Tuesday, February 7, 2012

TWD - White Loaves



Wow! It has been a while since I blogged something I baked or cooked. But I am happy to be back on the bandwagon, baking, blogging and stuffing my face!


This week, Tuesday's with Dorie (the online baking group I joined in Feb 2008 and quit mid 2009) is starting over with a new cook book, Baking with Julia by Dorie Greenspan. The recipes in this book range from moderate to are-you-kidding-me difficult. But, as with all Ms. Greenspan's recipes, they are clear, concise and full of helpful tips. It really as if Dorie is in the kitchen guiding you each step of the way. I'm looking forward to tackling the recipes twice a month and sharing the results with you.

Up first, White Loaves.

This is the first time I made a real loaf of bread. Sure, I've made sweet breads, quick breads, biscuits and even brioche in my last go-round of TWD. But, this was the first "slice off a piece or two and make a sandwich" bread and it was delicious, but I'll get to that in a minute. First, it was easy. Really easy. I kept double checking the recipe to make sure I hadn't forgotten some key step. But, nope. I had it down. The toughest part was holding my mixer down so it didn't jump off the counter while beating/kneading the dough. My little mixer sure got a workout!


The first rise went exactly as described in the book. I was worried about the second rise since I only have one loaf pan and it was not the recommended 8.5x4.5 size. My pan is 9x5 so I used that and then another random sized Pyrex dish that was slightly smaller and more square than a loaf pan. I split the dough 1/3 and 2/3 and forged on as directed. The second rise went just fine so into the oven they went!


The smaller loaf baked for 35 minutes and the larger loaf for 45. I wish I had taken the smaller loaf out of the pan to let the sides brown up a bit but I'd forgotten to set a timer and was worried I'd overdone it so I just let it be as it was. The larger loaf received the benefit of a little extra tanning time and the crust was just perfect (if I do say so myself!).

Overall, this bread was easy, inexpensive to make , made the MOST delicious toast and would the perfect partner to a fully loaded BLT. My little monkey even loved it, though she skipped the crusts. What is up with all kids not eating the crusts?! I NEVER cut them off for her. How did she get the idea to not eat them?


Anyway, first week down, lots more to go. I can't wait to grow as a baker with all my TWD friends. Head over to www.tuesdayswithdorie.com to find a link to the recipe and to see what all the other bakers made. I hear some made their bread fancy!

Until next time...

19 comments:

Heather said...

Your loaf looks great!

I don't understand the crust-dislike either - it was always my favorite part, especially on a homemade loaf. But my kids peel it off too!

slush said...

I adore the pic of your little girl taking the bread off the crust. My 9yo did the same thing!

You did a fab job lady and I am so glad you are back to baking with us.

tierneymarie said...

Kitchen Aid issues were a pretty common theme for many of us. The night of the morning I baked the bread I was skimming my KA recipe manual booklet (no real reason why) and it actually says that when making a yeast dough you should never go above speed setting 2. I didn't know this, but thinking back when I lowered the speed down to 2 it did calm the rocking and unappealing smell emanating from the mixer. Just a thought for next time, as your bread was so lovely that I'm sure you'll be making it again!

Anonymous said...

LOL! My daughter, just one years old, doesnt like the crusts either, but I think that is more to do with the four teeth she has. It makes it difficult to negotiate them and skins to some fruit too. Maybe your daughter will just grow to like them if you keep leaving them on? :)
Your bread looks fantastic! (if this posts, then yes, I am able to post comments to your blog!)

Gretchen Noelle said...

I absolutely agree on the toast thing. The BEST. Yum!

Christy said...

My kitchenaid shut down halfway through, fortunatley it's still alive and kicking - just didn't like the kneading. Enjoyed your post and looking forward to reading more of them!

Cher Rockwell said...

Welcome back to the world of blogging & TWD. My girls are 16 and almost 18 and they still only eat the middles of their bread. (I am not much better, so can't complain).

Nikki57 said...

Whaaat she skipped the crust? Oh man I can't believe how big she is. When I saw her she was itty bitty ... like counting age in weeks not years. The crust was the best part, so if I were you I wouldn't be too disappointed because that's extra crust for you!

Jules Someone said...

Gorgeous bread and monkey ;-)

Unknown said...

I've always wanted to do TWD, can I still join?

Unknown said...

I've always wanted to do TWD, can I still join?

Rachel said...

Thanks everyone! I'm glad to be back and looking forward to next time. @Melissa, yes! I think you can still join. Do it!!

Anonymous said...

Your bread is beautiful and so is your little one. My 16 year-old does the same thing with the crust; silly little girl that makes more for me. I, too, felt that Dorie's directions were so clear that it was like she was there to help with this first attempt at bread.

Andrea at Nummy Kitchen said...

Welcome back to blogging! Your bread looks just perfect, I thought it was a great first recipe to start the new TwD chapter. Your daughter is simply adorable pulling off the crust, every now and then my kids do that too and I'm puzzled as to why some breads get that treatment and others do not...

Janis said...

Your daughter is so cute! My 1 1/2 year old son only ate the sesame seeds on top of the buns LOL

Susan said...

Hi, Rachel! I was in SD last weekend - it was so gorgeous. I'm a Navy Brat & was born in Chula Vista.

I'm so excited about being part of this group. So funny about your daughter not eating the crusts.

Anonymous said...

Awesome looking loaves! And an adorable photo of your little girl:)

Teresa said...

I wouldn't have minded someone rejecting the crusts - they were so good, I'd have eaten them myself. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's TwD/BwJ adventures.

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