweep)
bread flour and durum flour (dip-and-sweep)
whole wheat flour (dip-and-sweep)
whole wheat flour, finely milled:
lightly spooned
dip-and-sweep
Wondra rapid-dissolve flour (lightly spooned)
rye flour
buckwheat flour:
lightly spooned
dip-and-sweep
potato flour
corn flour
cornmeal
mashed (riced) potato
mashed (riced) sweet potato
mashed banana
Nuts
almonds:
whole
slivered
sliced or coarsely chopped
finely ground

1 Cup
8
6.9
7.6
1 Cup
7
7.7
1 Cup
3.5
4
5
5.5
5

GRAMS

227
195
215
200
217
100
114
142
156
144

5
5.3
4.4
4.6

145
150
124
130

4.2
4.7
6
4.7
4.5
9
8.8
8
1 Cup

119
133
172
134
128
255
252
227

6.7
4.2
2.6
3.7

191
120
75
107

powder-fine
walnuts and pecans:
halves
coarsely chopped
finely ground
Liquids
water
heavy cream
milk, buttermilk, sour cream, and half-and-half
Syrups
barley malt
molasses
Lyles refiners syrup
corn syrup
Eggs
1 large in shell
1 large without shell (3T + 1/2t)
1 large egg white (2 T)
1 large egg yolk (3 1/2t)
Miscellaneous
raisins
baking raisins

89

3.5
4
3
1 Cup
8.3
8.2
8.5
1 Tablespoon
0.7
0.7
0.7
0.7

100
114
85

2
1.7
1
0.6

56.7
50
30
18.6

5
6

144
170

INGREDIENT

VOLUME

GRAMS

instant yeast
salt
malt powder
vital wheat gluten
baking powder
baking soda
cream of tartar
dry milk
wheat germ
wheat germ, toasted
lecithin powder
cinnamon
caraway seeds
poppy seeds

1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon
1 tablespoon
1 tablespoon
1 tablespoon
1 tablespoon
1 tablespoon
1 tablespoon
1 tablespoon

3.2
5.7
3.1
3
4.9
5
3.1
10
4.5
8.4
6.4
6.5
7
9

236.35
232
242
20
20
20
20

extracts
citrus zest, grated

1 teaspoon
1 teaspoon

4
2

Salt is extremely water-retentive (hygroscopic), and also depending on the measuring spoon,
may vary between 5 to 7 grams per teaspoon.
NOTE

When whole wheat flour is freshly ground it will be aerated and weigh only about 118 grams
per cup, measured by dipping the cup in and sweeping off the excess flour.
NOTE

INGREDIENT SOURCES

The King Arthur catalogue carries many of the specialty ingredients listed in this chapter. They also
offer specialty flours such as high-gluten and durum flour in consumer-size bags!
Flours and Grains
Anson Mills: www.ansonmills.com, 803-467-4122
Bobs Red Mill (natural raw wheat germ from red spring wheat, corn flour): www.bobsredmill.com,
800-349-2173
FreshDirect: www.freshdirect.com
General Mills: www.professionalbakingsolutions.com, 800-426-2760 technical, 800-288-1624 sales
Heartland Mill: www.heartlandmill.com, 800-232-8533
Integral Yoga: www.integralyoganaturalfoods.com, 212-243-2642
Kalustyans: www.kalustyans.com, 212-685-3451 or 800-352-3451
Kamut Association: www.kamut.com, 800-644-6450
Kenyons Grist Mill: www.kenyonsgristmill.com, 401-783-4054
King Arthur Flour Bakers Catalogue: www.kingarthurflour.com, 800-827-6836
Lotus Foods: www.lotusfoods.com, 866-972-6879
Milling and Baking News: www.world-grain.com
Montana Flour and Grains (kamut): www.montanaflour.com, 406-622-5436 or 800-622-5790
Sourdoughs International (to purchase sourdough cultures): www.sourdo.com, 208-382-4828
White Lily Foods Company: www.whitelily.com, 800-595-1380
For the gluten intolerant: www.livingwithout.com
Miscellaneous
Albert Uster Imports (mostly large-quantity purchase): www.auiswiss.com, 800-231-8154
Artisanal Premium Cheese: www.artisanalcheese.com
Bakers Joy: www.bakersjoy.com
Crystallized ginger: Fouquet, www.fouquet.fr
La Cuisine: www.lacuisineus.com, 800-521-1176
Maine blueberries: Wymans, www.wymans.com, 800-341-1758
The Mozzarella Company: www.mozzco.com, 800-798-2954
Murrays Cheese: www.murrayscheese.com, 888-692-4339
Solo poppy seed filling: www.solofoods.com, 800-328-7656
Sugars: India Tree, www.indiatree.com, 800-369-4848
Tuscan olive oil: www.montecastelli.com
Vanilla: www.vanilla.com
Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery: www.vermontcreamery.com, 800-884-6287
Williams-Sonoma: www.williamssonoma.com, 877-812-6235

Equipment

Bread baking requires less equipment than most other types of baking. Even on this list of essential
pieces of equipment, there are several things you could do without and still be able to make terrific
bread. But to give you the ability to make all breads with ease and optimal results, these are my
recommendations.
THE BAKERS DOZEN ESSENTIAL PIECES OF EQUIPMENT FOR BREAD BAKING

1 > A baking stone

2 > An instant-read thermometer
3 > A scale for large quantities or solid measuring cups
4 > A scale for small quantities or measuring spoons
5 > A heavy-duty stand mixer
6 > A bench scraper
7 > Pans: loaf (8 1/2 by 4 1/2 and 9 by 5 inches) and half sheet
8 > Pan liners: Silpain, Silpat, or parchment
9 > A wire rack

10 > Two long rulers

11 > A dough-rising container (ideally two, a 2-quart and a 4-quart)
12 > A timer
13 > Heavy-duty pot holders

Ovens
An oven, of course, is a given. People are always asking me about my preference in ovens, and its
getting harder to answer by the year because so many changes are taking place. In fact, no two ovens
are alike, any more than two breads are alike, and the oven of my dreams is yet to be manufactured.
(Manufacturers take note: Ask bakers what they WANT in an oven.) Also, its not safe to assume that
the oven recommended by a friend is the same one now being manufactured, even if it has the same
model number. I consider the single most common denominator in baking failure to be the oven.
Generally speaking, the temperature in electric ovens fluctuates less than in gas ovens. Electric
ovens, however, often release hot air through a vent, which is a disadvantage for bread during the first
ten minutes of baking because moisture is carried out along with the air, unless the vent can be covered.
It becomes an advantage at the end of baking, though, when you want to get rid of the moisture to
achieve a crisp crust. If your oven has a convection option, use it just to preheat faster. Once the oven is
preheated, turn it to conventional heat so that the convection currents dont blow out the moist air. At
the end of baking, turn the oven back to convection to rid the oven of moisture.
Two designs put you at a disadvantage when baking bread: The first is ovens that activate the broiler
unit both when the oven is preheating and when it switches modes from bake to convection. The second
is ovens with exposed bottom heating coils.
Toaster ovens can be terrific for reheating bread. Small models work well for individual slices.
Larger models, such as the Cuisinart convection toaster oven, are big enough to reheat an entire loaf yet
small enough to preheat in just a few minutes. (The Cuisinart is even large enough to bake bread in a
standard loaf pan.)
Baking Stone
Since every oven I have ever used (with the exception of the one in Proctor and Gambles test
laboratory kitchen) has been in one way or another uneven, I put a baking stone at the head of my list of
essential equipment. A baking stone accomplishes five important things in baking bread:

Baking stone
1 > The stone absorbs the ovens heat and helps to maintain constancy of heat during baking. The stone
helps to compensate for normal oven heat fluctuation and also helps the bread to bake more evenly.
2 > When you open the oven door to turn the bread around for even baking, the temperature drops 25 to
50 degrees. Because the stone retains heat so well, the oven will recover its heat faster.
3 > The baking stone radiates heat, making baking more even.
4 > When a bread dough is placed directly on the stone or its pan is set directly on the stone, it will start
to rise more quickly (improved oven spring), producing a bread with a greater rise.
5 > When the dough is placed directly on the stone, the stone absorbs moisture from the bottom crust,
helping to make it crisp.
La Cloche Bread Bakers
The La Cloche clay bread baking containers give you the option of having a perfectly even small oven
within your standard oven. These unglazed stone containers with domed covers simulate a beehive brick
oven. The large, round, bell-shaped La Cloche can bake a bread as large as 10 inches by 5 1/2 inches
high. The long, narrow La Cloche Italian Bread Baker bakes breads 13 1/2 inches by 4 1/2 inches by
3 inches high.
The La Cloche is not the ideal baking container for all breads. For one, a loaf pan wont fit into
either of the Cloches. Also, the best results involve preheating the dome, and handling a large hot dome
can be tricky. But these will give you the most attractively even golden brown crust and largest size
without having to steam the oven. Actually, I ignore the instructions to soak the cloche top. After an
hour of soaking, it absorbs only 10 grams of water, which is less than 1/2 ounce. Instead, preheat the
dome along with the oven. I like to do the final rising of the dough in the base, so in order to provide the
greatest initial burst of heat for rising (called oven spring), I preheat an oven stone instead of preheating
the La Cloche base.
Its fine to sprinkle the base with cornmeal or flour to keep the dough from sticking to it, but I prefer
to line it with a Silpat. The octagonal liner exactly fits the bottom of the round Cloche. And I a use
nonstick liner for the rectangular Cloche, cut or folded to fit. Because La Cloche absorbs the moisture
from the bread, it will cause parchment to stick to the bottom of the bread, so should be avoided; and
the bread should not be misted before baking.
Breads baked in La Cloche usually weigh a little more because they retain more moisture (King
Arthur and Sassafras, see Sources).

La Cloche Bread Baker

La Cloche Italian Bread Baker

Octagonal Silpat liner in the La Cloche Bread Baker

POINTERS FOR SUCCESS USING LA CLOCHE BREAD BAKERS

> Raise the baking temperature given by 25 degrees.

> If you have preheated the dome, the baking time will be about 5 minutes less than usual.
> Remove the dome for the last 5 to 10 minutes of baking to allow moisture to evaporate and to crisp
the crust and give it more color. (I remove the bread from the base and set it directly on the baking
stone, and I prop the oven door partially ajar.)
Stone or Quarry Tiles
The most even ovens are those with the shortest dimension from top to bottom. If your oven is high,
however, you can turn that into an advantage because it means you can set a baking stone or a layer of
quarry tiles on both the bottom and top racks. Measure the interior of your oven before you purchase
baking stones or quarry tiles. To ensure proper air circulation, be sure to allow 2 inches of clearance
space between the stone or tiles and the oven walls on all sides.
The ideal minimum-size stone is 16 1/2-by-14 1/2-by-1/2 inch thick (King Arthur, see Sources),
because it will accommodate a half sheet pan. The interior of your oven needs to be at least 20 by 18
inches to accommodate this stone and still have good air circulation.
I also have a Gaggenau oven that has a pizza stone insert that rests on its own heating element. This
is the only kind of stone that is effective in an oven like this, which has a fan that is almost continuously
blowing and releasing out hot air. Stones that merely sit on the oven shelf, and rely only on ambient heat
will not maintain their temperature well in this type of oven.
NOTE

I also bake pies and tarts on my baking stone. If I suspect that a pie might have sticky juices that

will bubble out of the pan, I cover the stone with foil to keep it from staining the stone and smoking up
the oven, otherwise, I set the pan directly on the stone. When baking cakes, I move the oven stone to the
floor of the oven, to promote even heat, but I place the cake pan(s) on the oven rack, for the circulation
of air needed for baking cakes. If baked directly on the stone they tend to have undesirably thick bottom
crusts.
Thermometers
Instant-Read Thermometers
A quality probe thermometer is ideal for taking the temperature of raw dough, baked breads, and
myriad other items. The one I find most reliable is the English battery-operated Thermapen 5F
thermometer, with a range of 50F to 550F (King Arthur, see Sources).
Oven Thermometers
I use a laboratory cable thermometer from Omega (model #HH22). It is very expensive but far more
accurate than any oven thermometers designed for the home baker I have tested. And since it has two
probes, it can be used for two ovens at the same time. It is important that you buy an oven thermometer
you can read without opening the oven, so as not to cause the temperature to drop. There is also an
optional probe attachment for the Omega thermometer that can be used as an instant-read thermometer
for the bread, roasts, sugar syrups, or other uses.
For battery-operated thermometers, change the battery at least twice a year. Dont wait for it to stop
working. As the battery runs out, accuracy decreases.

