OMG I LOVEEEE this site! BUT it is somewhat intimidating for someone who is just starting out trying to make a simple, great tasting and decent looking loaf of bread. What 2 books would anyone recommend for a beginner like me. I am interested in flavor, herbs, artisian breads for starters. I only want to use my hands and no machines, please. My first 2 loaves turned out like bricks and made great door stops till they molded. Help please and be gentle with me.
Hi Cindy, welcome from Lancashire, England. No need to feel intimidated; I joined here a while ago as a total beginner, with lots of help and kind encouragement the folks here got me baking bread like a pro.
I hope you have a big freezer 'cos baking real bread is addictive!
Thank you Martyn. Do you have any basic suggestions? What do you make the most of?
Well, i'm still a learner but I make quite a bit of no knead bread
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13Ah9ES2yTU
and something similar with a sourdough starter
http://www.breadtopia.com/sourdough-no-knead-method/
A good start would be to read the TLF Handbook (see tab at top of page) as well as the videos.
There are also book reviews here - see the recommended book section.
Happy reading and baking!