Acme's Herb Slabs
I thought it was impossible to make artisan bread from instant yeast. I was wrong. It just requires the same long fermentation that wild yeast requires to build its flavor. Specifically in this instance, 23 hours. (With 20-40 minutes of active time, depending on how efficient you are.)
This recipe for Acme's Herb Slabs (a "stylized focaccia") is by Maggie Glezer from her book Artisan Baking, a wonderful book that was on my wish list for a long time. I wish I'd gotten it sooner.
I am a big fan of bread making from sourdough starters (fresh/wild yeast), but am not a fan of maintaining them/keeping them alive. I tried for a time, and since they're living, breathing organisms, treated them as I would my pets. But I already have a dog and a cat, and caring for that many pets was just too much work!
But now I can make awesome, delicious artisan bread with instant yeast, and that is so great. Everyone who's eaten this bread has been a huge fan. It's best 10 minutes out of the oven, when the crust is crisp and the middle is warm and chewy.
Directions and other photos are here!
This recipe for Acme's Herb Slabs (a "stylized focaccia") is by Maggie Glezer from her book Artisan Baking, a wonderful book that was on my wish list for a long time. I wish I'd gotten it sooner.
I am a big fan of bread making from sourdough starters (fresh/wild yeast), but am not a fan of maintaining them/keeping them alive. I tried for a time, and since they're living, breathing organisms, treated them as I would my pets. But I already have a dog and a cat, and caring for that many pets was just too much work!
But now I can make awesome, delicious artisan bread with instant yeast, and that is so great. Everyone who's eaten this bread has been a huge fan. It's best 10 minutes out of the oven, when the crust is crisp and the middle is warm and chewy.
Directions and other photos are here!