Thermapen instant-read thermometer

Scales
I have been searching a long time for affordable home scales that are reliably accurate. Im delighted
that the swiss Soehnle scales not only are far less expensive than laboratory scales, they are both
accurate and beautifully designed.

Soehnle Futura scale

My number one scale is the Soehnle Futura, which weighs in both ounces and grams. It weighs up
to 4 pounds 6 ounces/2 kilograms in 1-gram (1/28 of an ounce) increments up to 1000 grams, and 2
gram increment after that. Each one is calibrated, and the Futura model can actually be rinsed under
running water. The only minor problem I have with the Soehnle scales is that, like most batteryoperated scales, that they are designed to turn off after a few minutes when not in use in order to save
battery power. This can be a problem if you are in the middle of weighing several ingredients into the
same bowl and arent working quickly enough. The way around this is to touch the bowl or the top of
the scale lightly, which lets it know you havent finished and will keep it turned on.
For minute ingredient amounts, such as yeast or salt, the small Soehnle Ultra is a treasure. It weighs
in 0.1-gram increments up to 200 grams.
The Futura is readily available in gourmet stores and catalogues, but the Ultra can be purchased only
through the website (Soehnle, see Sources).

Soehnle Ultra scale

Measuring Cups and Spoons
Solid Measuring Cups
Measuring cups used to measure dry ingredients such as flour, or solid ingredients such as butter or
cheese, have smooth rims, without pour spouts. This enables you to run the blade of a metal spatula or
knife across the top in order to measure a level cup evenly and accurately.
Foley stainless steel cups are the most attractive and among the most accurate (except for the 2-cup
size, which measures slightly under). Tupperwares heavy-duty plastic cups are also excellent and
include the very useful 2/3-cup and 3/4-cup sizes.

Foley stainless steel measuring cups

Liquid Measuring Cups
Liquid measuring cups have a spout. I prefer heatproof glass to plastic as these can also be used to
heat liquids in the microwave oven.
The most accurate and well-marked heatproof measuring cups I have found are made by Oven
Basics, available in some supermarkets. When shopping for liquid measuring cups, look for ones with
level markings. A cup of water, read below the meniscus (the curved upper surface), should weigh close
to 8 ounces. In addition to measuring liquid, these cups are ideal for pouring hot syrups and caramel.
The glass handles remain cool to the touch and the spouts help you control the way the liquid pours. I
use my 1-cup measures the most, but the 2-cup and 4-cup are useful as well.

Glass liquid measuring cup

Measuring Spoons
Foley stainless measuring spoons (not the oval ones) and Tupperware heavy-duty plastic spoons
are the most accurate. I especially like the Tupperware spoons because they include the odd but
frequently called for 1/8-teaspoon, 1/2-tablespoon, and 4-teaspoons sizes. Tupperware spoons are scaled
slightly larger than the Foley, but both are within an acceptable range. I have found other brands of
measuring spoons, to be somewhat smaller than these two types and below the acceptable range of
accuracy.

Foley stainless steel measuring spoons

The set of spoons called a dash, pinch, and smidgen are ideal for measuring the formerly
immeasurable. (A dash equals 1/8 teaspoon, a pinch equals 1/16 teaspoon, and a smidgen equals 1/32
teaspoon.) They dont have a brand name, but are carried by Crate and Barrel.

Dash, pinch, and smidgen measuring spoons

Mixers
Heavy-Duty Stand Mixers
KitchenAid and Kenwood stand mixers come equipped with a paddle beater, a dough hook, and a
whisk beater. Unless the dough is a very liquid one (such as the Focaccia dough), I prefer to use the
dough hook rather than the paddle attachment. When mixing very small amounts of dough in a large
mixer, the paddle attachment often works better because it reaches closer to the bottom of the bowl. The
whisk attachment can be used for beating air into a sponge dough starter.
KitchenAid: Devoted as I have been to my trusty K5 (5-quart) model over the years, the
Professional 6-quart is now my first choice. Its motor has 60 percent more power and the bowl has 20
percent more capacity. The wider bowl provides more access, and the pouring shield is the most
effective Ive used. It also has far more stability on the counter. And it handles small amounts of dough
or batter almost as easily as large amounts.

KitchenAid mixer with water jacket attachment

Kenwood Mixer: The Kenwood 5 1/2-quart mixer is an excellent stand mixer. A larger 6.9-quart
model with a more powerful motor is now also available.
Spiral-Type Mixers
These are heavy-duty stand mixers that are designed to simulate the powerful spiral-type mixers
used in commercial bakeries. These mixers can handle as much as 12 pounds of dough but can also
knead as little as 1 pound. They are ideal for mixing and kneading bread, and they also come with
attachments such as whisk beaters designed for mixing cake and other batters.
Bosch Universal: This mixer has a plastic bowl with a lid and comes equipped with a specially
designed stainless steel dough hook. It also has an optional stainless steel dough hook with smaller
blades for mixing doughs under 3 pounds.

Bosch Universal mixer

Electrolux Magic Mill: This mixer has a heavy stainless steel bowl that rotates when the machine is
turned on. It comes equipped with a specially designed dough hook for up to 4 pounds of dough. This
dough hook moves back and forth from the side to the center of the bowl as the bowl circles around,
giving it a sort of dual action. The mixer also comes with a large roller and dough scraper for larger
amounts of dough. The roller has grooves designed to simulate the action of fingers. It as well moves
back and forth as the bowl circles. The scraper is used in conjunction with the roller to scrape the sides
of the bowl.

Electrolux Magic Mill Assistant mixer

Scrapers
Bench scraper
Metal bench scrapers are excellent for cleaning counters without scratching the surface of your
countertop. Theyre also great for gathering, moving, and cutting bread or pastry doughs.

Metal bench scraper

Plastic dough scrapers (cornes in French) are ideal for scraping dough out of bowls because of their
flexibility (King Arthur, J. B. Prince, La Cuisine, see Sources).

Plastic dough scraper

Basic Pans
Most of the pans mentioned in this section are available through King Arthur or the manufacturers
websites. For others, see Sources.

Bread Pans
Loaf pans are a very personal choice. I value a heavy-weight pan that is nonstick, as most loaf pans
are today. The Alfred clay pans are my first choice because they bake so evenly and give an attractive
golden brown color and ever so slightly rough texture to the sides of the loaf. As clay is breakable, my
second choice would be the All-Clad loaf pans, which also bake evenly. Other excellent pans include
the T-Fal loaf pan, whose sides are the most straight, great for sandwich loaves; Chicago Metallic, a
nice heavy weight, made of aluminum and steel; and the Doughmakers, lighter in weight, but it makes a
fine loaf. Pans such as All-Clad and those that are dark require a baking temperature 25F lower than
that specified in the recipe. Flexible loaf pans made from 100% FDA approved food-grade platinum
silicone offer an excellent alternative to metal. They are totally non-stick, and are lightweight yet bake
evenly.
Because the slope of a loaf pan varies so much, the internal capacity of these pans varies
significantly. The less sharp the angle, the greater the capacity. (A loaf pan with a sharp angle is wider
and longer measured at the top of the pan than it is when measured at the bottom of the pan.) It is best to
measure the capacity of your loaf pan by pouring water into it from an accurate glass measure. Here are
the approximate volumes of many of the basic pans on the market today:
3 7/8 by 2 1/2 by 1 5/8 inches high (mini pans for individual loaves): 1/2 cup
5 3/4 by 3 1/8 inches: 2 cups
8 by 4 inches: 4 cups
8 1/2 by 4 1/2 inches: 6 cups
9 by 5 inches: 7 cups
Specific brands
Dough Makers: 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch pan is 5 cups.
Lku: 9-by-4-inch pan is 6 cups.
Chicago Metallic: 9-by-5-inch pan is 7 cups; 11-by-6 1/2-by 3 1/4-inch pan is 10 cups.
T-Fal: 9-by-5-inch pan is 8 1/2 cups.
All-Clad: 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch pan is 5 3/4 cups; 10-by-5-inch pan is 8 cups.
Alfred: 8 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch pan is 6 cups; 10 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch pan is 9 1/2 cups.
A rule of thumb for determining the size of pan to use: Check the volume of the dough after the first
rise, when it has doubled. (If you are using a dough-rising container with volume marks on it, simply go
by that. If using a bowl, pour water up to the mark where it has risen and measure it.) The loaf pan
should hold about three-quarters the volume of the risen loaf. Light and airy doughs can be a little more
than three-quarters and dense loaves can be a little less, as they will rise less.

Alfred clay pan

All-Clad loaf pan

T-Fala straight-sided loaf pan

Dough Makers loaf pan

Aluminum Sheet Pans and Heavy-Gauge Aluminum Rimless Cookie Sheets
For breads baked at over 375F, it is best to use a half sheet pan with rolled edges, which prevent
warping. Sheet pans have 1-inch-high sides, but these do not interfere with the browning of the sides of
the bread since the bread is not close to the sides of the pan. For breads baked at 375F and under, its
fine to use heavy-gauge rimless cookie sheets.
The standard half sheet pan commonly referred to in recipes as 17 by 12 inches is actually 17 3/4 by
13 inches measured across the top, from the outside edges, and 16 1/2 by 11 3/4 inches measured across
the bottom.

Half sheet pan

For most bread baking, I prefer the kind of sheet pan that has perforations on its underside because
that helps crisp the bottom crust.
If you dont have a baking stone, it is better to preheat a heavy baking sheet rather than just setting
the pan of bread on the oven rack. If you have a second half-size baking sheet, invert it on the rack
before preheating, then set the bread on the second sheet pan directly on top of that.
A half sheet pan with 2-inch-high sides works well if you are pouring boiling water into a pan to
steam the oven. When using ice cubes to create steam in the oven, I prefer a cast-iron skillet.

Half sheet pan with 2-inch-high sides

Pan Liners
The development of silicone nonstick liners has changed the way professionals bake, making it
unnecessary to use grease, flour, or cornmeal on the baking sheets. And now these are available to home
bakers as well. Professional-quality liners, with care, will last a lifetime. They can withstand indirect
heat up to 550F (dont put them on the stovetop or under the broiler).
Silicone nonstick liners are made in France and they come in two types: Silpat and Silpain. The
names are a clue as to what they are best suited for. The sil in Silpat represents silicone and the pat
is short for ptisserie. The pain in Silpain is French for bread. The Silpat is a semi-transparent beige
and has a solid texture with a woven fiberglass center layer. The Silpain is black with little air holes. If it
is set in a perforated sheet pan, it allows air circulation to crisp the bottom crust. The dark color of the
Silpain also aids in the browning of the bottom crust. (In fact, with some breads, it is advisable to
remove them from the Silpain toward the end of baking and place them on the oven rack to prevent
overbrowning.)

