I’m not the baker, SpouseO is. And he makes bread, but he wants to improve. For his birthday, I’m buying him some more tools, and I’d like to include a bread bible. I see tons on Amazon and in the bookstores, so I thought I’d hit up the most knowledgeable bunch I know.
What’s your favorite bread book? Gimmee recommendations!
The Bread Bible, by Rose Levy Beranbaum, is definitely not half-baked.
It’s not a book, but here is a link to an article from the New York Times that describes a technique for making bread without kneading.
Artisan Baking by Maggie Glezer is the one I’d go for, especially if he already has a little experience baking.
If he wants to go the low hassle route (i.e. “no knead”,) there’s also Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day … by Jeff Hertzberg and Zoe Francois.
I second Rose Levy Beranbaum’s The Bread Bible. Oh, and if you want to learn how to make delicious pies and pastries, check out her appropriately titled book The Pie and Pastry Bible.
I have the Bread Bible and Artisan Baking, they are both wonderful books, and I’ve made some super bread using their recipes and techniques.
Thirding The Bread Bible.
Also, I really enjoyed Beard on Bread by the legendary James Beard and Brother Juniper’s Bread Book by Peter Reinhardt. Both are a joy to read, as well as to bake from, if he’s the type that enjoys curling up and reading a cookbook just for the heck of it.
Lastly, Baking with Julia by Dorie Greenspan has a good variety of bread recipes including several traditional French artisan breads, and is a fantastic all-round baking book with beautiful photos. It’s my default go-to book for just about any baking I do.
He does have some experience baking - he’s been making bread on and off for the past couple of years. His bread is pretty good, but he’s really looking to improve it.
I’ve seen the Bread Bible and the Artisan books - it’s good to know they’re a good bet.
Thanks!