Tartine Bread Author: Visit Amazon's Chad Robertson Page | Language: English | ISBN:
0811870413 | Format: PDF
Tartine Bread Description
From Publishers Weekly
Chad Robertson (co-owner, with his wife, Elisabeth Prueitt, of San Francisco's Tartine, Bar Tartine) brings his master Tartine Bread technique to those who may not have the chance to try the famed Bay Area loaves hot out of the oven. This "baker's guidebook" is divided into four parts: Basic Country Bread; Semolina and Whole-Wheat Breads; Baguettes and Enriched Breads; and Day-Old Bread. Robertson's basic recipe is explained in depth with numbered steps, and consists of making a natural leaven and baking in a cast-iron cooker. The author's passionate tone and tales of baking apprenticeships, along with top-notch step-by-step photos, elevate the title from mere manual to enjoyable read. The later sections include variations on the basic recipe; bread-to-use recipes for sandwiches; bruschetta; and salads and entrees made with croutons and breadcrumbs. The sophisticated and clean design, exceptional photos, and padded cover give the book a luxurious feel. (Nov.)
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Review
"...the most beautiful bread book yet published..." -- The New York Times
See all Editorial Reviews
- Hardcover: 304 pages
- Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 29, 2010)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0811870413
- ISBN-13: 978-0811870412
- Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 8.8 x 1.3 inches
- Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
I started baking bread using a bread maker a few years ago and decided to revisit bread baking again earlier this year. The recipes I have been made thus far have used commercial yeast and have turned out fairly well. Since I started baking my own bread again, I have not needed to buy a loaf of bread at the store.
Initially when I read about Tartine's country loaf, I was reluctant to pay $7 for a loaf of bread. However, my curiosity got the best of me and I decided to call in and reserve half a loaf for $4. After trying the bread, I could see what all the fuss was about. It was the best bread I have ever tasted (granted that I have never been to Europe). After searching online, I discovered that Chad Roberston, one of the owner of Tartine, was going to release a Tartine Bread book later in the year. I proceeded to pre order the book.
After receiving the book, I made my own starter following the directions and attempted to use it about a week later. Unfortunately, the first try did not turn out so well because my starter was not mature enough. I continued to feed it the next week and tried making the bread again. This time it came out a lot better. I probably made the basic country loaf about 5 times now and my results are becoming more consistent as I learn how to balance time and temperature. As another reviewer mentioned, there is a lot of flexibility when making this bread. I mix my leaven in the morning, mix the dough that evening, let it rise overnight, divide and shape the next morning, do the final rise under refrigeration, and bake when I get home from work on the second day. This seems to work well with my schedule.
I would recommend this book for the bread baker that is looking to take their bread to the next level.
I love Tartine, the bakery. Who doesn't?! And I can see why so many other reviewers love this book. Chad Robertson's passion for bread is obvious. If you're looking for inspirationj and a pleasant read, this book is for you. But if you are looking for thoughtful recipes for beautiful breads - if your goal is to produce great bread at home - I am afraid this book falls short. The book's format, and the author's style, make it very imprecise and harder to follow. For example, there are dozens and dozens of photos, but none have captions or numbers, and it's often difficult to know which pictures illustrate which steps. Don't get me wrong, the photos are attractive, but they're not helpful if you are hoping to see and repeat his techniques. Recipes are presented in a chatty style that may be pleasant to read, but which tend to be cumbersome and imprecise if your goal is to actually produce good bread yourself. (That's particularly true of the 24-page recipe for basic country bread, and while it was interesting to read, it's not practical as a precise, useful recipe.) Also, there seem to be more recipes for things to make with bread, and fewer actual recipes for the breads themselves. And there are typos. I know this chef is an amazing bread baker, and I eat his spectacular bread whenever I can, but his skills are in the kitchen, and not necessarily in writing books.
UPDATE 12/31/12: It seems a few other reviewers misunderstand my initial review, one going so far as to call my perspective "hogwash". Let me be clear - I've made the Tartine Country White Bread successfully. And I've had the pleasure of eating the "real thing" at Tartine and Bar Tartine many, many times. I've met Chad Robertson, and he's a nice guy. And passionate. And talented.
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