C is for Ciabatta, Cinnamon Rolls, and Corn Bread

As the weeks continue to roll by in the Bread Baker's Apprentice Challenge, something surprising has happened: I am starting to enjoy baking bread. That's right, what I thought was impossible is now occurring. A lesson in dough arrives each week and through continued learning my bread baking fear is slowly slipping away.

The recipes in The Bread Baker's Apprentice are clearly written with a reassuring voice that instills confidence in a novice bread baker. An even greater benefit is that they are absolutely delicious. Our weekday mornings have been transformed from a rut of cereal or eggs into an ever changing rotation of freshly toasted bread. Because things have been going so smoothly I don't have any crazy stories to share, but thought instead I would pass along photos of the most recent successes. (Since the challenge is to bake through the entire book, participants are respecting the author and not posting any of the recipes online.)

Making Ciabatta

Ciabatta Loaves

Making Cinnamon Rolls

Glazed Cinnamon Raisin Rolls

Cinnamon Swirl Loaf

Making Corn Bread

Hickory Smoked Corn Bread

If, like me, you are intimidated by yeast, I urge you to tackle your fear and start practicing. The sense of accomplishment and reward of freshly baked bread are worth the effort. Do you have a favorite loaf? If so, I would love to hear about it!

This post is submitted to Yeast Spotting, a weekly round up of bread hosted by the beautiful blog Wild Yeast.