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What Is Artisan Bread? - Helpful Information

In summary, artisan bread is a type of bread that is hand-crafted and made with high-quality ingredients, rather than being mass-produced. It differs from store-bought bread in terms of ingredients, process, and flavor. Due to the lack of chemical additives, it has a shorter shelf life and is best eaten within a day or two of purchase or frozen for extended storage. One delicious way to use leftover artisan bread is to make panzanella, an Italian bread salad.
Bren706
Gold Member
2,395
This was passed on by my director's sister director on our yahoo loop. Thought I would share:

"thought I would do a little research on this. the more we can educate our guests, the more interested they will be of it. here is what I found out about this bread...

Artisan bread is exactly what its name suggests: bread that is crafted, rather than mass produced. Baked in small batches rather than on a vast assembly line, artisan bread differs from prepackaged supermarket loaves in a number of ways. Special attention to ingredients, process, and a return to the fundamentals of the age-old bread-making tradition set artisan bread apart from soft, preservative-laden commercial breads.

Whereas a store-bought loaf of mass-produced wheat bread might have nearly twenty ingredients, artisan bread will have closer to five. The basic building blocks of bread are flour, water, yeast, and salt. Sourdough is added for some breads; eggs and sugar for others.

For a more complex, flavored artisan bread, the ingredients list might expand to include various other items, all of them recognizable: sliced onions, cheddar cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil. Bread has been around for centuries. No chemicals were added to the breads baked by ancient Egyptians or those mentioned throughout the Bible, and none are added to artisan breads now.

The process of crafting and baking an artisanbread remains largely the same as then, too. Quality ingredients are mixed, slowly fermented, hand shaped, and baked in small batches in masonry ovens. Often, steam is utilized during the baking process to produce the crispy golden-brown crust characteristic of certain varieties of the artisan loaf.

The texture and flavor of artisan bread are generally superior to those of mass-produced breads because the focus is on selecting high-quality ingredients. Also, acute attention is paid to details of chemistry, resulting in specific crumb and crust textures. Since chemical additives are not used, the flavors of each ingredient are fully developed. Examples of artisan breads include the country French loaf, semolina bread, whole-grain farm-style bread, flavored focaccia, stoneground wheat bread, and ciabatta.

Because artisan bread is made without chemical additives, it tends to have a much shorter shelf-life than the mass-produced prepackaged store-bought bread. It should be eaten within a day or two of purchase or frozen for extended storage. Leftover artisan bread may be used to make panzanella, an Italian bread salad. Because of its dense texture, artisan bread holds up well in the dressing, and the result is simply delicious.

To make panzanella, dice five or six slices of day-old artisan bread into bite-sized cubes and drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Toss to coat. Lay out on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toast in a 400 degree F (200 degree C) oven for 7 to 10 minutes, or until lightly browned. Let cool completely.

Assemble the panzanella in a large salad bowl: Combine cooled toasted bread cubes with halved cherry tomatoes, diced mozzarella, chopped fresh basil, thinly sliced red onion, green and/or black olives, minced anchovies, and/or other ingredients as desired. Drizzle all with extra-virgin olive oil and add a few splashes of red wine vinegar, season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper, toss to coat, and let sit for ten minutes before serving.":chef:
 
Cool. Thanks.
 
Thank you!
 


Hello! Thank you for sharing this information about artisan bread. As a pampered chef consultant, I am passionate about educating others about the benefits of using high-quality ingredients in their cooking and baking. Artisan bread is a great example of this, as it is crafted with attention to detail and without the use of chemical additives. The result is a superior texture and flavor that cannot be replicated by mass-produced bread. I also appreciate the tip about using leftover artisan bread to make a delicious panzanella salad. I will definitely be trying that recipe with my family. Thank you again for sharing this valuable information with our community. Happy cooking!
 

What is artisan bread?

Artisan bread is bread that is made by hand, using traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients. It is usually made in small batches and has a longer fermentation process, resulting in a more complex and flavorful bread.

What makes artisan bread different from regular bread?

Artisan bread is different from regular bread in several ways. It is made by hand, using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. It also has a longer fermentation process, which allows for more flavor development. Additionally, artisan bread is usually made in smaller batches, giving it a more personal touch.

What are the key ingredients in artisan bread?

The key ingredients in artisan bread are flour, water, salt, and yeast. Some bakers also use additional ingredients such as olive oil, herbs, or seeds to add flavor and texture to the bread.

How is artisan bread made?

Artisan bread is made by mixing flour, water, salt, and yeast together to form a dough. This dough is then kneaded, shaped, and left to rise for a longer period of time compared to regular bread. The bread is then baked at a high temperature, resulting in a crusty and flavorful loaf.

What are some tips for making artisan bread at home?

Some tips for making artisan bread at home include using high-quality ingredients, measuring accurately, and following the recipe carefully. It's also important to allow enough time for the dough to ferment and rise properly. Additionally, using a baking stone or Dutch oven in the oven can help achieve a crispy crust. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flours, herbs, and toppings to create unique and delicious artisan bread.

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