[kokopuffs]

A few months ago I wanted to learn breadmaking. After looking at Magliere's book on baking I put the tome back on the shelf and resigned. Too volumnous for a beginner. The next day I received from my sister ULTIMATE BREAD by Treuille and Ferrigno. It had plenty of informative photos and all the bread recipes are similar: only involving about 3 cups of flour each. Simple. The book is only about 100-150 pages long and, again, with lots of photos. Just enough to whet this simpleton's appetite for instructive breadmaking. I'd definitely recommend it for the beginner.

[ May 04, 2001: Message edited by: kokopuffs ]

[Pooh]

That is such a good point Kokopuffs!

I haven't seen the book. Are there clear illustrations that allow you to SHAPE YOUR LOAVES PROPERLY?

If so, it's the next best thing to taking classes. That's how I started making bread as well!

[kokopuffs]

Yes, Pooh. A couple pages of photos are devoted to loaf shaping. Other photos are dedicated to showing the different wheat and nonwheat grains; types of yeasts, utensils as well as techniques of kneading, mixing and slashing. Many photos are of the final product.

[ May 04, 2001: Message edited by: kokopuffs ]

[Pooh]

Great book, Kokopuffs!

PBS is showing re-runs of Baking with Julia. She had many bread bakers on the show. Tape them then practice. That's fun too!

[ May 04, 2001: Message edited by: pooh ]

When I buy a cookbook, I want to be entertained and inspired as well as informed. I buy books with and without pictures, but prefer pictures so I can see how a dish is presented, garnished, etc...

[Svadhisthana]

Excellent Question!!!
All of the above. I've been cooking since I was 8 but I am defintely still learning. I love to see photographs of deserts, or recipes that I have never prepared before. I also enjoy have illustrations for prep. work, like de-boning a chicken breast, or the proper technique for cutting certain vegetables. I have several cook-books with no pictures in them but, most have a sprinkling thru out. I love cook-books that are so useful that they have food stains and sticky pages from use(How To Cook Everything) and also books that can be displayed on the coffee table(Intercourses)
I hope that answered your question.
Svadhisthana

p.s. I also take friends recomendations into consideration as well.

[Svadhisthana]

I almost forgot........
NUTRITION INFORMATION

that is VERY important for me as well.

Svadhisthana

[ May 10, 2001: Message edited by: Svadhisthana ]