Both of these liners come in 11 1/2-by-16 1/2-inch sheets, which fit perfectly into half-size sheet
pans and can be set on top of cookie sheets. Both liners also come in a variety of other shapes. I use the
10-inch octagonal Silpat to line the bottom of the round La Cloche bread baker. It fits neatly into the
bottom and slightly up the sides of the base. I use the Silpain pizza sheet for individual 7-inch pizzas.
You can make six pizzas at a time in the separate 7-inch depressions, or you can cut the molds into
individual pieces, to bake one pizza at a time. The rough surface of the Silpain makes it easy to spread
the dough, and the little holes ensure a crisp bottom crust when set on a baking stone. The shallow
depressions encourage a beautifully rolled edge to the dough. The Silpat is available in specialty stores
or through catalogues such as Williams Sonoma and King Arthur. The Silpain is only available directly
from DeMarle, the manufacturer, and J. B. Prince (see Sources).
Parchment can be used in place of silicone liners and sheet pans because it will slide off the baking
peel onto the oven stone (silicone sticks to the peel). It doesnt work in La Cloche for soft breads such
as Olive Bread unless greased, as it would stick to the bread. If baking bread on parchment, it is best to
remove it from the parchment after it has set (15 to 20 minutes) so the bottom of the bread doesnt
steam. The only advantage parchment has over a Silpain or Silpat is that it is disposable and cheaper (in
the short run at least).
Roulpat is a nonstick work surface ideal for kneading, rolling, and shaping dough. Avoid putting it
in the oven. If heated, it will slide on the counter!
Cooling Racks
I specify wire racks for cooling bread because wood, though beautiful, can warp from heat in
combination with moisture. I have an assortment of round and rectangular wire racks but the exact size
or shape is of no significance: the purpose of using racks to cool bread is to allow air to circulate around
the bread. This speeds cooling and keeps the crust crisp.

Round wire cooling rack

Rectangular wire cooling rack

Rulers
Rulers are useful for measuring dough, both when rolling it to a specific size and for determining the
degree of proofing by the height of the dough in the bread pan.
Dough-Rising Containers
After dough is mixed and kneaded, it must be allowed to rise until doubled. It can be set in a bowl, but I
prefer to use acrylic containers with tight-fitting lids. (I sometimes put a heavy weight on top of the lid
so that if I forget to push down the dough in time it will not overrise.) The containers have markings on
their sides making it easy to tell when the dough has doubled.
Acrylic containers are available from restaurant suppliers and websites (see Sources). They are very
durable and not expensive. The brand I like best is Cambro. The sizes I use the most often are the 1quart, 2-quart, and 4-quart; the 6-quart is perfect for storing a 5-pound bag of flour.

Clear acrylic dough-rising containers

Heavy-duty Pot Holders
Most bread bakes at a very high temperature, so heavy-duty pot holders are very important, especially if
using and preheating La Cloche clay domes. I find the Ritz cotton terrycloth pot holders that are two-ply
with a pocket are the safest, because for very high heat I can hold them from the outside, instead of
slipping my hands into the center, and have double protection. Asbestos mitts also offer excellent
protection, but if your hands are small, as are mine, they are too unwieldy. I like to use Duncans
Kitchen Grips oven mitts. They are made of a rubber compound and are easy to keep clean.

Timers
West Bends Triple Timer/Clock (item #40053) is a fantastic and inexpensive timer. Each of the three
channels times up to 24 hours, and if by chance you dont hear it or dont turn it off, it will start
counting the time that has elapsed since you should have (this is referred to as a count-up timer). I keep
a little notepad by the timer so I can remember what I am timing on which channel. If you prefer a
single-channel timer, choose item #40044 instead. (See Sources.)

West Bends triple timer/clock

Nice to Have
Spatulas and Stirring Devices (most are available from King Arthur)
Metal Spatulas: A small metal spatula with wooden handle and a narrow 4-inch blade is one of the
most-used tools in my kitchen. It is ideal for leveling measuring spoons with dry ingredients and for
helping to unmold quick breads. Small and large angled or offset spatulas are also handy for spreading
batters, evenly in pans.
Small and Large Rubber Spatulas: Nothing takes the place of these for scraping bowls with liquid
ingredients. Because they can retain odors, I have a separate set designated for baking. They come in
many colors, so its easy to determine which is which. I tend to use darker colors for savory cooking and
paler ones for baking. I prefer the flat ones, and I use a spoon instead of curved spatulas.
High-Heat Rubber Spatulas: These spatulas are indispensable for stirring hot mixtures up to
500F. The handles stay cool to the touch, and they can even be used for making caramel. Ones with
white or translucent blades make it easy to judge the exact color of the caramel.
Wire Whisks: Medium-sized wire whisks, 8 to 10 inches in circumference, are the type most often
used for bread baking. The best kind for whisking a dough starter (sponge) is a sturdy one with just five
to seven loops, not the fine wire piano balloon whisks used for whisking egg whites (La Cuisine, see
Sources).
Steam Makers
A small spray bottle, available in any hardware store, is handy for misting the surface of a loaf.
Proof Boxes
An acrylic container that is large enough to cover most loaves of dough as they are rising makes it
unnecessary to cover the dough with greased plastic wrap to keep it from drying out. King Arthur
carries a 12-inch-square-by-7-inch-high box and a 19-by-14-by-5 1/4-inch-high box. Both are made of
thick acrylic. You can also purchase plastic or acrylic boxes of a similar size, at office supply stores.
You can even use a cardboard box. Cut off the top so you will be able to see the breads progress as it
rises, and slip the box into a large plastic bag to contain the moisture.

Bread rising in acrylic proof box

Bannetons or Dough-Rising Baskets and Couches
Bannetons are round or oblong baskets or containers used for shaping bread doughs while they are
rising to give them extra support. They may be beautiful willow baskets from France, unlined or lined
with coarse woven cloth, or they may even be plastic baskets or colanders lined with clean kitchen
towels. The unlined willow baskets leave an attractive design on the crust of the bread. It is important to
have a porous container so that the dough can breathe; otherwise, the moisture of the dough may cause
it to stick to the cloth and the dough will collapse and deflate when unmolded. The bannetons used for
the recipes in this book are the 8-inch-round and the 15-inch-long banneton. Larger bannetons (or
colanders) could also be used, but when unmolding the dough before baking, you will need to support it
with a cardboard round or plate held against its surface so that it doesnt fall several inches, which
would make it deflate.
The word couche means bed in French, and that is the name given to the cloth that is folded to make
a bed for long bread doughs, such as baguettes, to rest during rising. It is made of the same special
coarse fiber cloth used to line bannetons and needs to be dusted with flour in the same way. A slim
narrow board or bakers peel is used to roll the dough from the cloth and then onto the baking stone
(Chefs Boutique, French Baking Machines, King Arthur, see Sources).

Cloth-lined banneton

Willow banneton

Spiral willow banneton

Cloth-lined oblong banneton

Colander lined with a kitchen towelan improvised banneton

Specialty Bread Pans
The triple baguette pan from Chicago Metallics, made of a combination of steel and aluminum, is
also nonstick. It is a good alternative to the Steam Baking Master if you dont mind steaming the oven
by hand, with ice cubes or boiling water, because the pan is perforated, which aids in creating a crisp
crust. It will make three baguettes but also works fine for just one. Double baguette pans, even without
perforations, are preferable to baking a baguette dough directly on a stone in a home oven because the
slightly curved sides support the dough and result in the best shape. Chicago Metallics also makes a
double perforated Italian bread pan (King Arthur, see Sources).

Double baguette pan

The Pullman pan, used for Pain de Mie, is a straight-sided long pan with a lid. These come in
different lengths. The one you need for the recipe is 16 inches by 4 inches by 4 inches, with a 1617cup capacity. Be sure to insert the lid with the curved end farthest from you down, so that when sliding
the lid open it does not scrape across the bread! (J. B. Prince, see Sources).

Pullman loaf pan

The Rose Bundt pan by Nordicware is a 10-cup capacity nonstick tube pan in the shape of a fullblown rose. I use it for the Chocolate Almond Swirl Kugelhopf.

Rose Bundt pan

The Bundt mini loaf pan has four 2-cup-capacity loaf depressions designed to resemble braided
loaves.
The flat carbon steel round pans with slightly raised edges from France are perfect for baking
pizzas or free-form round loaves. I like the 9 1/2-inch size for pizza for two or 7-inch loaves and the 12
1/2-inch size for larger pizzas (La Cuisine, see Sources).

Carbon steel baking pan

Ovenproof Glass Bread Pans
The Bread Steamer, a 4-by-6 1/4-inch-high glass pan by Catamount Glass, is sold as a bread
steamer for New England steamed bread but I use to make Mushroom Bread. Its well worth the
investment because not only is this an exceptionally delicious bread, it makes a stunning centerpiece,
especially on the holiday table (King Arthur, see Sources).
The classic 7-by-3 1/2-inch-high 2-quart souffl dish is what I use for the Stud Muffin. You can also
use a straight-sided ovenproof 2-quart casserole or a French ceramic souffl dish (La Cuisine, see
Sources).
Sticky Bun Pans
The Flexipan Texas muffinsized mold (#1601) with 15 depressions, each 3 5/16 inches by 2 3/4
inches by 2 inches high, is the ideal pan for sticky buns (DeMarle or J. B. Prince, see Sources).
My favorite rectangular baking pans (9 inches by 13 inches) are by All-Clad and by
Doughmakers.
The classic 9 1/2-inch (bottom measurement) tart Tatin pan, copper lined with tin, is ideal for the
most even caramelization of sticky buns. The only problem with this pan is that when the sticky buns
are unmolded, it is difficult to lift off the pan. Sur La Table designed and produced the perfect Tatin pan,
adding handles to make lifting off the pan a breeze. It is lined with a thin layer of stainless steel that
does not interfere with the conduction of heat and holds up better to the high temperature necessary for
producing caramel. The 8-inch Tatin pan is about half the size of the larger one.

6-cup Texas muffinsized mold

a 9-by-13-inch rectangular baking pan

Copper tart Tatin pan

Popover Pans
It wasnt until this pan was invented that I could turn out a perfect high-rising, crisp popover. The
secret is the six tall dark metal nonstick cups connected by heavy wires that keep them spaced far
enough apart so that the popovers dont steam and collapse. A mini popover pan, with twelve half-size
popover cups, is also available (King Arthur, see Sources).

Mini popover pan

Standard-size popover pan

Dutch Baby Pan
This 11-inch steel pan with curved sides makes the most spectacular Dutch babies (Fantes, King
Arthur, see Sources).

Black steel Dutch baby pan

Corn-Finger Molds
These cast-iron molds are made for baking Corn Fingers into perfect little corn-on-the-cob shapes.
The molds are so attractive they also make excellent kitchen dcor hung on the wall. (The handles have
openings in them, no doubt for just this purpose.) If you are a collector, look for them in antiques stores,
but the ones being produced today seem identical (Lehmans, see Sources).

Cast-iron corn-finger mold

Cutting Devices
Pizza-Cutting Wheel: The heavy-duty type with a large 4-inch wheel offers steady, even pressure
for cutting through the crust. It is great for cutting bread dough as well (La Cuisine, see Sources).
Dough Slashers: These are a matter of personal preference. Some bakers like the lame, which is
like a curved razor blade on a handle; it is available in an inexpensive disposable version (King Arthur,
see Sources). I prefer to use a very sharp thin-bladed chefs knife or a single-edged razor blade. For
very soft doughs, I mark the surface with a knife tip and then use sharp shears to cut through the dough.
Joyce Chen Shears: These small sharp shears with orange or white handles are indispensable for
cutting and slashing dough and for numerous other kitchen tasks. (Available at gourmet stores and King
Arthur, see Sources)
Bread Knives: Serrated knives work best for cutting through both hard and soft bread crusts. For
soft breads, I find that either an electric knife or the Furi 10-inch-long blade (King Arthur, see Sources),
with gently rounded instead of pointed serrations, works well. For hard crusts, I use the Leifheit 8-inch
serrated blade, with sharp serrations. It is an exceptionally well-weighted and balanced knife (Leifheit,
see Sources).

