Maybe this is because it was a five week course that met on Monday and Tuesdays from 3:30pm until 11pm. Well, 11pm was really more of a suggestion. I often saw the clock strike midnight or later in the bakery.
Or, more likely, this class was difficult because there are so many variables that affect one's ability to make good bread: temperature, humidity, yeast activity, dough hydration, protein content of flour. I could go on. And on.
Artisan Bread class was certainly an exercise in patience.
Since this class we a survey of artisan bread, I'll let the bread speak for itself. Here is a sample of the breads I attempted. Yes, there are a lot of them. No, this isn't all of them! :)
Semolina Bread with Sponge
Terrible scoring. Beginners luck with the boule shape. Yes, it is supposed to be that dark. And, due to the semolina the bread is yellow on the inside!
Pain au Levain with Whole Wheat Flour
Basically a sourdough wheat bread. The slightly red color is good. The terrible shaping is bad. It should be round.
Ciabatta with Olive Oil and Wheat Germ
Topped with pesto. The wheat germ makes this bread addictive. One of my favorites.
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| yeah, I ate this whole thing in less than 24 hours and probably gained 5 pounds. Whatevs. |
Midterm Exam
Still need to work on shaping and scoring my baguettes. Scoring is MUCH harder than it looks.
2 Baguette
5 Epi
Sourdough
Batard
(not pictured
Rye Flaxseed Bread
I'm a rye lover but this was not my favorite. I had issues with the dough being too stiff. And, yes, I did try to score a K in to the boule.
Beesting
Round brioche topped with almond praline and filled with diplomat cream. Think holiday breakfast. Bye, Bye Cinnamon Rolls.
Sunflower Millet Bread
Everyone loves this bread. Chewy, crunch, nutty. Yum!
Final Exam
Two hours for Part One. Four hours for Part Two. Hustle has been redefined.
Part One:
4 Mummy Rolls
4 Infinity Rolls
4 Flower Rolls
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| We were able to eat one of these before she graded. I certainly took the opportunity here to put that horrific flower on the far right in the trash. Smart move. I earned the highest grade in the class on shaping. |
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Part Two
Nanterre Brioche Loaf
Five Grain Bread
Six Strand Filled Brioche Braid
(filled
with apricots and almond praline)
One Dead Dough Plaque for Each Bread
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