HANSEATA'S MENTOR PROFILE
Hi, I'm hanseata.
I'm a mentor in Bread
My Bread Corner
Why I want to be mentor in this category:
Bread baking is a wonderful craft, and I want to encourage and support newbies, and help taking the scary out of bread baking.
What inspires me in this category:
Though I like cooking and baking in general, bread baking is my passion, or, as my husband likes to call it: "The Other Man".
Experience:
I'm baking breads since I came to the US more than 10 years ago. First a necessity (born out of desperation) bread baking became my passion. Today I have a small, home kitchen based bakery, selling my organic breads to a local store. My customers enjoy my breads, and I enjoy baking for them.
Biggest Lesson Learned:
Don't go by the kitchen timer - trust your eyes and your feeling.
Books, classes, teachers that have helped me:
Peter Reinhart: "The Bread Baker's Apprentice", "Whole Grain Breads", "Artisan Bread Every Day", Richard Ploner "Brot aus Südtirol", Graefe & Unzer: "Brot & Kleingebäck".
Education, Awards, Pro Experience:
I am completely self taught from books and experience. But I'm baking and selling my mostly European breads for more than 4 years, and my customers love my breads.
My Tips:
- Your finger is one of the most important bread baking tools - the poke test trumps the kitchen timer.