Pizza-cutting wheel

Lame

Chefs knife

Single-edged razor blade

Joyce Chen shears

Furi 10-inch-long blade

The Bakers Peel
This is a large flat paddle used to slide loaves in and out of the oven. It is no doubt heresy to say that
I prefer a metal peel with wooden handle (King Arthur, see Sources) to an all-wood peel, because my
father had the monopoly on bagel peel production in the greater New York area in the 1940s. But
knowing him, his peels were surely made of cured heavy wood that would not warp, unlike the presentday ones.

Bakers peel
Rolling Pins
When rolling bread dough to deflate it or to enlarge it before sprinkling on ingredients and rolling
up the dough, as for sticky buns, a standard medium-weight French rolling pin, untapered and without
handles, 1 3/4 inches in diameter and almost 20 inches long, works well. My favorite is the solid white
plastic pin from France. The plastic makes it easy to wash without risk of warping (La Cuisine, see
Sources).
For small amounts of dough, such as for the Paratha, its great to have a 9-by-3/4-inch-diameter pin
or an artists brayer, used for linoleum block prints.

Solid plastic French rolling pin

Flour Scoops
The beautifully designed stainless steel scoops carried by King Arthur (see Sources) are a pleasure
to use because the tapered rounded ends make it easy to add or remove small amounts of flour. They
can also be used to measure flour if you run a metal spatula or knife across the straight-edged top. They
come in 1/4-cup, 1/2-cup, and 1-cup sizes.

Flour scoop
Brushes
Small natural or nylon bristle pastry brushes or feathers work well both for brushing off excess flour
from doughs and for glazing them. (Available at gourmet stores or catalogues such as King Arthur, La
Cuisine, see Sources).

Nylon-bristle brush

Feathers for brushing

Flour Mills
If you bake with whole grains or grains other than white wheat flour, you will sooner or later want
to own a home flour mill, most of all to ensure the freshness of the flour. The choice of which mill
really depends on how you will use the mill.
For small quantities, the hand-cranked Back to Basics Grain Mill is an absolute gem. It clamps to
the counter (if the counter isnt too thick) and easily adjusts from coarse to fine.
If you do a moderate amount of grinding, dont require a truly coarse grind, and already own a
KitchenAid mixer, the answer is the KitchenAid grain mill attachment.
If you do a large amount of grinding, you will treasure the heavy-duty Diamant Grain Mill
imported from Denmark. With its huge 16-inch wheel, it grinds quickly and finely, from chickpeas to
rice. For me, it, more than any other piece of machinery, is the symbol of bread baking, as it all begins
here with the grinding of the flour. This mill is beautiful enough to stand in as functional sculpture. Not
everyone, however, will appreciate the teal color. (Its carried by Lehmans; their Non-Electric
Catalog is a treasure trove of beautiful and functional retro items. See Sources.)
For true high-speed milling (referred to as micromilling), but without excessive heating of the flour,
for those who want to turn out a great deal of flour in the shortest amount of time, the Nutrimill by
Bosch will seem like a miracle. This modern-day home electric mill simulates stone milling, in which
one stone is stationary and the other rotates. It has two stainless steel heads, each with ten intertwining
teeth, and if used on low speed, they grind at a lower temperature than stone grinding. The mill is selfcleaning because of the air-cooling, and it can grind (depending on the coarseness of the grind) 100
pounds an hour. It will grind anything from chickpeas to rice, and it is the only mill I know of that can
handle popping corn.
Grinders
Small inexpensive hand spice grinders are ideal for small quantities of spices or seeds. One of my
favorites is made by Oxo. If you have a spare electric coffee grinder, that can also be used.
A poppy seed grinder is an adorable old-fashioned hand grinder that looks like a miniature meat
grinder. It is a luxury specialty item, but boy does it do the job! That is because it is designed expressly
to grind poppy seeds uniformly into a fine fluff without risk of causing the oils to exude. If you are a
lover of poppy seeds, this functional little item is a must (King Arthur, see Sources).

Back to Basics Grain Mill

Diamant Grain Mill

Nutrimill Grain Mill

Electric Griddles
The Farberware are the most even griddles Ive ever encountered. The heating coil, which is
imbedded and sealed into the metal, runs the full length of the griddle. Crumpets, English muffins,

pancakes, or anything else you cook on these griddles will brown evenly. I prefer the rectangular model
for the size and shape but the round model is probably the only one that has the nonstick finish, which is
of an excellent quality, and this requires less butter to prevent sticking.

Farberware electric griddle

FoodSaver by Tilia
A food vacuum is a necessary luxury for me because of my erratic baking schedule and passion for
freshness. I use the containers to keep baked breads at their freshest, as well as for flour, yeast, chemical
leavening, seeds, spices, nuts, and many other things. The customer service help line is one of the best
of any Ive ever encountered, both knowledgeable and friendly.
Ceramic Woven Bread Basket/Warmer
This is fun item and makes a great gift, especially if presented with a fresh loaf of bread or stacks of
rolls set inside. I find it so attractive Ive placed mine permanently on the dining room table. It doubles
as a fruit bowl, but its real use is as a bread warmer because it can be placed in the oven while the bread
is baking and then set on a trivet on the table, keeping the bread or rolls warm throughout dinner. It
comes in both oval and round shapes (King Arthur, Williams Sonoma, see Sources).

Ceramic woven bread basket/warmer

Flour Wand
I use a flour wand whenever I want to sprinkle the counter with flour to keep the dough from
sticking. It is essentially a coiled spring with a handle; when expanded, it picks up flour, and when
waved over the dough, it dispenses the finest dusting of flour over the counter or the dough (King
Arthur, see Sources).

Flour wand
Bread Boards
Having a father who was a skilled cabinetmaker, I developed a great love of wood. Charles
Shackelton and his master craftsmen work a great deal in cherry, making exquisite dining room tables
and other furniture. He also makes beautiful bread boards. And his wife, Miranda, makes equally
beautiful pottery in her studio next door. They are very special people; if in the area, do visit their shop
(see Sources). Also check antiques stores for bread boards with elaborate carving.

Antique wooden cutting board

Countertops
Marble, granite, wood, Formicathey all work for bread. My preference is marble or granite for
kneading dough because it seems to stick slightly less, requiring less flour. But when shaping bread I
prefer wood, as its slightly rougher surface grabs the dough a little, helping to firm it into shape.
Plastic Wrap and Storage Bags
When covering rising dough or wrapping baked bread for the freezer, the original Saran brand
plastic wrap and Glad Press n Seal are the only ones I know of that are manufactured to be airtight.
Freezer-weight zip-seal storage bags, with all air expelled before sealing, are the best choice for storing
the wrapped bread. Once the bread is frozen firm, you can rebag it using a vacuum sealer, which will
prevent freezer burn and vastly increase storage life.
Decorative Baking Paper
Using Italian or panettone paper to bake the Panettone with Chestnuts is not only a nice way to
package it as a holiday gift but also serves to keep the bread fresh, because it remains adhered to the
sides. Finding the right size of panettone paper, however, is not easy. King Arthur and La Cuisine carry
the size I like, which measures about 6 inches by 4 inches high.

EQUIPMENT SOURCES

This is a list of suggested sources; however, addresses and phone numbers can change over the years
and some places stop carrying certain items. If you cant find what you are looking for from this list, the
Internet is a great way to locate hard-to-find items and, of course, e-Bay is ideal for locating things that
are no longer available retail.
Gourmet Stores
Broadway Panhandler: 477 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013; 212-966-3434
The Complete Kitchen: 118 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830; 203-869-8384
Fante: 1006 South Ninth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147; 800-878-5557
King Arthur Flour Bakers Catalogue: www.kingarthurflour.com, 800-827-6836
La Cuisine: 323 Cameron Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; 800-521-1176
Lehmans: www.lehmans.com, 888-438-5346
J. B. Prince: 36 East 31st Street, 11th floor, New York, NY 10016; 212-683-3553 (food service
quantities only)
Sur La Table: www.surlatable.com, 800-240-0852
Williams-Sonoma: www.williams-sonoma.com, 877-812-6235
Mixers
Electrolux of Sweden: www.magicmillusa.com, 201-785-8840
KitchenAid: www.kitchenaid.com, 800-541-6390
Kitchen Resource: www.boschmixers.com, 800-MY-BOSCH (692-6724)
Pan Liners, Flexipan, and Silicone Pans
Demarle Inc.: www.demarleusa.com, 609-395-0219
Lku: www.gourmetcatalog.com, 214-855-0005
Bannetons
French Baking Machines: 609-860-0577
Technobake Systems: www.technobake.com, 866-856-2979
Miscellaneous
Back to Basics: www.backtobasicsproducts.com, 800-688-1989 (grain mills)
Duncan Industries: www.kitchengrips.com
Charles Shackleton and Miranda Thomas: www.shackletonthomas.com, 802-672-5175 (bread boards)
Nordicware: www.nordicware.com, 877-466-7342 (bread pans)
Omega: www.omega.com, 888-826-6342 (oven thermometers)
Sassafras: 800-537-4941
Soehnle scales: www.scalesexpress.com or www.leifheitusa.com, 866-695-3434 for nearest retailer
Leifheit bread knife: www.leifheitusa.com, or 866-695-3434, for nearest retailer
The Chefs Catalog: www.chefscatalog.com, 800-338-3232

The Doughmakers: www.doughmakers.com, 888-386-8517 (bread pans)

Tupperware: www.tupperware.com, 800-366-3800
West Bend: www.westbend.com, 866-290-1851

Photographs
Cinnamon Crumb Surprise

Carrot Bread
Carrot Bread sandwiches with cream cheese (foreground)

Flaky Scone

Crumpets

Crumpets with clotted cream and honey

Butter Popovers

Perfect Pizza with Steamed Clams and Ricotta

Squares of Rosemary Focaccia Sheet

Cinnamon Raisin Loaf

Basic Soft White Sandwich Loaf

Basic Soft White Sandwich Loaf with peanut butter and jelly

Stages of liquid sourdough starter (from left to right): 1) just fed; 2) risen; 3) liquidy-stretchy risen
levain

Stages of stiff sourdough starter (from left to right): 1) just fed; 2) risen; 3) stretchy-ropey risen levain

Basic Sourdough loaves with cheeses, fruits, and nuts

Stages of Poolish (sponge starter) for baguette: (top) fully risen; (bottom) just beginning to recede,
ready to use

Baguettes

Golden Semolina Torpedo with ricotta and honey

Authentic Pumpernickel Bread (background); Authentic Pumpernickel Bread, sliced, with smoked
salmon, cream cheese, and dill

Dimpled ciabatta dough ready to bake

Ciabatta with soppressata

Stages of biga (dough starter) for Pugliese: (top) just mixed; (bottom) tripled and fully risen

