Doesn't this look nice?
Quite small jammy toasts, made on fresh-baked bread. I bought Bertinet's Dough some time back, but he's a bit more focussed on traditional breads from the continent, whereas I just wanted a nice sandwich loaf. I bought Sara Lewis' The Bread Book yesterday, which has some really nice looking recipes (fun stuff too, like pretzels!). The dough for my half-wholemeal loaf came together really easily and everything went to plan. Here it is in it's loaf form:
Nothing fancy, I know, but bread is just such a satisfying thing to make. Next time, I'll pay a bit more attention to the shaping before it goes in the pan to rise; I don't like how rounded this one is at the ends. But it tastes right and has a good texture, and that's what really matters.
Unfortunately, we had lunch at an American-style diner (the one featured in Sliding Doors, if anybody cares -- it's laughable to think that the characters went there when you find out where it's located), and I've out-fooded myself, so I can't properly enjoy the bread today. I only had a grilled cheese and chips. . . and a malt, but it's really tuckered me out. Blood-sugar-high-induced sleepiness? Doesn't seem right.
Home made bread should have those rounded edges. Looks very good! Best when warm with peanut butter. Mmmmm!
Congratulations on your homemade bread! Looks fantastic.
Just had to comment and say I love Sliding Doors.
It looks delicious! I'm looking forward to moving soon so i can do more cooking and baking.
I think the bread looks good! I've never tried making bread myself so I'm impressed. And... is that blackcurrant jam? Oh, for blackcurrant jam.
Jessie -- No, it's blueberry. I actually really dislike blackcurrant-flavoured things, now that the novelty has worn off, and I always feel it's a bit of a swizz when what should be grape-flavoured (ie, something purple) turns out to be blackcurrant.
Still, though, I know for a fact that you can find blackcurrant jam in American supermarkets. Maybe not all of them, but it's there. Good luck!
Utterly divine! Do you bake it yourself or do you have a breadmaker?
Blueberry jam!! Where??
See, I really don't like grape-flavored things, only actual grapes. Maybe that's why blackcurrant is so nice. :) I've found it a couple places here but it's always overpriced. Le sigh.
Blueberry is also quite good, though. One of my Maine grandmothers makes amazing blueberry jam.
Gemma -- I make it myself. I'm not sure I'd get on with a breadmaker -- just another thing to make noise and take up counter space.
The jam just came from Sainsbury's. I bought Hartley's this time, but there are also some posher brands that do blueberry.
I've only ever used a breadmaker but it has broken! :-( However, you have inspired me to try without. Off to Sainsbury's now!