Anybody get this new book yet? I think it’s based on the same principle as Suzanne Dunaway’s book: No Need to Knead. I want to buy it, but I just need someone to tell me they really like it, first.

This book and their technique is the BEST thing since sliced bread. Literally! I’ve keep a bread bucket in my fridge ever since I bought the book several months ago so can make a baguette or boule at a moment’s notice. My family absolutely loves it, plus it’s so much less expensive than buying artisan bread at the store. The book has lots of other recipes as well—I tried the bagels, and they were very good too. Truly, I can’t recommend the book highly enough. In fact, just recently I bought a copy and the various equipment needed as a wedding shower gift for a family member. Also, Zoe Francois, one of the authors, has a great blog, zoebakes.com.

How timely!
I bought the book yesterday!

I have a batch in the frig right now. If it doesn’t work I will probably take the book back, but it needs to work!

The directions are so simple I can’t understand why you would make bread any other way.

I’ll post again after my first loaf is served!

jen

Just be sure to sprinkle enough flour on the chunk of dough you cut off. That makes it a lot easier to handle and shape into a boule. Then just make the slashes in the dough VERY gently before you slide it into the oven. It will definitely work and you’ll love it! (By the way, I’d recommend checking the “Errors” page on their web site too. It has a list of typos in the book that can affect recipe outcomes.)

I have No Need to Knead and Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day.  Both are very good, approachable books for beginners.  I love the focaccia from No Need and the European Artisan from 5 minutes.

OK finished my first loaves.  they flattened out a bit so i think i need more flour.

problems, the crumb is very fine and the resulting bread is very dense. i was hoping for a more floury/light inside. the crust didn’t stay crusty tho i rested it on a rack.

jen

I haven’t got this book but coincidentally I was on the eGullet website last night and there is a whole thread devoted to this book/bread!  The author , Zoe whatshername also contributes so that is the place to go if you ant problems!  Someone on there had the same problem of a danse , flat loaf and was given hints on how to overcome the problem.  I hope this helps,  just put eGUllet into Google and you should find it easily.

I should learn to check my spelling before I post, I meant DENSE, not danse,  Please excuse other mistakes for eagerness to help!!

jeanette, no one is going to criticise for spelling mistakes. heck, i never use caps, and neither does rose!!

jen

If spelling or type-Os counted against us, I’d be in big trouble!  Did you guys know that you can “edit” your posts on the forum?  You have to be signed in to do it, but it works - I’ve fixed many mistakes after the fact by using the edit feature!

Amy A - 11 August 2008 07:39 PM

I have No Need to Knead and Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day.  Both are very good, approachable books for beginners.  I love the focaccia from No Need and the European Artisan from 5 minutes.

Hey Amy,

Cool. I’ll have to try the focaccia from no need to knead. I’ve just ordered a baguette pan from amazon since she calls for that a lot. And I’ll be sure to try the european artisan just as soon as I receive the book in the mail. I love the concept. i can’t wait to try it. My no-knead bread turns out so good. If the recipes come out as good as the no-knead bread, then I’ll be baking everything from the book.

i tried the new york times recipe and…
it didn’t work :(
what turned out was like a thick sponge cake that was slowly turning into cement