Friday, February 29, 2008

Flour + Water + Yeast + Salt =








My first Daring Bakers Challenge! This month's challenge was Julia Child's French Bread. The recipe is long, but in the length are the details. You can see the entire recipe here.

Following the instructions carefully, it came out well. I started at about 10:30 am and cut into the bread 9.5 hours later... but little of that time is active. Mostly, you just let the yeast work for you! I used my Kitchenaid Mixer to knead the dough for me - making it even easier!






















I think this would be a great intro to working with yeast if you havent yet - the detail in the recipe makes it simple - Julia walks you through every step and gives reasons why you do things the way you do - for me, this is helpful in understanding the process.

















I made two boules. My slashes were definitely not as deep as they should be... The bread was great though! It was a tad salty tasting the first day, but I froze the second loaf and when it was thawed it was PERFECT. I think letting the bread hang out for a little while helped.

I served the second loaf at the dinner my sisters, brother, and I made for my grandpa (Christmas gift). Bacon-wrapped Filet, Mashed Sweet Potatos, Bella-Beans, Bittersweet Mousse, and the perfect match - simple french bread. I asked my sister how she liked the bread and she said "its so good!! Where did you get it?" Homemade yeast bread always impresses ;)

I loved this challenge and cant wait to see what March will bring!

16 comments:

~Amber~ said...

Your bread looks wonderful. Congratulations on your first DB challenge.

L Vanel said...

Wow, excellent beautiful bread! I love the last shot, it has me drooling and makes me want to bake this bread again and also do a boule!

Jerry said...

Lovely bread! Congrats on first challenge!

That Girl said...

Bread is seriously my favorite thing to make because it always looks so beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Your bread looks fabulous! Congrats on your first challenge! :)

Tracy said...

Good job. Welcome to the DBers!

Jaime said...

beautiful boule! congrats on your first DB challenge!

Gretchen Noelle said...

Great job with your first DB challenge! Your bread is beautiful and it impressed your family - yeah! Welcome to the Daring Bakers!

Mer said...

Yum... bread. I am getting hungry just looking at all these posts.

Congrats on being a Daring Baker!

kk said...

what a big beautiful boule! mmm...looks so delicious I wish I still had some bread left! =P -kk

Beth G. @SweetLifeKitchen said...

Congratulations! You did a beautiful job on your first challenge, Welcome to the DARING BAKERS!! :O)

breadchick said...

Welcome to DB Your bread looks fabulous

Thanks for baking with Sara and I

Lunch Buckets said...

Impressive indeed! Nice job :)

Unknown said...

The loaves look terrific! Welcome to the Daring Bakers.

Deborah said...

Your bread looks great! Wonderful job!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your first successful DB challenge. Your bread looks lovely.
Jane of VeganBits.com