I want to learn to bake bread, so I've been looking for cookbooks on baking. Most that I find are for bread machines, and I really want to learn to learn to bake without resorting to a bread machine

Anyone have a favorite breads cookbook? Or anyone have one available on their bookshelf?

I collect old cookbooks, so I don't care about age...I just need one that covers the basics to advanced.

We cut high fructose corn syrup out of our diets at home, and I got to reading the full ingredients lists on breads at the store and found that most of them not only have HFCS, but alot of it! So I want to learn to bake bread at home where I know exactly what is in it....and the weird sugars and preservatives are left OUT.

Hugs! Juli

These are a few in my library.  I am obsessed with baking

Rose Levy Beranbaum's "Bread Bible" and Peter Reinhart's "Bread Bakers Apprentice"  I think are good for beginers and let you grow.

Elizabeth David called English Bread and Yeast Cooking  lots and lots of information in this book almost to the point of overkill.  Can make it hard to follow the recipes but does have everything you need to know.

Beard on Bread by James Beard.  This is an oldie but goodie.  Could be difficult for a new baker but if you have the basics go for it espacially if you are looking for a few unusual things.

Sorry I don't have any to post but many of these can be found in local libraries so you can see them before you start wanting to buy.

Oh, I wouldn't call it "resorting" to a bread machine... it's just a tool, like any other kitchen appliance, IMO.  Maybe it feels a little like it's "cheating" to just dump in all the ingredients and come back when it beeps, but I love the convenience of a bread machine.  I do hate the real estate it takes up though, it's a counter-hog...

Thanks for the suggestions! :) I will be looking them all up!

I got one book "Artisan bread in 5 minutes a day'' that has some really interesting info on baking using a starter mix, and saving time by making enough dough for several loaves and keeping it in the fridge. And I bought an old vintage cookbook on ebay with 250 different recipes for breads, rolls and muffins. :)

My husband and I like experimenting with recipes and new foods....so I figured this would be another thing we could try. :)

:)  Juli

I don't own these, but enjoy taking them out from the library periodically...

Bernard Clayton's New Complete Book of Breads

Bob's Red Mill Baking Book

"Bread Alone" by Daniel Leader

"Bread:  A Baker's Book of Techniques & Recipe" by Jeffrey Hamelman

Breadtopia.com http://www.breadtopia.com  (LOVE this website.  Very informative and it has videos.)

I've got Peter Reinhart's Whole Grain Breads and am enjoying it so far (reading - haven't tried a recipe yet).

Happy bread making!