Pugliese

Tyrolean Ten-Grain Torpedo

Prosciutto Ring with Chianti

New Zealand Almond and Fig Bread

Chocolate Sticky Buns

Traditional Challah

Traditional Challah, sliced

Stud Muffin

Sliced Stud Muffin with prosciutto

Monkey Bread

Chocolate Almond Swirl Kugelhopf

Wheaten Croissants with orange marmalade

Index
A
Acetic acid
formation of
with sourdough starters
Acrylic proof boxes
Active dry yeast
ADA process
Adjusting bread recipes
Agglomeration, of flour
Aging, of flour
Albert Ulster Imports, Inc.
Albumin, in eggs
Alcohol, produced during fermentation
Alfred clay pans
All-Clad pans
loaf pans
rectangular
All-purpose flour
bleached
King Arthur, protein content of
protein content of
replacing bread flour with
unbleached
Gold Medal, protein content of
Pillsbury, protein content of
protein content of
for soft breads
water amount with
weight of
Almonds
chocolate almond swirl kugelhopf
New Zealand almond and fig bread
slivered and sliced
in stollen Christmas scones
weight of
Altamura, see golden semolina torpedo
Altes brot (old bread)
Aluminum sheet pans
Amylase, in flour
Angel light biscuits
Anson Mills
Apple(s)
in cinnamon crumb surprise

in Dutch baby
Apple cider
Apricot glaze
Artisan bakers
autolyse used by
see also hearth breads
Artisan Bread (Glezer)
Artisinal Cheese Center
Arugula pizza bianca
Asbestos mitts
Ascorbic acid, in flour
Ash, in flour
Authentic pumpernickel bread
Autolyse
with bread machine
B
Back to Basics
grain mill from
Bacteria
in fermentation process
in sourdough starters
Bagel(s)
boiling
evolution of
glazing
Levys
shaping
Bagel peels
Baguette(s)
au chocolat,
breaking
shaping dough for
Baguette pans
Bakers Joy
Bakers peel
Bakers percentage
Bakers Special Dry Milk
Baking bread
foil tenting during
for freezing
high-altitude
ovens for, see oven(s)
oven spring and
placing bread in oven and

testing for doneness and

turning bread during
Baking powder
weight of
see also quick breads
Baking soda
weight of
see also quick breads
Baking stones
functions of
for hearth breads
for pizza
Banana(s)
cranberry-banana-walnut quick bread
feather loaf
loaf
mashed, weight of
muffins, big
water and fiber content of
Bannetons
slashing dough baked in
sources for
for sourdough bread
Barley flour
malted
Barley malt powder, water content of
Barley malt syrup
water content of
weight of
Barm, see sourdough starters
Basic brioche
Basic hearth bread
Basic soft white sandwich loaf,
Basic sourdough bread
Baskets, dough-rising
slashing dough baked in
sources for
for sourdough bread
Batard, shaping dough for
Batter breads, ingredient proportions in
Bayona Restaurant
Bean flour
Beef, in kheema paratha
Beer
bread
measuring

water content of
Beer bread
Beet water
in rosy red bread
Bell peppers
red and gold bell pepper, onion, and Gorgonzola dolce pizza
roasted, in spoon bread, corn, Southwestern
technique for roasting
Bench scrapers
Bhutanese rice flour
Bialys
shaping and filling
Big banana mufins
Biga
adding to dough, timing of
for ciabatta
converting recipes using to sourdough starters
flour and water volumes for
for olive bread
for pugliese
sponge method versus
temperature of
for Tuscan low-salt bread
yeast in
Billingtons
Biscuits
angel light
butter
ginger
ingredient proportions in
pointers for success with
sweet potato
touch-of-grace
types of
BlackJack Caramel Color
Black pepper brioche
Bleached all-purpose flour
Bloom cut
Blueberries
in corn muffins, quintessential
muffins
source for
Blue cornmeal
Bobs Red Mill
Boiling bagels
Boiling water, for steaming oven

Bosch Universal mixer

kneading with
Bottled water
Boules
French country boule
shaping dough for
Bowls, for mixing dough
Braided loaf, shaping dough for
for four-strand loaf
for simulated braided loaf
for single-strand loaf
for three-strand loaf
Bran
Bread basket/warmer
Bread boards
source for
Bread flour
Gold Medal, protein content of
King Arthur, protein content of
Pillsbury, protein content of
protein content of brands of
replacing with all-purpose flour
for soft breads
for sourdough bread
water amount with
weight of
Bread knives
source for
Bread machine
kneading with
hand kneading versus
pros and cons of
technique for
for sourdough bread
temperature of starters and
Breadman Ultimate bread machine
Bread recipes, creating and modifying
Bread steamer
Bread sticks
spicy herbed
Breaking bread
Brewers yeast, see yeast, commercial (brewers)
Brinnas pugliese
Brioche
basic
black pepper

challah, see challah

convenience (in bread machine)
croissants
chocolate-filled (pains au chocolat)
wheaten
cutting
final proofing of
giant
ingredient proportions in
internal temperature for
kugelhopf, chocolate almond swirl
loaf
Panettone with Chestnuts
pointers for success with
step-by-step illustrations for making
sticky buns, see sticky buns
stud muffin
sweet potato
Broadway Panhandler
Broccoli, in Sicilian vegetable pizza roll
Brown sugar, light brown
softening
storing
weight of
Brushes
Buckwheat, toasting
Buckwheat flour
buckwheat loaf
velvety buckwheat bread
weight of
Bulgur
in cracked wheat loaf
Bundt pans
mini loaf
Nordicware Rose Bundt pan
Burnt Sugar
Business-letter fold, for turning dough
Butter
in bagels
clarified, weight of
European-style
Irish whiskey
source for
unsalted
water and fat content of
weight of

Butter biscuits
Butter glazes
Butter-dipped dinner rolls
Butter popovers
Buttermilk
in biscuits
potato buttermilk bread
water content of
weight of
C
Caf Beaujolais (Mendocino, California)
ten-grain cereal mix of
Cake flour
shelf life of
weight of
Cake yeast
in sourdough starters
substituting instant yeast for
Cambro dough-rising containers
Camping and Woodcraft (Kephart)
Candied ginger
Capers, in puttanesca bread
Caramel buns, sticky
Caraway seeds, weight of
Carbohydrate, vegetable and fruit content of
Carrots
carrot bread
water and fiber content of
Catamount Glass
Ceramic woven bread basket/warmer
Challah
dairy dinner
final proofing of
four-braided
shaping dough for
three-braided
traditional (pareve or dairy-free)
Champagne
Chapati
Cheddar cheese
cheddar loaf
water and fat content of
Cheese
sources for

water and fat content of

see also specific types of cheese
Cheese breads
cheddar loaf
pizza
ricotta loaf
stud muffin
Chefs (sourdough starters)
The Chefs Catalog
Chefs knives
Chemical leavening agents
weight of
see also quick breads
Chestnuts, panettone with
Chicago Metallics
Italian bread pan from
loaf pans from
triple baguette pan from
Chickpea flour
Chilling, see temperature
Chlorine, in water
Chocolate
baguettes au chocolat
in big banana muffins
chocolate almond swirl kugelhopf
chocolate chocolate chip bread
chocolate-filled croissants (pains au chocolat)
sticky buns
Ciabatta
crumb of
crust of
stirato
Cider
Cilantro, in Yemenite green sauce
Cinnamon
cinnamon crumb surprise
cinnamon raisin loaf
weight of
Citrus zest, grated, weight of
Citrus zesters
Clams, pizza Margherita with steamed clams
Clarified butter, weight of
Clay bread baker
lining with Silpat
preheating
Clear flour

Cloverleaf rolls
Cluizel Dark Chocolate
Cocoa solids, in chocolate
Coloring
The Complete Kitchen
Containers, dough-rising
source for
Convection ovens
Cooking spray
Cooling bread
Cooling racks
Corn
cooking
corn fingers
dried, source for
popping, grinding
Corn bread
corn fingers
muffins
blue cornmeal muffins
quintessential
spoon, Southwestern
tangy
Cornes
Corn finger molds
Corn flour
grinding at home
source for
tangy corn bread
weight of
Cornmeal
blue
weight of
Corn oil
Cornstarch
in glazes
Corn syrup
water content of
weight of
Corriher, Shirley
Cottage cheese, water and fat content of
Cottage dill loaf
Couches
Countertops
Count-up timers
Cracked wheat flour

cracked wheat loaf

Cranberries
cranberry-banana-walnut quick bread
cranberry walnut bread
dried
dried cranberry scones
water and fiber content of
Crate and Barrel
Cream, see half-and-half; heavy cream; sour cream
Cream of tartar, weight of
Crisco, for biscuits
Croissants
chocolate-filled (pains au chocolat)
wheaten
Crumb
autolyse and
of ciabatta
freshening
of hearth breads
raising and
temperature of dough when shaping and
Crumpets
Crust
of baguettes
baking and
blistering
bottom, baking stones and
browning of
color of
crackling of, during cooling
crisp, cooling breads with
crispness of
formation of
glazing, see glazes
of hearth breads
recrisping
salt and
of soft breads
softening of, after baking
steaming and
storing bread and
underproofing for attractive design in
Crystallized ginger, source for
Cuisinart convection toaster oven
for freshening crumb
Cuisinart food processor

Power Prep model of

Currants, in flaky scones
Cutting bread
knives for
source for
slicing and
of soft breads
while hot
Cutting dough
to release steam during baking
tearing versus
D
Dairy dinner challah
Dark rye flour
Dash (measure)
Decorative baking paper
Decorative slashes
Defrosting bread
Della Fattoria bakery
Demarle Inc.
Diamant Grain Mill
Diastatic barley malt
Dimpling dough
Dinner rolls, see roll(s)
Direct method of mixing dough
Dividing dough
Doneness, testing for
Double slash
Dough hook attachment
for spiral-type mixers
for stand mixers
Doughmakers pans
loaf pan
rectangular
Dough mixing bowl
Dough package fold, for turning dough
The Dough Percentage
for batter breads
for quick breads
little
for yeast breads, little
see also specific recipes
Dough-rising containers
source for

Dough slashers
Dough starters, see biga; poolish; pre-ferments; sourdough starters; sponge (starter)
Dried fruit
amount to use
blueberries
cranberries
scones
in hearth breads
pears
Dried milk
weight of
Dry ingredient measuring cups
Duncan Industries
Kitchen Grips oven mitts from
Durum flour
patent
weight of
Dutch baby
Dutch baby pan
Duxelles
E
Ear slash
Egg(s)
free-range
hard-cooked
in biscuits
cooking
water and fat content of
weight of
Egg breads
see also brioche
Egg glazes
Egg white(s)
water content of
weight of
Egg white glazes
Egg yolk(s)
water and fat content of
weight of
Egg yolk glazes
Elasticity of dough
Electric griddles
Electric knives
for slicing bread

