Wholesome and handcrafted are signature qualities of artisan bread.
One of the oldest culinary endeavors, baking even the most basic loaf of bread takes practice. While the term "artisan" has infiltrated even the most commercial sectors of the bread industry, industry professionals consider artisan bread bakers creators of handcrafted products, sometimes using traditional practices, and sold as fresh as possible. Daniel T. DiMuzio writes in his 2010 book "Bread Baking: An Artisan's Perspective," "It is only with experience and the personal assistance of well-trained baking professionals and instructors that artisanship can finally be achieved." Perseverance and dedication to the craft will be necessary in achieving success.
Instructions
1. Enroll in a culinary program specifically designed for baking. Both intensive and seminar-style courses are typically offered at cooking schools for both aspiring professionals and dedicated home cooks. As an alternative, some bakeries, natural food markets and food banks offer community classes on make bread.
2. Work or apprentice in an artisan bakery to learn make perfectly crafted bread day after day. Amy Scherber, owner of Amy's Bread in New York City, tells prospective artisan bakers, "Stay in each job at least two years to really learn what goes on in that bakery." By studying the process of baking a variety of daily breads, you increase your own skills as a baker.
3. Practice at home. If working full- or part-time in a bakery isn't feasible, bake bread at home as often as possible, using different recipes and techniques until you are able to make consistently good bread with each batch.
4. Purchase the best ingredients available or that you can afford. Using the highest quality products can result in a better tasting bread. At the very least, choose a top of the line flour to get your bread off to a good start.
5. Study the masters. Purchase or borrow library books written by master bread makers. Read up on their techniques and try out their recipes. Among artisan bread makers, influential bakers include Lionel Poilane, Eric Kayser, Basil Kamir and Jean-Luc Poujauran. Additionally, finding inspiration in such passionate chefs can increase your own desire for perfection.
6. Give your artisan bread to friends and family members to try out and taste. When you feel you have achieved a level of artistry and perfection with your bread, consider setting up a booth at a farmer's market or food demonstration expo to begin marketing your wares.
7. Contact your health department regarding licensing or permits needed to begin selling your bread to the public. You will likely need to bake your bread in a licensed kitchen or mobile food truck; or have your home kitchen inspected and approved for commercial use.
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