Thursday, May 7, 2009

Challenge 1: Anadama Bread

Hater of molasses and enriched-dough breads, I was prepared to dislike this bread (a lot).   I began thinking of diplomatic ways of saying "Yuck.  This bread is no good."  I figured the best strategy to employ was the Ugly Baby strategy, whereby I would make neutral comments about the bread much in the same way one does when confronted with a friend's less than cute baby.  "Oh my!  Look at all that hair!"  Or, "Oh my goodness, his hands are so little!"   I came up with some bread-related comments like, "It contains molasses" and "I think there must be some carbs lurking somewhere in that loaf." 

Ugly-Baby strategy not necessary (not for this loaf at least).  It was good.  I can't call it "very good" because I'm still not a fan of breads with much more than flour, water, and a little levain.  The kids loved it.  Everyone except my youngest who, because of the molasses, thought she was eating some really messed-up gingerbread.  

A few changes to Reinhart's formula and method:  I used less yeast and I relegated the dough to the refrigerator for the first rise.  I found the dough rather slack and sticky, but since I shaped it cold, I was able to do it without adding any additional flour.  

This bread is good toasted for breakfast with honey, apple butter, or another sweet topping.  I also imagine it would be good with roasted turkey (or ham) and some sort of fruit chutney.  

I plan to post some pictures later in the evening.

4 comments:

  1. Its good to know that I am not the only one in the beginning who is like, "hmmmm, -not so sure about this bread." I am baking this weekend, so I have higher hopes now! Happy Baking :)

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  2. Looking forward to seeing your pictures! My husband is enjoying the bread schmeared with peanut butter, but I'm going the purist route and eating it plain.

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  3. Just finished my loaf and I am ok with it. I just ripped off a chunk and devoured it though. Been trying to think what else I could do with it and I like your suggestions.

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  4. You're cracking me up with your ugly baby remarks. I thought it was good, too. Not fabulous, but good. It made good toast with some butter & parm and done on the griddle.

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