Book Review: 52 Loaves

I stayed up late last night reading 52 Loaves: One Man’s Relentless Pursuit of Truth, Meaning and a Perfect Crust by William Alexander. I actually started reading this book a couple of weeks ago, but due to illness and other things it got set aside. I finished reading it this morning and I have spent all day trying to decide what I thought about it. Certainly, it is an engaging and fun story full of interesting facts. I was charmed by its weaving of monastic life into the life of bread, for I am fascinated by all things monastic. It is also quite probable that I will try to reproduce his recipe at some point.

Yet, there is something that irritates me about this book. Mr. Alexander goes to great lengths to show that he feels that there is something honest and true about a loaf of bread, but his contempt for those that do not see bread the way he does is palatable. The right and true way is his way, i.e. the way of those with more sophisticated tastes than say a judge at a state fair.

Don’t get me wrong, he is right, good bread is hard to find. Walk through any grocery store bread aisle and you will find an unappetizing blend of chemicals and fake bread smell. And sadly most bakery bread is only slightly better. People from all walks of life realize this and are trying to make good bread at home. Yet he constantly shows despair for home bakers. This really grates on me, possibly because I am a home baker.

It is possible that he is overstating his position for comic effect. It is also possible that I am just taking it all too seriously. Then again maybe I am just tired of reading about the “simple life” fantasies of people who can afford to fly to France for a couple of weeks at a time. Read the book and take up your position.

Menuism Review: The Anchor Fish & Chips

Fish and Chips! Yum! See my review of The Anchor on Menuism.

Menuism Review: Rustica Bakery

Today's breakfast; a Kouign Amann and a Chocolate Croissant from Rustica Bakery. I actually only ate a bite of the Kouign Amann on the right, but they made a pretty picture together. They were both delicious. I am guessing they would have even been better if I had ate them yesterday. The Kouign Amann reminds me of the American Tea Cake at A Baker's Wife. They are so good that I actually went out on the web to find a recipe for them. It looks a little tricky to make, but one of these days expect to see them here fresh from my oven!

I have a short review of Rustica on Menuism.

Product Review: Wolfgang Puck Creamy Tomato Soup

There is nothing like a grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup on a negative something degree day in Minnesota. So today I made myself a grilled cheese and opened up this can of Wolfgang Puck Creamy Tomato Soup. Doesn't it look tasty with a dollop of crème fraîche and some green onion?

All I can say about this soup is “Yum-O-Rama”! It was so fresh tasting! I am a big believer in making things from scratch, but if you need a quick meal this can’t be beat. At $3 or so a can it is not the cheapest soup in the store, but it has an ingredient list that you can actually read and a taste you wont find in most restaurants. I pan to stock up, because sometimes you need grilled cheese and tomato soup on a 90 degree day in Minnesota too!

Book Review: The Sweet Life in Paris

I have spent the last couple days being ill and reading "The Sweet Life in Paris" by David Lebovitz. The writing was bright and fun, but I now am not sure I ever want to go to Paris. Oh, I want to eat in Paris, but now I am afraid of bodily harm walking the streets of Paris. Several of the essays are about the rudeness of Parisians and how they and other French people all know it. It does not make it some like a "fun" trip. His descriptions of chocolate shops and bakeries do, however. So I guess if I am feeling brave and really crazy for chocolate I will buy tickets, until then I will just fulfill my chocolate needs from the wonderful recipes in this book.