I’ve been really into baking lately. I think it has something to do with the changing seasons. I also find the act of measuring ingredients very therapeutic, and, well, I really like to eat. Bread-like products might be my favorite category of foods. I’m visiting my parents, who have a giant, beautiful kitchen that is a pleasure to cook...

So the verdict is in, biga is better. At least on some levels. The bread from the biga has a dark, crunchy crust. The loaf is smooth and dense, yet not so dense that you feel it sitting in your stomach like a rock. On the other hand, the quick no-knead style bread that The Italian Dish recommended was also very good. The crumb is light and airy, yet...

So I’ve already given you a preview cartoon-teaser of the starter that I’ve been making. I thought a picture might be even more helpful. Isn’t the little starter just adorable? I can’t wait to see what type of bread he turns into! The starter is really quick and takes less than 5 minutes to make, including clean up. The actual...

I’ve made bread many times in my life. I enjoy the rhythm of kneading dough and the precision in measuring. I like to watch the yeast bubble in the warm water and then peek at my dough rising under a dish cloth. I’ve turned to quickbread when I don’t have the time for a traditional bread, or I want something sweeter or smaller. I...