Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day: The Discovery that Revolutionizes Home Baking by Jeff Hertzberg, M.D., and Zoë FrançoisBack-of-the-book blurb: There’s nothing like the smell of freshly baked bread to fill a kitchen with warmth, eager appetites, and endless praise for the baker who took on such a time-consuming task. In Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day, coauthors Jeff Hertzberg and Zoë François prove that bread baking can be easier than a trip to the bakery. Their method is quick and simple, bringing forth scrumptious perfection in each loaf. With nearly 100 recipes to put this technique to use, this cookbook will open the eyes of any potential baker who has sworn off homemade bread as simply too much work.
She is Too Fond of Books’ review: Well, they’ve done it again! Or, rather, they did this first … I’ve been having so much fun baking with the techniques and recipes in Hertzberg and François’ Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day (and my family has really appreciated the yummy results!); I decided to try the book that started this ‘baking revolution’ – Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day.
While Healthy Bread focuses on whole wheat (or ‘mostly wheat’) breads, and has a section for gluten-free baking, the original Artisan Bread concentrates on mostly white breads, with other grains added for variety.
The steps are the same, it really is as easy as:
- mix ingredients
- allow dought to rise for two hours
- shape and bake the loaf
- refrigerate remaining dough for up to two weeks, then repeat Step 3
I laugh when I read “refrigerate remaining dough for up to two weeks,” my dough NEVER lasts that long – we are little bread piggies at She is Too Fond of Bread Books! The Master Recipe makes four 1-pound loaves; I make two larger loaves over a five-day period. It is so satisfying when the kids walk in from school, smell the bread and grin, “you made bread!” I don’t even mind when they fight over the crusts (amazingly crisp crusts that we top with all kinds of goodies – kosher salt, rosemary, poppy, sesame, or sunflower seeds).
Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day explains the basic ingredients and equipement needed (I only needed to add a pizza peel and baking stone to my kitchen cabinets; there’s really no “special” equipment needed), the technique, and ‘tips and tricks.’
The remainder of the book is filled with full-color photographs and tasty recipes in three categories: peasant loaves, flatbreads and pizzas, and enriched breads and pastries. One recipe I tried is the Sun-Dried Tomato and Parmesan Bread:
The picture above is the dough (I made the Light Whole Wheat recipe), rolled out and sprinkled with tomatoes and cheese. I was a little concerned about rolling out the dough, since the “don’t over-handle” mantra had been drummed into me (you want to preserve the gas bubbles that have formed during rising, in order to create a light airy crumb).
Not to worry, the finished loaf was light and tasty; I hadn’t pushed all those air bubbles out! Yes, it tasted as good as it looks … and it didn’t last long!
I plan to continue to use both Artisan Bread and Healthy Bread in my kitchen. Healthy Bread gives us the whole wheat bread that is a staple in our kitchen; the Artisan Bread recipes have more variety with the add-ins, various forms, and WOW-factor.
Once you start baking this bread, you’ll want to visit the Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day website and blog. It’s updated frequently with video demos, additional recipes, and tips. They’re also on Twitter as @ArtisanBreadIn5.
FTC disclosure: I purchased this book at a local bookstore.
I have never made bread, I am ashamed to say. Yeast scares me…it is ALIVE you know!
But 5 minutes a day…I am off to check the web site out.
Oh my goodness, it is bread weekend at Weekend Cooking! This must be a particularly good book because these artisan breads are so expensive at the bakery – I just bought some sun dried tomato bread yesterday!
I love the designation She Is Too Fond of Bread Books!
I think I hate you…..
Actually Artisan Bread hates my kitchen. And since I’m a successful bread baker via several other methods I just haven’t mustered up the energy or desire to start playing with the master recipes.
These books are amazing! I can’t recommend them enough! I have some rye bread in the over right now!
YUM. Looks fabulous. I enjoy baking bread but rarely do it, only once in a great while. these recipes look very tempting!
