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Bread Matters: Why and How to Make Your Own by Andrew Whitley

Bread Matters: Why and How to Make Your Own by Andrew Whitley

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Andrew Whitley, organic baker and founder of The Village Bakery, reveals the deplorable state into which modern supermarket bread has fallen, and the secrets behind making good, nutritious bread at home.

All is not well in British baking. Commercial bread is laced with additives to make it look good and stay soft. It uses varieties of wheat that have been bred for high yield and baking performance with little concern for human nutrition. To rush it through the bakery at the lowest possible cost, it's dosed with four times as much yeast as before. Described as 'fresh' when it may have been frozen and re-heated, it's sold as a loss-leader at knock-down prices which undermine what little respect it may once have commanded.

Using the skills he has amassed during more than 25 years as a professional bread baker, Whitley clearly explains the process in detailed discussions of the tools, ingredients, methods, and tricks of the breadmaking trade. He also offers more than 50 foolproof recipes for all types of bread, including yeast-free and gluten-free loaves, as well as uses for leftover crumbs once they've passed their prime.

Bread Matters is an essential bread book for beginning and seasoned bakers alike. Once you see how easy it is to make your own delicious bread at home, you may never buy commercial bread again.

Unlike many bread book authors, he has baked for a living for over 25 years. His recipes are fool-proof because he explains what's really going on, demystifying the science, sharing a practical baker's craft. Using the skills he deploys on his popular courses, he guides and inspires beginners and seasoned bakers alike. And he brings good news to those who have had to abandon bread because of dietary sensitivity, showing how to bake tasty and nutritious food without yeast, wheat or gluten.

About the author

In 1976, Andrew Whitley converted a stone barn next to his house into a small bakery. There, he refined his bread making techniques and grew his own organic fruit and vegetables. In 2002, he founded Bread Matters, an organization devoted to improving the state of bread. He teaches baking classes and continues his mission in Cumbria, England. In 2008, he was one of the founders of the Real Bread Campaign in Britain, which works to increase the production and enjoyment of wholesome bread made without additives.

Book details

Paperback
384 pages
Publisher
Fourth Estate
Publication date
February 2009
ISBN-10
0007298498
ISBN-13
9780007298495

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