Master the Art of Baking with Julia Child: Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria

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Discussion Overview

This thread revolves around the appreciation of Julia Child's baking techniques, particularly highlighted through a PBS marathon featuring her show "Baking with Julia." Participants share their experiences with baking, express admiration for Child and her guests, and discuss related media portrayals.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions a local PBS station airing a Julia Child marathon, expressing a desire for their baking to match her standards.
  • Another participant shares their experience with King Arthur Flour products, noting past struggles with yeast baking but a recent success with an English Muffin Loaf.
  • One participant reflects on a failed yeast bread attempt, humorously comparing the result to a cinder block.
  • Several participants express fond memories of watching Julia Child, with one recalling a visit to her kitchen at the Smithsonian.
  • Discussion includes opinions on the portrayal of Julia Child in the "Julie/Julia" movie, with multiple participants praising Meryl Streep's performance.
  • One participant mentions the vocal exercise of mimicking Julia Child's voice, noting its use in voice training.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express admiration for Julia Child and her baking, with some sharing personal experiences of both success and failure in their own baking endeavors. There is no clear consensus on the effectiveness of yeast baking among participants.

Contextual Notes

The thread reflects a mix of nostalgia for Julia Child's influence on cooking and baking, alongside personal anecdotes about baking experiences and media representations of her life.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers within the consultant community who appreciate baking and are interested in Julia Child's legacy may find the shared experiences and discussions relevant.

The_Kitchen_Guy
The_Kitchen_Guy
Silver Member
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One of my local PBS stations is doing a Julia Child marathon today. Right now, they're in the middle of the series that was called Baking with Julia.

Man oh man, do I wish my stuff came out like that!

In the episode that's on right now, she has a guest from California, Joe Ortiz.
He's the co-owner of Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria in Capitola, California. His breads have received critical acclaim and notoriety from the International Bread Competition, as well as from culinary publications like Cook's Illustrated, Food & Wine, and Bon Appètit. Joe bakes Decorative Sourdough Loaves.

(Stolen from the PBS website.)

Joe's demonstrating how to make a San Francisco sourdough bread starter, and next he's going to make sourdough braids.

He makes it look sooooo easy. :cry:
 
I just got a King Arthur Flour catalog today, and everything in there looks so good - and they make it sound easy, too. My yeast baking never comes out right, but I might give it another try soon, since I made a yummy English Muffin Loaf about a month ago.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
You make me feel better. The last time I tried a yeast bread recipe, it came out more like pound cake. Instead of a loaf, it was a brick. More like a cinder block.Sigh.Now she has the guy who wrote the cookbook Death by Chocolate. You can imagine what kind of decadence they're making.
 
um... yum? (in reference to your bread)I read a review of J&J, and the reviewer said that Meryl Streep is outstanding as Childs, but that Amy Adams was saccharine and nearly unwatchable.
 
I used to love watching Julia =)
 
When I went to Washingon DC several years ago I got to see Julia's real kitchen at the Smithsonia. :)

I laughed when I saw that she had directions taped by the garbage disposal -- guess even the best needs 'cheat sheets' :rolleyes:
 
I'm on my way out the door to see the Julie/Julia movie. I think Meryl Streep is perfect for the role of Julia.
 
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  • #8
They probably couldn't get Dan Akroyd.
snl-the-best-of-dan-ackroyd-20051019003350665-000.jpg
 
He was frighteningly dead-on with that impression.
 
Talking like Julia Child is a favorite exercise of vocal instructors and choral conductors everywhere, because it makes one lift the soft palate and project "from the forehead" (people who have had voice training will understand that, but it's hard to explain).
 
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  • #11
I got thrown out of voice training. I couldn't make my voice sit, stay or heel.
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
They probably couldn't get Dan Akroyd.
Click to expand...

The SNL skit is actually in the movie. :)

My friend and I really enjoyed "Julie/Julia" :love:. Meryl Streep is amazing as Julia Child.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Master the Art of Baking with Julia Child: Gayle's Bakery & Rosticceria" about?

This book combines the classic baking techniques of Julia Child with the innovative recipes from Gayle's Bakery, offering readers a comprehensive guide to mastering the art of baking. It features a variety of recipes ranging from traditional pastries to modern baked goods, all while emphasizing the importance of technique and quality ingredients.

Who is the target audience for this book?

The book is aimed at both novice and experienced bakers who are looking to enhance their baking skills. It is perfect for anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of baking, as well as those who want to explore new recipes and techniques inspired by Julia Child's legacy.

Are the recipes in the book suitable for beginners?

Yes, many of the recipes are designed to be accessible for beginners, with clear instructions and helpful tips. The book also includes foundational techniques that are essential for successful baking, making it a great resource for those just starting out.

Does the book include any gluten-free or vegan options?

Can I find tips on baking techniques in this book?

Absolutely! The book provides detailed explanations of various baking techniques, including mixing methods, dough handling, and baking times. These tips are designed to help bakers understand the science behind baking and improve their overall skills in the kitchen.

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