Tag Archives: baking

Artisan Breads and Artisan Breads Class

Breads have always been a part of our daily lives, no matter what the culture is.  It has been there since it was first created, and it will be with us until the end.  Because breads are a staple in our diet, bread making has become a very lucrative business that laws have been passed especially when it comes to regulating the cost of breads.

History shows that during the Middle Ages, there have been a very stiff law that punishes bakers who impose too high a price for his bread.  In Turkey, for example, a bread maker could be hanged if his customers complain of his pricey products.  Nowadays, the laws regarding breads are no longer that strict.  However, this does not mean that breads are less important.  In fact, they are just as important as before.

Breads have become too commercialized nowadays that some of them are losing their real value.  Take for example the regular loaf of bread that you can purchase in groceries.  They may be cheap, but sadly, some of them taste just as cheap.

Fortunately, people are once again starting to realize the value of homemade breads in the society that mass produces the product, and more and more people are becoming interested in artisan breads.  But what is an artisan bread?

The Artisan Bread

As the name implies, the artisan bread is crafted instead of being mass produced.  This type of bread receives more attention in its production particularly since the bread maker carefully thinks about the ingredients that he will be putting in his artisan breads.  The process is done carefully with attention to detail, as compared to those mass-produced breads that came from vast assembly lines.  Furthermore, artisan bread makers make use of age-old traditions when it comes to making breads, so what usually comes out is a more flavorful, more satisfying, and rich breads.

If producers of commercial breads make use of more than twenty ingredients, artisan bread makers, on the other hand, only make use of about five – the usual and traditional ingredients which are the flour, water, salt, and yeast.  Some of them also make use of egg and sugar as well as sourdough to add flavor to the bread.  Artisan bread makers also add other ingredients to their breads to make them more interesting and flavorful.  Cheese as well as onions may be added to artisan breads, and olive oil as well as tomatoes, too, may also be used.  This, of course, depends upon the artisan bread maker’s imagination, palate, and a sense of what his customers want.

Today, more and more people are not only appreciating artisan breads more but they also want to learn how to make them.

The Artisan Bread Class

For those who want to learn how to make artisan breads, there are artisan bread classes that they could enroll at.  You will not see these courses though in a typical culinary degree program because this is a specialty class.  Yes, there will be a subject introducing break making as well as its different methods, but if you want to learn artisan bread making, them you have to take up a specialty bread course.

At these classes, you will get to learn how to make not only lean breads as well as sour dough breads, but you will also get to learn how to make holiday breads as well as seasonal breads.  You will also be taught how to make regional breads as well as ethnic breads.

Aside from these lessons, artisan bread courses will also teach you not only about traditional and classic bread making processes but innovative baking methods as well.  These classes will help you gain the confidence you need, especially if you want to make a name for yourself in making specialty breads.  You can even be as creative as you want when it comes to the shapes of your artisan breads.

Artisan Breads Versus Commercial Breads

A bread is a bread, one might say.  However, there are many differences between artisan and commercial breads.

For one, the flavor as well as the texture of artisan breads is far more superior than that of a mass-produced one.  This is because the artisan bread maker made use of fresh and high-quality ingredients and paid special attention to details in making them.

Two, there are no preservatives added to artisan breads, compared to commercial ones that need preservatives so as to have a longer shelf life.

Three, obviously, artisan breads have a shorter shelf life so it is recommended that they be consumed within a day or two if you want to enjoy the artisan breads’ flavor, texture, and freshness.  However, leftover artisan breads can be used in bread salads, such as the panzanella.

About the Author

Chef Matt G is the guy behind the Chef Blog Digest, he is a well seasoned all rounder when it comes to all things culinary as well is a mad keen blogger in all aspects of the term.

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