Review: Real Recipes - Nice Details - Artisan Extras!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 6, 2012
As a homemade bread enthusiast, I'm always interested in easy ways to make plain bread a little different... and healthier.  This book delivers the recipes to do that.Even better, her directions are complete and precise.  This isn't one of those cookbooks that relies on the ingredient list; Ms. Scott talks you through each recipe, explaining what to do and why it makes a difference if you follow her advice.  That's important, not just for beginners, but as reminders for those of us who barely glance at our favorite recipes. (I've memorized most of my favorite bread recipes, and this cookbook reminded me of the importance of "proofing" the yeast -- giving it a head start -- to get the most from it.)As I read through this cookbook, I saw clever, small additions to tried-and-true recipes.  They're simple ingredients you'll find in most grocery stores -- nothing exotic that might require searching every food specialty shop in the nearest city -- and they really are those legendary little things that mean a lot.I haven't tried any of these recipes yet, but I will this afternoon.  However, since I know the recipe proportions that work (and don't work) when you're baking bread, and the steps that take you from a bag of flour to fragrant, healthy bread, I have no hesitation about recommending this book.Tip: During the winter, you can make a warm, welcoming meal from bread, soup, and salad. (My favorite soup recipes come fromLion House Classics.) Make (and freeze, if necessary) the bread ahead of time, and gently heat it before serving. Have the salad ingredients ready. And, simmer the soup in the crockpot, so it's ready as your family walks through the door. Homemade artisan breads (like the ones in this cookbook) turn a super-easy lunch or dinner into a super-healthy meal on a budget.