The Perfect Loaf: The Craft and Science of Sourdough Breads, Sweets, and More: A Baking Book

(Hardback)

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER . A dynamic, authoritative sourdough baking bible for those looking to build confidence in the craft with a wide range of foolproof recipes, from pan loaves to pizza to doughnuts, by the beloved blogger and resident bread baker at Food52 "Maurizio Leo has given all bread-heads, whether newbies or experienced bakers, the ideal gift."-Peter Reinhart, author of The Bread Baker's Apprentice and host of Pizza Quest ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE YEAR- Saveur Maurizio Leo's blog The Perfect Loaf is the go-to destination on the internet for beginner sourdough bakers. He now brings his impeccably detailed techniques, foolproof recipes, and generous teaching style to a groundbreaking debut cookbook that delves into the absolute fundamentals of sourdough-plus the tools and confidence to explore beyond. Recipes cover flavorful, crowd-pleasing favorites- Essential freeform loaves- Simple Sourdough, Rosemary & Olive Oil, Extra-Sour Sourdough, Cranberry & Walnut, Demi BaguettesPan loaves- Everyday Sandwich Bread, Naturally Leavened Brioche, German Whole Rye, Honey Whole Wheat Sandwich BreadPizza and flatbread- Roman-Style Pan Pizza, Focaccia, Naan, Flour Tortillas, PitaBuns, rolls, and more- Soft Dinner Rolls, Potato Buns, Ciabatta Rolls, English Muffins, BagelsSweets- Weekend Cinnamon Rolls, Italian Doughnuts, Summer Fruit Sourdough Crostata, Banana Bread, Cinnamon Babka Beginner bakers will have their hands held the entire way, with troubleshooting sections and numerous sidebars answering almost every question they may have-like how to store a sourdough starter long-term, how bakers' percentages actually work, and a visual guide to common "bread fails" and how to remedy them. Seasoned bakers will relish deep dives into the science behind baking processes and expert information on how to build their "baker's intuition" and level up by experimenting with hydration, ingredient ratios, freshly milled grains, and specialty flours. Whether you're new to bread baking or a pro, The Perfect Loaf will be your indispensable guide in the kitchen.

Reviews

Reminiscent of a textbook (in the best way possible), this book breaks down every single step and variable involved in baking naturally leavened bread. With entire chapters dedicated to Your First Sourdough Loaf and Sourdough Science 101, I cant imagine a more thorough guide to the sourdough making process.Anabelle Doliner, Food52

Leos journey from amateur to wonk makes this guide more lucid than many professionally written books: he, too, started from scratch. The Perfect Loaf is both for teaching beginners to think like bakers and for those still making paindemic baguettes who want to go leagues deeper.Christine Muhlke, Air Mail

With The Perfect Loaf Maurizio Leo has given all bread-heads, whether newbies or experienced bakers, the ideal gift. In his organized and engaging writing style, Maurizio has demystified the process and science of sourdough baking so that anyone can make, and even improve upon, their loaves.Peter Reinhart, author of The Bread Bakers Apprentice and host of Pizza Quest

Maurizio Leos book has everythinganyone would want to know aboutthe art and science of bread baking,written beautifully and clearly forthe first-time baker and the long obsessed.This book is an encyclopedicand approachable addition to thecanon from an anchor of the breadbaking community.Jennifer Latham, author of Baking Bread with Kids

Maurizio has distilled a lifetime ofknowledge into a perfectly completebible for every bread baker. Thisthorough guide to baking the bestbread youve ever tasted is a must havefor anyone who loves bread.Dan Richer, author of The Joy of Pizza

There is no book written specificallyfor home bakers that surpasses thisone. Maurizio presents each topic,however small, with precision andclarity, and meticulously elucidateseven the most complex subjects.Maurizio has written a classic, and hisbook will have enduring relevance.Jeffery Hamelman, baker and authorof Bread: A Bakers Book of Techniques andRecipes

For those looking to makeprofessional-quality bread and perfectevery element of baking bread athome, The Perfect Loaf will guide youthere by giving you not just recipesbut also the tools to think like a baker.Bryan Ford, author of New World Sourdough

For the home and professionalbaker, Maurizios deep dive into thecraft of sourdough is an incredibleaddition to our arsenal of grain greatness, an ideal marriage ofscience and sensibility. He reminds usof what brings us to the table andwhat we remember and yearn for oncewe step away from it. Perfect indeed.Chris Bianco, author of Bianco and chef/owner of Pizzeria Bianco

Author Bio

Maurizio Leo is the creator of the award-winning sourdough website The Perfect Loaf, resident bread baker at Food52, and a regular contributor to the King Arthur Baking blog. Maurizio has written articles on bread baking for Edible New Mexico, the Bread Baker's Guild of America, and Bread Magazine. He's spent the past decade baking bread in Albuquerque, New Mexico.