Dinner Party!
So, I’ve finally unveiled my bread baking aspirations to people other than those I consider family. This last Tuesday, we hosted a small block party here for the neighbors as a sort of “meet-and-greet,” “let’s not be strangers” sort of get together. In addition to a whole spread of food supplied by us and the neighbors, including a wonderful turtle cake supplied by Kristin, I added 4 kinds of bread to the spread. Unfortunately, things were so hectic getting prepared for the party that I only have one picture of all four loaves!
I brought to the table two loaves that I’m very familiar with and comfortable baking (and the two you’ve seen here), the Pugliese and the panmarino. However, beyond those, I strayed outside of my comfort zone a bit and dipped into my brand new sourdough starter, creating two fabulous breads: A walnut and blue cheese sourdough, and a potato, cheddar and chive torpedo spiked with commercial yeast from Peter Reinhart’s Bread Baker’s Apprentice. If I seem to turn to that book a lot, it’s because I do. It’s my favorite baking book that I own, and I find that the recipes within always tend to turn out great.
The party was a great success, complete with wine and merriment for all. And I’ve left the best part for last: I got a commission from one of the neighbors to cater bread for an office party that is being hosted at her house! This will be the first time I have ever baked bread for anything more than a personal capacity. I’m really excited to branch out and dip my toes into the business side of this venture.
I’ll have a new recipe up for you tomorrow, but until then, here’s a photo of me kneading my first loaf of sourdough bread:
