Pinch My Salt

Food, Recipes, and Photography

The Bread Baker’s Apprentice Challenge!

by 81 Comments

Bread Baker's Apprentice

Do you want to bake some bread?  How about a lot of bread?  How about every single recipe in Peter Reinhart’s outstanding book, The Bread Baker’s Apprentice? Well, I have challenged myself to do just that, and I’m inviting you to join me!

I’ve gathered together 35 200 home bakers who are willing to take this challenge with me.  We’re scattered around the world, from all across the United States to Europe, India and Australia.  Some of us are novice bakers and some of us have been baking for 30+ years.  We’ve teamed up with one goal in mind: bake our way through The Bread Baker’s Apprentice.

Since we are still organizing the group and some members have yet to purchase the book, the goal to complete the first recipe will be two weeks from now, on May 18th.

If you are interested in what we’re doing, you can follow our progress here every Monday, beginning May 18th.  I will be posting photos and will keep you up to date with which recipe we will be working on for the following week.  I won’t be posting the recipes themselves, so if you want to try baking any of the breads with us, you will need to purchase the book.

Want to Bake Along With Us?

There are several ways for you to join in the fun!  First of all, you need a copy of Peter Reinhart’s The Bread Baker’s Apprentice.  Read the first section of the book carefully, as this will prepare you for the bread recipes in the second section of the book.  Then just jump in and bake some Anadama Bread!  Please visit The BBA Challenge Page for more details on how to participate in the group!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Caitlin says

    Dang! If I wasn't so busy with other baking goals, this would totally be on my list. Not to mention that I don't really need *another* baking book :P I'll impatiently wait for each week's bread though - kudos on taking on this project!
    Reply

  2. Amber says

    I SO wish I could do this with you. I would love to become a better baker. Unfortunately, I'm in my last two classes to FINALLY complete my Bachelor's, so that really should take primary focus, even though I don't want it to! I wish everyone doing the challenge the best of luck, and I can't wait to see the results!
    Reply

  7. Margie says

    I AM SO IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously, I would LOVE to be a part of this baking challenge. I purchased this book in September of 2007, and set about learning the art of sourdough bread making from Peter Reinhart. Little did I know how this would prove to be such a life altering experience. I commend you for offering this and hope that others will come along for the journey. Margie
    Reply

  9. Lien says

    This is a lovely idea, as a breadbaker I'm sooo tempted, but the once a week thing would keep me in a stranglehold to much, so I won't join. Have lots of fun baking guys!
    Reply

  10. ivyb says

    Please add me to the list. I will be DELIGHTED to participate! Thank you and ... peace, ivyb,ny
    Reply

  13. Grace F. says

    I can't wait to follow your progress! Will you be letting us know which ones are the best tasting and possibly the healthiest options?
    Reply

  15. SallyBR says

    Do I need to be a blogger to join? I am not.... I have a few questions - does everybody make the same kind of bread at the same time, of is the project to be tackled independently by each baker? I have the book and made a few recipes from it - I bake bread regularly (that is, every weekend minimum) and would be interested in joining the challenge. I think... :-)
    Reply

  16. Nicole says

    Jane: It looks like we will be completing about 43 total recipes, although some might opt to try some extra variations as we go. The plan is to do one per week, but I'm sure we may take a break once in a while due to holidays, travel, etc. It's looks like we'll have close to a year of baking! :-) BBA: A stand mixer is not a necessity, but it will make things easier. Grace: I plan on giving weekly feedback on the bread, but won't be sharing the recipes since they are straight from the book. Sally: You certainly don't need to be a blogger to join this challenge! We have set up a google group where we can all communicate, give advice, and lend support.
    Reply

  19. Breadchick Mary says

    Yea, I need to join another challenge group like I need another hole in my head but.... Tanna convinced a few of us Bread Baking Babes to join in the fun. Hope I can keep up!!
    Reply

Leave a Reply