Make ahead bread 100 recipes for melt-in-your-mouth fresh bread every day plus butters and spreads

When leisurely hours in the kitchen aren't a reality, home bakers can take refuge in Cookistry blogger Currie's collection of make-ahead breads, including loaves, buns, breadsticks, flatbreads, croissants, pizzas, and Danish pastry. Recipes are organized by prep days and baking day. Concise, numbered steps lead readers through the mixing process (by stand mixer, hand-held mixer, or kneading by hand) and rising times, if necessary, with the final quick step of baking. Enticing sweet recipes include a candied-ginger bread and chocolate buns, while savory options such as Chicago-style pan pizza , and a bacon, tomato, and cheddar loaf can be centerpieces at mealtime. Gluten-free options include a seed and nut bread, dinner rolls, and flatbread. Currie provides a straightforward, easy-to-follow collection for new bakers and those looking for ways to save time. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

In her cookbook debut, food writer Currie introduces home bakers to an unusual twist on making yeasted breads. To help busy bakers save time-and improve the bread's flavor-Currie suggests dividing the bread-making process over two days, with the dough mixed and kneaded on day one, refrigerated overnight to rise, then shaped and baked on day two. Though purists may scoff, Currie's approach holds great appeal for home bakers who are short on time but still enjoy making and serving homemade bread. In her conversational, unfussy style, Currie helps bakers learn to make dozens of different breads, from simple sandwich loaves to fancy pastries, all using the overnight rising method. Currie employs other shortcuts to make the whole process easier, including kneading dough with a stand mixer and baking bread in loaf and cake pans to make shaping the dough foolproof. Verdict While Currie's nontraditional method is not for everyone, it will be welcomed as a refreshing alternative by home bakers more inspired by ease and simplicity than by the rigor of artisanal practice.-Kelsy Peterson, Forest Hill Coll., Melbourne, Australia © Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.