While the northeast is sweltering under oppressive heat, we in San Diego find ourselves wondering when summer will begin. We've had May Gray, June Gloom, and July forgot that it wasn't June. Now it's August and the sun is starting to poke out in the afternoon. My tomatoes are still green. The basil is in it's infancy still. I don't have enough sun in my yard to plant corn, nor would the infestation of gophers for the last 2 years make that a wise choice.So when all else fails, I bake.
I had two friends staying with me recently who, when they saw these loaves come out of the oven, declared them to be "Jesus loaves". Gotta love that -- the Jew bakes Jesus loaves! But they do smell divine as they're cooling on the rack. And they're sourdough, so they're perfect for all manner of things - cheese, French toast, or just dipping in some lovely olive oil.
I got the recipe from Peter Reinhart's book "The Bread Baker's Apprentice". The recipe goes on for 3 or 4 pages - and that's after you've gotten your starter (barm) going. So there's no way I'm going to post that here....I'd be up for the rest of the night. But I DID bake a sourdough bread and posted the recipe a couple of years ago. You can read about that here. The picture I took of that one was stunning......I must find that book again!
Mission Valley Acupuncture is now on facebook! I hope some of you stop by and have a look. My posts are about health, but of course, that includes food!
Posts
7 comments:
Those loaves do indeed look wonderful! I could do with one.
What beautiful breads, Toni! I still haven't worked up to baking bread; don't think I have the patience or skills for it, especially when I hear about three-page recipes. Send some of that cool air our way, if you could. It's plenty steamy in Chicago too.
Tanna - I'd be happy to do a trade. You give me some bread with booze and I'll pass on some sourdough. Deal?
Terry - Well, it does take some patience, but not as much as you might think. While the bread is busy doing it's thing, you can be off doing something else.
If I could pass along some of the cool air, I'd do so in a heartbeat. My niece and her family live up that way.
Oh wow, I hope that the weather is now much more summer like, although I have to tell you, it is too freaking hot down here in the Caribbean.
Well, summer has caught up with us. Now everyone is complaining about the heat!
Lucky gal, you. I am among the sweltering in the Northeast, although we've recently had a respite of heavy rain and somewhat lower temps (yet going back up to 90s this weekend). So wish I could bake. I like all seasons, but this summer's been unnaturally grueling.
It's bread like yours which has me yearning for fall.
Ah Susan, I remember the summers back east. It's not just the heat that gets to you, it's the merciless humidity! I used to long for a very long snorkel when I lived back there!!
Hopefully you're staying cool!
Post a Comment