Sunday 12 May 2013

White Cobb Loaf

Sometimes I think that the foodie and blogging world can do weird things to baking patterns. Like when Larkin, a finalist on the most recent series of Masterchef, could make incredible multi dimension main courses, often using molecular gastronomy techniques and equipment, but had never made a dessert before he entered the series! Or when contestants on Great British Bake Off can whip up stunning towering layer cakes but have never made jam before. I am exactly the same (albeit on a smaller scale!). I am approaching my 5th blogoversary and 200th post so I’ve made dozens of cakes, cookies, pies and tarts. But I’d never made a simple loaf of bread. DSCF9536I’ve made tomato fougasse, focaccia, pizza dough, naan, bagels, pitta breads, hot cross buns , rosemary honey fruit bread and cheesy tear and share bread. But never a plain white loaf! It was time to go back to basics and change this. I chose a Paul Hollywood recipe following his recent bread television series and the tempting round cobb loaf recipe, a traditional style that really reminded me of big loaves we used to get from the bakery on a Saturday when I was younger. DSCF9534I was so pleased when this turned out well! I’m always nervous of making bread and some of the more complicated breads I listed before did not turn out quite as I’d like – too flat, yeasty or dry. I really took my time when making this and I think this is probably the key with baking bread – it can’t (and shouldn’t) be rushed in order to get the perfect loaf. I loved this loaf warm straight out the oven but it lasted nicely for a few days (although the crispy crust softened) and made great toast. You can find the recipe here – enjoy!

ALSO: Exciting news today – a few weeks ago I was interviewed by Podium for a podcast all about baking and blogging and it is now online and available to listen to here!DSCF9541

9 comments:

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Very well done! This loaf looks amazing.

Cheers,

Rosa

La Table De Nana said...

Look at that loaf..Picture perfect..I will listen to the tape on my bigger computer..i tried but my netbook sound isn't loud enough and I want to hear you:)

The Caked Crusader said...

Lovely loaf - I've never baked one either!

Maggie said...

I made this loaf Lucy but yours looks far better than my attempt. Unfortunately when I slashed the dough it deflated. How did you slash the bread? I think my knife wasn't sharp enough.

Lucy said...

Hi Maggie - I tried with a standard vegetable knife but that seemed to drag the dough, so I used a serrated bread knife and that worked much better, so perhaps that is the issue?

Maggie said...

Thanks Lucy - I too tried a vegetable knife and had drag on the dough which then deflated the dough:( I will now try a serrated bread knife.

Kezia said...

I've been surprised at some of the things master chef contestants have or haven't cooked before - pasta, fish etc, but I guess it happens to us all! The loaf looks like it could be straight out of Paul Hollywoods recipe book! I enjoyed listening to the interview as well.

Hannah said...

Your bread looks lovely, Lucy! You have me thinking about things I haven't tried yet. Hmmm...

Laura Dembowski said...

Homemade bread is the best! This looks great with that crust and yet soft interior!