The Handmade Loaf [Paperback]

Dan Lepard (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"As fresh and as mouth-watering as a loaf straight from the oven... the author's own step-by-step photographs are genuinely educational." Jenni Muir, The Independent Review "(Lepard's) supreme skill is his empathy with people who bake, from grandmothers using ancient ovens to cutting-edge chefs." Sheila Keating,The Times Magazine "It oozes knowledge, curiosity and love for its subject... I doubt a better book will be written on the subject for a few years to come." Tom Jaine, The Guardian

Product Description

"The Handmade Loaf" is a collection of recipes, personal stories and photographs that capture the breads and home bakers of Europe. Over 80 recipes, many of which are inspired by the bakers profiled, look afresh at traditional methods and ingredients. Their blend of history and innovation will appeal to the experienced baker, but also to a generation ready to discover the simple pleasure of baking their first crisp loaf at home. Shot in real time, with bakers caught on film as the dough is mixed and the bread taken freshly from the oven, the photographs place the reader right beside the baker, showing the detail to help us understand perfectly how breads are created.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Mitchell Beazley (February 15, 2008)
• ISBN-10: 1845333896
• ISBN-13: 978-1845333898
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #454,983 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

58 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Real easy sourdough, May 31, 2005

By	plevee "toast addict" (Oregon coast) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Handmade Loaf (Mitchell Beazley Food) (Hardcover)

I've been baking my own bread for over 20 years & have used everything; cuisinart, kitchenaid, bread machine & keading till I drop. Lepard's mininal, intermittent kneading beats them all, hands down AND makes the best bread. Moreover, he tells you how to raise a starter that doesn't involve wasting pounds and pounds of flour or finding a vineyard with organic, unsulfured grapes. The recipes are secondary. This is a gem of a book.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely great....., April 30, 2009

By	Dr. Salete Newton "SallyBR" (Norman, OK United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Handmade Loaf (Paperback)

I've had this book for almost two years - this was THE book that got me into serious bread baking. Once I made my own starter following his method, and got used to the rhythm of feeding it, I never looked back.

his method of minimal kneading is well explained, the photos are gorgeous, the book is a pleasure to read.

A must-have for any person really interested in bread baking.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the handmade loaf by dan lepard, February 7, 2010

By	Ms. Tamara Piec "slowfood pedlar" (PORT WILLUNGA, SA, AU) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Handmade Loaf (Paperback)

i like this book because Dan goes a long way towards demystifying the whole breadmaking process, even saying that anyone can make bread and they dont need a special oven or a particular type of oven, that you should just get on with it.
The variety of breads in the book is fantastic too, its one that you won't tire of easily, and you will find a style of bread to go with many different foods and occassions.