I love to bake bread too and these books look terrific. I must confess some skepticism about the five minute promise. Only with a bread machine have I achieved bread that quickly. Maybe it’s meant as a teaser for me. Now you have me looking for the book just to see if it’s possible. I really like Artisan bread so it’s not a hardship.
You are wonder woman! I actually love to make bread, but I just never make time. When I do, it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, sort of like making Italian food!
I am a huge fan of this book and this bread…it is amazing how amazing it is and there is no kneading at all…the bread is so delicious…we call it magical bread!!!
I keep hearing about this 5 minute bread. I have to try it out.
I checked this book out from the library in January and continue to vow to make the basic recipe (there is also a great youtube video that gives step by step instructions). I’m not sure what is holding me back, unless of course, I am afraid of gaining 10 pounds in a week.
I am very drawn to baking bread, have been thinking about it for a few days, and now this review makes it sound easy. I think I could find 5 minutes a day! Wow, it sounds wonderful.
I’ve vowed to start baking bread in 2010. Sounds like this is a good book to get me going!
I remember Julie raving about these books! Your bread is gorgeous, but we don’t eat much bread around here.
sounds wonderful
I’ve never been much of a baker, but this may be right up my alley. Thanks for the review.
I think it’s just plain mean of you to post this when it’s Game on Diet week 1 starting today!
Looks SO delish! meanwhile, back to my unsweetened oatmeal (the blueberries help) and my second L of water…Since it’s only 9 AM here, I AM feeling pretty good about that and the fact that I’ve already exercised, done my good habit, and communicated with my team and the opponents. Phew! Happy Monday to you. Eat an extra piece of bread for me!
Wow, that looks delish!
My family loves bread as well, so this looks like a wonderful book that I must have! I am glad that you love it so much and get good use out of it! I will have to report back on my success with it!
I love artisan bread. This bread looks absolutely incredible! Great photos!
caite – if you go back and read my review of HEALTHY BREAD IN 5, you’ll see how truly amazed I was that I could bake bread … yum!
Just Mom – I’m having a great time experimenting with the various recipes.
rhapsody – and ice cream. She is Too Fond of Ice Cream.
Beth F – my kitchen has a strong backbone, no worries. You have a method that works for you, why mess with it? My (little) understanding of bread baking is that slight variations (kitchen temp even) can make a difference.
Julie – I haven’t yet tried the rye …
Marie – I’ve never made ‘traditional’ method, but I’m sold on this!
Margot – it’s true! 5 minutes of active prep per loaf.
Sandy – when I’m having a tough day, I’ll come back to read your wonder woman comment, thank you!
Patty – magical bread; that it is!
Chris – do try it – easy, tasty, addictive
Molly – I don’t think I’ve gained any weight with it. I’m not eating any MORE bread than before, just BETTER bread.
Terra – what have you got to lose (besides the 5 minutes?). Yes, try it!
jill – yes, this is the way to go. I’m sure you could find a more involved SL recipe, but do try this quick-and-easy method.
Kathy – bread, cheese, wine … staples at Chateau SITFOB
Heather – yum! It is …
Ryan – your son would have a good time mixing it with you, and watching the results of the risen dough.
Erin – congrats on a great start to Game On! When you’re ready to go Game Off, try the HEALTHY BREAD in 5 (whole wheat or mostly wheat recipes)
Serena – it was a hit at Easter dinner.
zibilee – Four of my friends and neighbors make it regularly now. I’m happy to spread the word about how easy homemade bread can be.
Susan – next on my to-try list is the kalamata olive bread.
[...] Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day, by Jeff Hertzberg, M.D., and Zoë François as featured on Dawn’s blog She is Too Fond of Books. [...]
Wow, that loaf you have pictured there looks simply delicious! Isn’t it marvellous when something so fabulous happens so easily in the kitchen! Just a delight. Thanks for sharing this review – I’m inspired to get the new book.
This seems like the book to go. Thanks for sharing. I only know how to use a baking machine, and the bread it produces is …well, kinda differen.t I would not say “bad” but it is an aqquired taste for some, and there is always a hole in the middle because of it’s strange construction. I really need to make my own bread!