Electrolux Magic Mill Assistant mixer

kneading with
Electrolux of Sweden
Endosperm
English muffins
Enzymes
in flour
soy
wheat
lipoxidase
in milk
Equipment
bakers peel
baking stone
functions of
for hearth breads
for pizza
banneton (dough-rising basket)
slashing dough baked in
sources for
for sourdough bread
bench scraper
bread boards
source for
bread knives
source for
bread machine, see bread machine
brushes
ceramic woven bread basket/warmer
citrus zester
cooling racks
couches
countertops
decorative baking paper
dough mixing bowl
dough-rising containers (proof boxes)
source for
dough slashers
electric griddles
essential, for bread baking
feathers for brushing
flour mills
flour scoops
flour wand
food processor
food vacuum
grain mills

source for
grinders
Joyce Chen shears
for kneading, see kneading dough
knives, see knives
La Cloche clay bread baker
lining with Silpat
preheating
measuring cups
measuring spoons
mixers, see also Hobart mixer; spiral-type mixers; stand mixers
sources for
ovens
pan liners
for lining La Cloche bread baker
source for
pans, see pan(s)
pizza-cutting wheels
plastic wrap
pot holders
quarry tiles
rolling pins
Roulpat
rulers
scales
source for
scrapers
Silpain pizza sheet
sources for
spatulas
spray bottles
stone tiles
storage bags
thermometers
timers
wire cooling racks
wire whisks
wooden spoon
European-style butter
European-style flour
ascorbic acid in
King Arthur, protein content of
Extensibility of dough
autolyse and
gliadin and
of hearth bread doughs
instant yeast and

after preshaping dough

testing
Extra bitter chocolate
Extract(s)
fiori di Sicilia
weight of
Extraction rate, for flour
Extra-fancy pasta flour
Ezekiel flour
F
Fante
Farberware electric griddle
Farina grade flour
Farro
Fat(s)
adding to dough, timing of
in bakers percentage
for biscuits
content in ingredients
in The Dough Percentage
weight of
see also butter
Feathers for brushing
Feeding sourdough starters
Fermentation
elevation of sponge temperature by
length of
sugar and
temperature for
Fermipan Brown yeast
Fiber, vegetable and fruit content of
Ficelles
Figs
New Zealand almond and fig bread
Fillings
apple, for Dutch baby
for bialys
chocolate ganache
chocolate schmear
for cinnamon crumb surprise
cinnamon sugar
herb, for spiral loaves
for maple bungee buns
for monkey bread

onion-poppy seed
for Panettone with Chestnuts
poppy seed
for chocolate almond swirl kugelhopf
for sticky buns
Flaky scones
Fiorentino, Mark
Fiori di Sicilia
Flat breads
Indian
kheema paratha
ingredient proportions in
matzoh
baking
Mediterranean
pita
pizza
perfect pizza dough
potato flat bread
pizza rolls, vegetable, Sicilian
potato
for a crowd
see also focaccia
Flavor
pre-ferments and
with sourdough starters
with sponge method
temperature of pre-ferments and
salt and
sources of
sugars and
temperature during fermentation and
Flaxseed
flaxseed loaf
grinding
ground versus whole seeds
Fleischmanns Bread Machine Yeast
Fleischmanns Rapid Rise Yeast
Flexipan Texas muffin sized mold
Florida Crystals
Flour
aging of
all-purpose, see all-purpose flour
for bagels
in bakers percentage
barley

malted
for biscuits
bread, see bread flour
buckwheat
buckwheat loaf
velvety buckwheat bread
weight of
cake
shelf life of
weight of
clear
corn, see corn flour
criteria for
in The Dough Percentage
durum
patent
weight of
enzymes in
European-style
ascorbic acid in
protein content of
Ezekiel
farina grade
in fermentation process
for focaccia
freezing
for olive bread dough
French-style, protein content of
green
for hearth breads
high-gluten
protein content of
instant (granular; quick-mixing)
weight of
Italian-style, protein content of
legume
long patent (straight grade)
measuring versus weighing
millet
oat
organic
protein content of
pasta, extra-fancy
potato
weight of
protein in
reduced-bran

making
whole wheat
rice
red, purple, and green
white
rye, see rye flour
for scones
short patent
for soft sandwich breads
sources for
for sourdough bread
for sourdough starters
soy
spelt
for stenciling
stone-ground
storing
triticale
types of
see also specific types of flour
water amount related to
weight of
wheat, see wheat flour; whole wheat flour; specific types of wheat flour
white
for sourdough starters
water amount with
whole wheat, see whole wheat flour
Flour blanket, with sponge method
Flour glazes
Flour mills
Flour scoops
Flour wand
Focaccia
grilled
layered with fresh herbs
technique for layering
with pockets of garlic
rosemary
Folding dough, technique for
Foley stainless steel measuring cups
Foley stainless steel measuring spoons
Food processors
kneading with
pros and cons of
sourdough bread dough and
technique for

temperature of starters and

FoodSaver
Food Science (Charley)
Food vacuum
Forbidden Rice
Formica countertops
Formulas
Fougasse bread
Fouquet
Four-strand braided loaf, shaping dough for
Free-range eggs
Freezing
of bread
baked
of hearth breads
of muffins
see also specific recipes
of flour
of shaped dough
of unbaked biscuits
French Baking Systems
French country sourdough boule
French Culinary Institute
French-style flour, King Arthur, protein content of
Fresh compressed yeast
in sourdough starters
substituting instant yeast for
FreshDirect
Friction factor
From a Bakers Kitchen (Sher)
Fructose
Fruit
dried, see dried fruit
water and fiber content of
see also specific fruits
Furi knife
G
Gappe
Garlic
focaccia with pockets of
roasting
in Sicilian vegetable pizza roll
General Mills
Germ, of wheat grain, see wheat germ

Giant brioche
Ginger
candied
crystallized, source for
ginger biscuits
scones, rich and creamy
Glass measuring cups
Glass pans
Glazes
apricot
for bagels
egg
for brioche
for challah
for chocolate-filled croissants (pains au chocolat)
for wheaten croissants
Kahla
lye, for pretzels
purpose of
shiny
for pumpernickel bread
for sourdough pumpernickel bread
for sticky buns
for stud muffin
types of
Glazing bagels
Gliadin
Glucose, water content of
Glutathione
Gluten
cutting versus tearing strands of
development of
flour high in
protein content of
glutathione and
instant yeast and
nuts and grains cutting strands of
overheating of
pre-ferments and
realignment of strands by kneading
salt and
strengthening of, temperature and
structure of, salt and
sweeteners and
see also vital wheat gluten
Glutenin

Gluten intolerance, ingredient source for

Golden Bakers Sugar
Golden fine granulated sugar
Golden hamburger or hot dog buns
Golden semolina torpedo
Gold Medal flour
all-purpose, unbleached
ascorbic acid in
protein content of
Gonzo restaurant
Gorgonzola cheese, red and gold bell pepper, onion, and Gorgonzola dolce pizza
Gradual reduction method, for wheat flour
Graham flour
Grain(s)
amount to use
cutting of gluten strands by
in hearth breads
soaking of
sources for
storing
testing for viability
Tyrolean ten-grain torpedo
Grain mills
source for
Granite countertops
Granular flour
weight of
Granulated sugar, weight of
Greasing pans
Green chiles, in Yemenite green sauce
Green flour
Green rice flour
Griddles, electric
Grigne slash
Grilled
focaccia
pizza
Grinders
for spices
Grinding pecans
Gruyre cheese, in stud muffin
Gundel restaurant
H
Half-and-half, weight of

Half sheet pans

Hammermilling
Hand kneading
machine kneading versus
pros and cons of
technique for
Hand mixing, temperature of starters and
Hard cider
Hard water
Hard wheat
Hearth breads
added ingredients in
almond and fig, New Zealand
baguettes, see baguette(s)
basic
beer
bread sticks, herbed, spicy
buckwheat, velvety
ciabatta
crumb of
crust of
corn, tangy
cranberry walnut
crumb of
crust of
flour for
heart of wheat
ingredient amounts for
ingredient proportions in
low-salt, Tuscan
mushroom
olive
olive oil, Mantovana
ovens for
potato
buttermilk
dill
prosciutto ring
pugliese
Brinnas
pumpernickel, see pumpernickel bread
puttanesca
raisin pecan
rolls, oval cloud rolls
rye
Levys real Jewish

Swedish limpa
sacaduros
shaping
shaping dough for
slicing
slightly sour artisan loaf
sourdough, see sourdough bread
starter for
storing
straight dough method for
sunflower, Austrian, Caf Beaujolais
torpedoes
semolina, golden
Tyrolean ten-grain
walnut fougasse
shaping
walnut onion
weather and
yeast in
Heartland Mill
flour from
Heart of wheat bread
Heat, see baking; temperature
Heavy cream
in biscuits
water content of
weight of
Heckers flour
High-altitude baking
High-gluten flour
for bagels
King Arthur, protein content of
High-heat rubber spatulas
Hobart mixer
kneading with
pros and cons of
technique for
with water jacket attachment
Honey
crystallized, reliquifying
substituting for sugar
substituting sugar for
water content of
Horizon Organic butter
Hotel Bar butter
Hydration

in bakers percentage
in The Dough Percentage
flour type related to
for hearth breads
salt and
see also water
I
Ice cubes, steaming oven with
Indian flat bread
kheema paratha
technique for filling
technique for making
India Tree
Ingredients
added to bread
integrated into structure of dough
remaining separate from structure of dough
in bakers percentage
categories of baked goods and
in The Dough Percentage
fat content of
fats, see butter; fat(s)
fiber content of
flour, see flour; specific types of flour
liquids, see hydration; liquid(s); water; specific liquids
order of adding
percentages of, in hearth breads
proportions of
in batter breads
in biscuits
in brioche
in flat breads
in hearth breads
in little quick breads
in little yeast breads
in muffins
in quick breads
in scones
in sourdough bread
in yeast breads
salt, see salt
sources for
substitutions for, see substitutions
sweeteners, see sweeteners; specific sweeteners
water, see water

water content of
weights of
yeast, see yeast
see also specific ingredients
Instant flour
weight of
Instant-read thermometers
to test for doneness
Instant yeast, see yeast, instant (rapid-rise)
Institute of Culinary Education
Integral Yoga
Iodized salt
Italian bread pan
Italian decorative baking paper
Italian-style flour, King Arthur, protein content of
J
J. B. Prince
Jerusalem artichokes, in Sicilian vegetable pizza roll
Joyce Chen shears
K
Kahla glaze
Kaipen
Kalamata olives
Kalustyans
Kamut Association
Kamut flour
for hearth breads
source for
in sourdough bread
Kasha, in buckwheat loaf
Kheema paratha
Kenwood mixer
Kenyons Grist Mill
stone-ground whole wheat flour from
Keyholing
King Arthur Flour
flour from
all-purpose
for bagels
consistency of
European-style, ascorbic acid in
protein content of

King Arthur Flour Bakers Catalogue

KitchenAid
food processor made by
stand mixers made by
with water jacket attachment
Kitchen Resource
Kneading dough
for biscuits
by bread machine
hand kneading versus
pros and cons of
technique for
by food processor
pros and cons of
technique for
by hand
machine kneading versus
pros and cons of
technique for
by Hobart mixer
pros and cons of
technique for
by spiral mixer
pros and cons of
technique for
by stand mixer
pros and cons of
technique for
testing dough for adequate kneading and
Knives
bread
source for
chefs
electric
Kossars
Kugelhopf, chocolate almond swirl
L
La Cloche clay bread baker
lining with Silpat
preheating
Lactic acid
formation of
with sourdough starters
Lactobacilli, in sourdough starters
Lactose, in milk

La Cuisine
Lalvain du Jour starters
French Sourdough
Pain de Campagne
Lame
Land OLakes butter
Lantern slash
Lard bread (prosciutto ring)
Leavening agents
chemical
weight of
see also quick breads
yeast as, see pre-ferments; yeast
Lecithin
in eggs
weight of
Legume flour
Lehmans
Leifheit knife
source for
Lemon poppy seed scones
Le Saffre Yeast Corporation
Levain, see sourdough starters
Levys bagels
Levys real Jewish rye bread
Light brown sugar
softening
storing
weight of
Limpa, see Swedish limpa bread
Lindley Mills
Lipoxidase
Lipoxygenase, in soy flour
Liquid(s)
water and fat content of
weight of
see also specific liquids
Liquid measuring cups
Little oyster loaves
Loaf pans
Chicago Metallics
determining size to use
internal capacity of
molded
Pullman
slashing dough baked in

T-Fal
Long patent flour
Lotus Foods
Low-risk sourdough bread
Lye solution, for pretzel bread
Lyles golden syrup
weight of
M
Malted barley flour
Malt powder, weight of
Mantovana olive oil bread
Maple syrup
maple bungee buns
Marble countertops
Mashed potatoes, see potato(es)
Matzoh
baking
Mediterranean
Measuring
of beer
of dough
rulers for
technique for
of flour, weighing versus
of salt
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Mechanical mixing, temperature of starters and
Mediterranean matzoh
Medium rye flour
Metal bench scrapers
Metal spatulas
Micromilling
Milk
dried
weight of
scalding
water content of
weight of
Milk glazes
Millet
Millet flour
Milling
of flour

grain mills for

Milling and Baking News
Minerals
flour content of
in water
Mini popover pan
Mixers, see also Hobart mixer; spiral-type mixers; stand mixers
sources for
Mixing dough
technique for
temperature of starters and
see also specific recipes
Molasses
water content of
weight of
Molded loaf pan
Monkey bread
Montana Flour and Grains
Moroccan olives
Mozzarella cheese
in arugula pizza bianca
in mushroom pizza bianca
in pizza Margherita
with steamed clams
source for
Muffins
banana, big
blueberry
cornmeal
blue
quintessential
English
freezing
ingredient proportions in
reheating
Murrays Cheese
Muscovado sugar
Mushroom(s)
bread
duxelles
mushroom and onion topping
in pizza bianca
in potato flat bread pizza
N

