BREAD STUFF

You don't need a lot of tools or equipment to make bread. My grandmother did everything on her breadboard with her hands! A few simple tools will make the process more enjoyable, however:

• large mixing bowl - a Gripstand #12 (11.5") is perfect because regular plastic wrap fits over the top
• "spoonula" - better than a wooden spoon
• measuring cups - for dry ingredients
• measuring spoons - for yeast and salt
• graduated measuring cup - for liquids
• metal bench knife/dough scraper
• bakeware: loaf pans, sheet pans, 2 each
  (non-stick recommended for sweet doughs)
• cooling rack
• bread knife - essential for cutting through crust and not tearing crumb
• cutting board - wood or poly will help your knife stay sharp

Other items you might find useful:

• Danish dough whisk for mixing dough
• blending spoon with hole for mixing poolish
• poly canister or set for rising dough in
• plastic dough scraper
• cast iron skillet making oven steam
• air-tight bucket for flour storage
• scoops for flour, sugar, etc.
• pastry brush
• aluminum foil
• parchment paper
• plastic bags for bread storage
• plastic wrap
• quick-read thermometer
• electronic kitchen scale
• baking stone
• Silpat baking mat
• stand mixer - 5 qt recommended for bread

You will also want a few bread books. Start at your local library! Then make a list of the ones you would like to have at home. Suggestions: Tasahara, Beard, Hensperger, or the KAF "bible"

 

INGREDIENTS:

in addition to tools and equipment, you will also want to stock your pantry! Here is a shopping list to get you started:

• King Arthur all-purpose flour
• Diamond Crystal kosher salt
• instant yeast (aka rapid-rise)
• semolina (prevents sticking)
• water (if yours reeks of chlorine)

Other ingredients you might find useful:

• King Arthur bread flour
• King Arthur whole wheat flour
• oatmeal and/or oat flour
• rye flour
• baking powder
• baking soda
• caraway seeds
• cinnamon
• cornmeal
• flax seed
• honey
• lemon juice
• molasses (regular unsulphured)
• orange peel
• raisins
• spray oil (PAM or equivalent)
• sugars: cane, dark brown
• vanilla extract

Shopping Tips by Brand/Type:

• King Arthur Flour: Walmart ($3.22/bag)
• Bob's Red Mill: Ocean State Job Lot
• Diamond Crystal salts: Stop & Shop
• Hodgson Mill: Stop & Shop
• instant yeast: BJ's (warehouse clubs)
• honey: Aldi, OSJL
• molasses: Walmart
• nuts: Aldi, Trader Joe's, Walmart
• orange peel: Penzeys
• raisins: Aldi, Walmart
• spices: Aldi, OSJL, Penzey's
• spray oil: Aldi, OSJL, Walmart
• vanilla extract: Aldi, OSJL, Penseys

NOTE: Links on this page are for illustration purposes only and are not meant to convey recommendations as to brand or supplier.