New Zealand almond and fig bread

Nondiastatic barley malt
Nonstick pan liners, see Silpat/Silpain pan liners
Nordicware
Rose Bundt pan made by
Nut(s)
amount to use
cutting of gluten strands by
in hearth breads
storing
toasting
weight of
see also specific types of nuts
Nutrimill grain mill
O
Oat flour
Oil
fat content of
see also specific types of oil
Old bread method
Old dough method
adding old dough, timing of
Olive(s)
oil-cured, making
olive bread
in puttanesca bread
Olive oil
Mantovana olive oil bread
source for
weight of
Omega
thermometer made by
Onions
browned onion paste for bialys
mushroom and onion topping
onion-poppy seed filling
in pizza, Alsatian
in potato flat bread pizza
red and gold bell pepper, onion, and Gorgonzola dolce pizza
walnut onion bread
Organic flour
King Arthur, protein content of
Osmotolerant yeast
Oven(s)

baking pizza and

baking stones for
functions of
for hearth breads
for pizza
convection
gas versus electric
opening door of
placing bread in
preheating
raising dough in
rising
steaming
spray bottles for
toaster
convection
for freshening crumb
Oven Basics measuring cups
Oven spring
Oven thermometers
source for
Overnight refrigerator rise
Overproofing, of sourdough bread
Overrising
Oxygenation of dough
Oysters, in lagniappe
P
Paddle attachment, for stand mixers
Pain de mie
Pan(s)
baguette
double
triple
bread steamer
bundt
mini loaf
Nordicware Rose Bundt pan
corn finger molds
Dutch baby
Flexipan Texas muffin sized mold
glass
greasing
Italian bread pan
loaf, see loaf pans
popover

rectangular
round, carbon steel
sheet
silicone, flexible loaf
souffl dish
sources for
Steam Baking Master
sticky bun
tart Tatain
Panettone
with chestnuts
cooling
Panettone paper
Pan liners
for lining La Cloche bread baker
parchment
source for
Paratha
kheema
technique for filling
technique for making
Parchment
Parker House rolls
P armigiano-Reggiano cheese
in stud muffin
water and fat content of
Pasta flour, extra-fancy (durum)
Pastry brushes
Pte fermente
adding to dough, timing of
for baguettes
Patent durum flour
Pea flour
Peanut flour
Pecans
grinding
raisin pecan bread
in sticky caramel buns
weight of
Pentosan
Pepper, black pepper brioche
Pepperidge Farm cracked wheat bread
Perfect pizza dough
Pillsbury flour
ascorbic acid in
protein content of

Pinch (measure)
Pita bread
Pizza
grilled
perfect pizza dough
potato flat bread
Pizza-cutting wheels
Pizza rolls, vegetable, Sicilian
Pizza sheet, Silpain
Plastic dough scrapers
Plastic rolling pin
Plastic wrap
Pocket bread
Poolish
for baguettes
flour and water volumes for
yeast in
Popover(s)
butter
Dutch baby
baby
Yorkshire
Popover pans
Popping corn, grinding
Poppy seed(s)
in big banana muffins
lemon poppy seed scones
onion-poppy seed filling
weight of
Poppy seed grinders
Potato(es)
buttermilk bread
dinner rolls
flat bread pizza
flatbreads for a crowd
purple potato bread
sandwich loaf
substituting for potato flour
substituting potato flour for
sweet, see sweet potatoes
water and fiber content of
weight of
Potato flour
substituting for mashed or riced potatoes
substituting mashed or riced potatoes for
weight of

Potato water
Pot holders
Pre-ferments
adding to dough, timing of
altus brat (old bread)
in bakers percentage
biga, see biga
commercial yeast in
flavor and
with sourdough starters
with sponge method
temperature of pre-ferments and
for hearth breads, see also specific hearth bread recipes
pte fermente (old dough; scrap dough)
adding to dough, timing of
poolish
for baguettes
flour and water volumes for
yeast in
proportion of
sourdough starters, see sourdough starters
sponges, see sponge (starter)
temperature of
types of
Preheating
of baking stones and quarry tiles
of La Cloche dome
of oven
of sheet pans
Preshaping dough
Pretzel(s)
Pretzel bread
Proof boxes
source for
Proofing
of active dry yeast
overproofing of sourdough bread and
see also raising dough; underproofing
Prosciutto ring
Protease
in flour
in milk
Protein, in flour
see also gluten
Pugliese
Brinnas

extensibility of dough for

Pullman loaf
Pullman loaf pan
Pullman loaf sandwich bread (pain de mie)
Pumpernickel bread
authentic
coloring for
denser
extensibility of dough for
raisin
sourdough
sourdough
raisin
Pumpernickel meal
Pumpkin, canned, water and fiber content of
Pumpkin seeds
Purple rice flour
Q
Quarry tiles
Quick breads
banana loaf
carrot
chocolate chocolate chip
cinnamon crumb surprise
corn fingers
cranberry-banana-walnut
ingredient proportions in
little, ingredient proportions in
rolls, Irish
soda, Irish
spoon, corn, Southwestern
zucchini bread
see also biscuits; muffins
Quick-mixing flour
weight of
Quintessential corn muffins
R
Raisin(s)
baking
weight of
in carrot bread
cinnamon raisin loaf
in monkey bread

in Panettone with Chestnuts

pecan bread
pumpernickel bread
sourdough
in Irish soda bread
soaking
in sticky caramel buns
in stollen Christmas scones
weight of
Raising dough
containers for
source for
of final shaped dough
for high-altitude baking
measuring height of risen dough and
methods for
number of times dough is allowed to rise and
in oven
overnight, in refrigerator
overrising and
temperature for
testing for amount of rising and
time required for
turning during
technique for
Rapid-rise yeast, see yeast, instant (rapid-rise)
Recipes, creating and modifying
Rectangular loaves, shaping dough for
Red Devil lye
Red rice flour
Red Star Instant Active Dry Yeast
Red Star QuickRise Yeast
Reduced-bran flour
making
whole wheat
making
Red wheat
Refreshing sourdough starters
Refrigerator
raising dough in, overnight
see also temperature
Reheating
of biscuits
of hearth breads
of muffins
Resting dough

with bread machine

Retarding dough
Riced potatoes, see potato(es)
Rice flour
red, purple, and green
rubbing into cloth for lining bannetons
white
Rich and creamy ginger scones
Ricotta cheese
in arugula pizza bianca
ricotta loaf
Ridged cut
Rising oven
Ritz cotton terry pot holders
Roasted peppers
in spoon bread, corn, Southwestern
technique for roasting
Roasting garlic
Roll(s)
dinner
butter-dipped
cloverleaf
hamburger buns
hot dog buns
Parker House
round, little
sacaduros
shaping
oval cloud
pizza, vegetable, Sicilian
potato flatbread
soda bread, royal Irish
Rolling pins
Romano cheese, in stud muffin
Rosemary focaccia sheet
Roulpat
Round loaves
shaping dough for
slashing dough to release steam and
Round rolls
little
shaping dough for
Royal Irish soda bread
Rubber spatulas
Rulers
Rustic breads, see hearth breads

Rye bread
Levys real Jewish
sourdough
Rye chops
Rye flour
dark
medium
optimal finished dough temperature with
in pugliese
in sourdough bread
for sourdough starters
weight of
white
yeast in
Rye meal
S
Sacaduros
shaping
Safflower oil
weight of
SAF Gold yeast
SAF Gourmet Perfect Rise Yeast
SAF Instant Yeast
Salt
adding to dough, timing of
in The Dough Percentage
gluten structure and
killing of yeast by
measuring
types of
weight of
Sands, Brinna
San Francisco sourdough
Santini, Simone (olive oil)
Saran plastic wrap
Sassafras
Sauces, green, Yemenite
Scales
source for
Scavulos restaurant
Scones
dried cranberry
flaky
ginger, rich and creamy

ingredient proportions in
lemon poppy seed
stollen, Christmas
Scoring dough
Scottish Cooker (Brown)
Scrap dough
adding to dough, timing of
Sea salt
Seed(s)
amount to use
in hearth breads
soaking
sourdough wheat bread with
storing
toasting
Tyrolean ten-grain torpedo
see also specific types of seeds
Seed cultures
Semolina flour
golden semolina torpedo
Serrated knives
Sesame seeds
Shackleton, Charles
Shaping dough
for bagels
for baguettes
for bialys
for biscuits
for braided loaves
four-strand
simulated
single-strand
three-strand
for challah
for dinner rolls
equipment for
general tips for
for loaves
preshaping and
for round rolls
for rounds (boules)
for torpedoes (batards)
for torpedo-shaped rolls
see also specific recipes
Sharffenberger Semisweet Chocolate
Shears

to cut dough to release steam during baking

Joyce Chen
Sheet pans
Shelf life of bread, pre-ferments and
Shelling
of spiraled loaves
Short patent flour
Sicilian vegetable pizza roll
Silpain pizza sheet
Silpat/Silpain pan liners
for lining La Cloche bread baker
sources for
Silvercup bread
Simulated braided loaf, shaping dough for
Single-edged razor blade
Single-strand braided loaf, shaping dough for
Slashing dough
with glazes
Slicing bread
Smidgen (measure)
Soaking
of grains
of raisins
of seeds
Soda bread
Irish soda bread
Irish soda rolls
Soehnle scales
Soft breads
banana feather loaf
buckwheat loaf
cheddar loaf
cinnamon raisin loaf
cracked wheat loaf
crust of
cutting
flaxseed loaf
flour for
herb spiral loaves
lagniappe
pointers for success with
potato sandwich loaf
Pullman loaf (pain de mie)
purple potato bread
ricotta loaf
rolls, see roll(s)

rosy red
sandwich loaf
internal temperature for
spiraled
sweet potato loaf
Soft water
Soft wheat
Solid measuring cups
Solo poppy seed filling
Souffl dish
source for
Sour cream
water content of
weight of
Sourdough bread
basic
with extra flavor and keeping quality
benefits of
bread machine for
commercial yeast in
flour for
French country boule
ingredient proportions in
low-risk
pointers for success with
pumpernickel
quicker
raisin
quicker
pumpernickel
rye
wheat, with seeds
retarding (chilling) dough for
rising time for
rye
quicker
starter for, see sourdough starters
steps in making
wheat, with seeds
quicker
Sourdough cultures, commercial
source for
Sourdough starters
adding, timing of
amount to use
color of

consistency of
contaminated, signs of
converting recipes using biga to
expanding
feeding (refreshing)
flour and water volumes for
flour types for
ingredients for
Lalvain du Jour
French Sourdough
Pain de Campagne
liquid
converting stiff starter to
converting to stiff
expanding
Lalvain Pain de Campagne
pros and cons of
reviving
stiff starter compared with
longevity of
old
percentage of, altering
replacing commercial yeast with
reviving
San Francisco type of
sourness with
starting
stiff
converting liquid starter to
converting to liquid
expanding
liquid starter compared with
pros and cons of
for pumpernickel bread
reviving
for rye sourdough bread
whole wheat
storage, using to make bread
storing
yeast in
Sourdoughs International
Southwestern corn spoon bread
Soy, lipoxidase in
Soy flour
Spatulas
Spelt flour
Spice(s)

storing
Spice grinders
Spicy herbed bread sticks
Spinach, in potato flat bread pizza
Spiral slash
Spiral-type mixers
dough hook attachment for
kneading with
pros and cons of
technique for
Sponge (starter)
for basic brioche
biga versus
for brioche
for challah
for chocolate almond swirl kugelhopf
converting recipes to
flour and water volumes for
for golden semolina torpedo
for monkey bread
for mushroom bread
for New Zealand almond and fig bread
for Panettone with Chestnuts
for raisin pecan bread
refrigerating
for stud muffin
temperature of
with bread machine
elevation by fermentation
refrigeration and
with stand mixer
for Tyrolean ten-grain torpedo
Spoon bread, corn, Southwestern
Spray bottles
for adding water
for steaming oven
Spring wheat
Spritzers
for adding water
for steaming oven
Stabilized wheat germ
Stand mixers
dough hook attachment for
heavy duty
kneading with
pros and cons of

technique for
paddle attachment for
temperature of starters and
water jacket attachment for
Starch, in bakers percentage
Starters, see also biga; poolish; pre-ferments; sourdough starters; sponge (starter); specific recipes
temperature of, with mixers
Steaming of oven
spray bottles for
Stenciling
Steps of making bread, the ten essential
step 1, fermenting and pre-fermenting
step 2, mixing and kneading
step 3, raising (proofing) and turning the dough
step 4, dividing and preshaping the dough
step 5, shaping the dough
step 6, slashing (scoring) and stenciling
step 7, glazing
step 8, baking
step 9, cooling
step 10, slicing and storing
Sticky bun(s)
caramel
chocolate
cutting while hot
maple bungee
monkey bread
step-by-step illustrations for making
Sticky bun pans
Stirato
Stollen, Christmas scones
Stone-ground flour
Stone tiles
Storage bags
Storing
of bread
hearth
storage bags for
of flour
of grains
of light brown sugar
of nuts
of seeds
grains, and nuts
of sourdough starter
of spices

of walnut oil
Straight dough method
Straight grade flour
Stretching dough, into rectangle
Strudel
Stud muffin
Substitutions
of active dry yeast for instant yeast
of honey for sugar
of instant yeast for active dry yeast
of instant yeast for fresh compressed yeast
of mashed or riced potatoes for potato flour
of potato flour for mashed or riced potatoes
of sugar for honey
Sucrose
Sugar
light brown
weight of
source for
substituting for honey
substituting honey for
types of
water content of
weight of
Sugar in the Raw
Sullivan Street Bakery
Sunchokes, in Sicilian vegetable pizza roll
Sunflower seeds
Austrian sunflower bread
Sun-Maid baking raisins
Sur La Table
Swedish limpa bread
Sweeteners
water content of
see also specific sweeteners
Sweet potatoes
biscuits
brioche
loaf
mashed or riced, weight of
water and fiber content of
Swiss cheese, water and fat content of
Syrups
water content of
weight of
see also specific types of syrup

T
Taleggio cheese, red and gold bell pepper, onion, and Gorgonzola dolce pizza
Tandoori bread
kheema paratha
technique for filling
technique for making
Tart Tatin pan
Tearing bread
Tearing dough, cutting versus
Techniques
for boiling bagels
for cooking corn
for dimpling dough
for glazing bagels
for hard-cooking eggs
for kneading
with bread machine
with food processor
by hand
with spiral mixer
with stand mixer
with 20-quart Hobart mixer
for layering focaccia with herbs
for measuring height of risen dough
for mixing dough
for roasting garlic
for roasting peppers
for shaping dough
for baguette
for braided loaf
for four-strand braided loaf
for loaf
for round (boule)
for round rolls
for simulated braided loaf
for single-strand braided loaf
for three-strand braided loaf
for torpedo (batard)
for torpedo-shaped rolls
for slashing and scoring dough
for steaming oven
for testing dough for amount of rising
for testing for adequate kneading
for turning dough
Technobake Systems, Inc.
Temperature

chilling dough to slow rising time

cutting bread while hot and
of dough
adding yeast and
during autolyse
following autolyse
with bread machines
with food processors
during raising
for shaping
with stand mixers
fermentation process and
internal, testing for doneness and
of oven, opening door and
for raising dough
raising dough in refrigerator and
sourdough starter flavor and
of starters
with spiral mixers
sponge, with stand mixer
for storing sourdough starter
thermometers and, see thermometers
of water used in dough
yeast and
see also freezing
Ten-grain Tyrolean torpedo
Testing
for adequate kneading
for amount of rising
for doneness
for extensibility of dough
of grains for viability
Texture, lecithin and
T-Fal loaf pan
Thermapen 5F thermometer
Thermometers
instant-read
to test for doneness
oven
source for
Three-strand braided loaf, shaping dough for
Tilia FoodSaver
Time
for adding biga to dough
for adding fats to dough
for adding old dough using old dough method

for adding salt to dough

for adding sourdough starters
for adding yeast to dough
for raising dough
chilling dough to slow
for sourdough bread
Timers
Touch of grace biscuits
Toaster ovens
for freshening crumb
Toasting
of buckwheat
of nuts
of seeds
of walnuts
Tomato toppings, for pizza
oven-dried cherry or grape tomato
pizza tomato sauce
Toppings
for bagels
for chocolate sticky buns
for cinnamon crumb surprise
for maple bungee buns
mushroom and onion, for potato flat bread pizza
for pizza
arugula pizza bianca
Margherita
Margherita with steamed clams
mushroom, bianca
onion, Alsatian
oven-dried cherry or grape tomato
red and gold bell pepper, onion, and Gorgonzola dolce
tomato
for sticky buns
Torpedoes
shaping dough for
Tyrolean ten-grain
Torpedo-shaped rolls, shaping dough for
Traditional challah (pareve or dairy-free)
Triticale flour
Tupperware
measuring spoons made by
Turbinado sugar
Turning dough, technique for
Tuscan low-salt bread
Tyrolean ten-grain torpedo

U
Unbleached all-purpose flour, see all-purpose flour, unbleached
Underproofing
crust design and
for golden semolina torpedo
shelling of spiral loaves due to
of sourdough bread
Unsalted butter
Uster, Albert
V
Vacuum sealer
Valrhona Grand Cru Guanaja chocolate
Valrhona Le Noir Gastronomie chocolate
Valrhona Manjari chocolate
Vanilla, source for
Vegetables
cooking water from
water and fiber content of
see also specific vegetables
Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery
butter made by
Viability, testing grains for
Vital wheat gluten
in bagels
shelf life of
weight of
Volume of bread
W
Walnut(s)
in big banana muffins
in chocolate sticky buns
cranberry-banana-walnut quick bread
cranberry walnut bread
fougasse
shaping
in maple bungee buns
onion bread
toasting
weight of
in zucchini bread
Walnut oil
freshness of

storing
weight of
Water
beet
in rosy red bread
boiling, for steaming oven
chlorine in
content in ingredients
from cooking vegetables
minerals in
potato
for sourdough starter
spritzer for adding
unchlorinated
weight of
see also hydration
Water bath, for bagels
Water glazes
Water jacket attachment, for stand mixers
Weather, hearth breads and
West Bend
Triple Timer Clock made by
Wheat
grains of, structure of
varieties of
Wheaten croissants
Wheat flour
all-purpose, see all-purpose flour
ascorbic acid in
ash (mineral) content of
barley malt in
bread, see bread flour
bulgur
cracked wheat
cracked wheat loaf
durum
patent
weight of
freshness of
graham
kamut
for hearth breads
source for
in sourdough bread
milling techniques for
optimal finished dough temperature with

protein content of
proteins in
storing
varieties of
vital wheat gluten and
wheat varieties and
white (white flour)
for sourdough starters
water amount with
whole wheat, see whole wheat flour
Wheat germ
freshness of
source for
stabilized
toasted, weight of
weight of
White cornmeal
White Lily Foods Company
flour made by
White rice flour
White rye flour
White (whole) wheat
White wheat flour (white flour)
for sourdough starters
water amount with
Whitey (baker at Kossars)
Whole grains, see grain(s)
Whole wheat flour
freshly ground, water amount with
grinding at home
for hearth breads
King Arthur, protein content of
for paratha
pita bread with
red
reduced-bran
making
shelf life of
for soft breads
in sourdough bread
sourdough starter made with
stone-ground, Kenyons
weight of
W illiams-Sonoma
Windowpane test
Winter wheat

Wire cooling racks

Wire whisks
Wonder Bread
Wondra flour
weight of
Wood countertops
Wooden spoons
Wymans
Y
Yams
sweet potato biscuits
sweet potato loaf
Yeast
active dry
proofing
substituting for instant yeast
substituting instant yeast for
adding to dough, timing of
amount of
with added ingredients
freezing dough and
for high-altitude baking
amount used
in biga
chilling of
commercial (brewers)
adding to sourdough bread dough
in pre-ferments
replacing with sourdough starter
in sourdough starters
conversion between types of
in The Dough Percentage
fermentation and
fresh compressed (cake)
in sourdough starters
substituting instant yeast for
hydrating
instant (rapid-rise)
adding to dough
brand names of
gluten and
for hearth breads
in poolish
shelf life of
in sourdough starters

substituting active dry yeast for

substituting for active dry or fresh compressed yeast
temperature and
weight of
killing of, by salt
osmotolerant
proofing
wild
commercial yeast versus
in sourdough starters
Yeast breads
ingredient proportions in
little, ingredient proportions in
see also specific breads and types of breads
Z
Zest
citrus, grated, weight of
grating
Zesters
Zucchini bread

Copyright

Copyright 2003 by Rose Levy Beranbaum

Photographs copyright 2003 by Gentl and Hyers
Illustrations copyright 2003 by Alan Witschonke
KitchenAid and the mixer shape are registered trademarks of KitchenAid, USA, used by permission.
Bundt is a licensed registered trademark of Northland Aluminum Products Company.
The Publisher and the Author make grateful acknowledgment for permission to include the following:
Recipe for Focaccia Layered with Fresh Herbs, adapted from focaccia recipe in Baking a Flatbread
with an Inlay of Herbs, Fine Cooking, November 1998, by Maggie Glezer. Included by permission of
Maggie Glezer.
Step-by-step illustrations for layering focaccia dough with fresh herbs adapted from Ben Finks
photographs in Fine Cooking. Adapted by permission of Ben Fink.
This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author and is designed to provide useful advice to
the reader on the subject matter created. When using any of the equipment recommended in this book,
always follow the manufacturers instructions or contact the manufacturer directly. Prior to using any
recipe in this book, review it for any ingredient to which you may be allergic. The publisher and author
specifically disclaim any reponsibility for any liability, loss, or risk (financial, personal, or otherwise)
that may be claimed or incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and/or application of
any of the contents of this publication.
All rights reserved
Printed in the United States of America
First Edition
For information about permission to reproduce selections from this book, write to Permissions, W. W.
Norton & Company, Inc., 500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
Manufacturing by The Maple-Vail Book Manufacturing Group
Book design by Jean Orlebeke
Production manager: Andrew Marasia
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Beranbaum, Rose Levy.
The bread bible / by Rose Levy Beranbaum ; photographs by Gentl & Hyers/Edge ; illustrations by
Alan Witschonke ; foreword by Michael Batterberry.

p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 0-393-05794-1
1. Bread. I. Title.
TX769.B365 2003
641.8'15dc21
2003044550
W. W. Norton & Company, Inc., 500 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10110
www.wwnorton.com
W. W. Norton & Company Ltd., Castle House, 75/76 Wells Street, London W1T 3QT
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0

ALSO BY ROSE LEVY BERANBAUM

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The Pie and Pastry Bible