I was never one to actually enjoy the game of truth or dare. I would worry that if I chose truth, I would get a question that I just didn’t want to answer but would feel forced to. If I chose dare, they would tell me to do something out of the question in my mind. I guess I like to play it safe. I am not much of a risk taker, in some ways.
Some just couldn’t keep it at truth or dare. They would call out a double dare. As if a dare weren’t bad enough!
This week, I chose the double dare. I took the risk. And I’ll even tell you the truth about it.
Last Monday, all these gorgeous breads began to appear in my reader. I had been thinking about baking bread this past week so when I read that I too could play along with the Bread Baking Babes, I was up to the dare.
What I didn’t know was that it was going to turn out to be a double dare.
I set out that very night to begin my starter. I was concerned the next morning when I did not see huge bubbles but after some encouragement from Tanna, I proceeded with the recipe and baked my bread. But, it was flat and tasteless. I got more advice and also made some other yeast creations during the week in hopes of trying again.
I took the double dare and baked the bread again. I made a few adjustments to how I did things such as using the bottom of the yeast water instead of the top; finely shredding a peeled whole potato instead of mashing; generously flouring the dough according to the directions (somehow I missed the word generous the first time) and I decided to make two smaller loaves instead of one large loaf among other things.
They seemed not to have as much oven spring as others had (any thoughts?) but I am amazed that I have two lovely loaves of Royal Crown’s Tortano. One to enjoy and one to give away! Would you like one? You still have time to bake your own in order to be a Bread Baking Buddy! Check out the recipe with photos at Breadchick and the Bread Baking Buddy details at the kitchen of the month, hosted by Karen at Bake My Day!
Thanks to the Bread Baking Babes for a wonderful challenge and an opportunity to learn a lot through this experience! And a huge thanks to Tanna who walked me through my failures and successes on this project!
You are a wonder and a delight Gretchen! I loved every minute! I held my breath for you and now I am super proud of you and your bread. Good things do take effort but now you can reap glorious rewards!
That crumb looks so perfect… Great job with that bread!!!
Gretchen your bread is wonderful! I love that you made two loaves and you made this bread twice!
You can be our Baking Buddy any day of the week!
Yes I’d like one, because these look seriously good!! But once people start to taste it… you will be surprised how quick they will disappear!!
Fantastic job, good on you BBBuddy!
The crust on the bread looks fantastic. Excellent work Bread baking Chick
wow that bread looks so good! Worth the risk I think!
ps I have started my DB task today, hope it goes ok! x
that bread looks lovely Gretchen! aren’t you glad to try something daring?
Excellent! Your loaves look so wonderful!!
Wonderful breads Gretchen, they look so good, that first picture is yummy!
Gretchen, both the crust and the crumb look perfect…you have really dared and been successful at that.
Tanna – Again, I could not have done this one without you!
Aran – Oh thank you!!
Mary – Thanks! It was a challenge but I am enjoying the learning process!
Lien – Thank you!
Bellini – Thanks! I enjoyed the challenge!
Bev – Thanks so much! Hope things went well for you for your challenge!
Eliza – I love taking risks in the kitchen!
Andrea – Thanks so much!
Karen – Thank you very much!
Cakelaw – Thanks! Keep practicing, face the challenge!
Sunita – Thank you so much!
Gretchen- Your bread looks beautiful! I’d love a piece right now to go with my coffee!
I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve tagged you for a meme.
http://stickygooeycreamychewy.blogspot.com/2008/02/its-raining-memes.html
Way to go, Gretchen! Your breads turned out very nicely. I love the two little loaves you made. I, too, had no oven spring. Some of the ladies said they’d sprayed mist into the oven to create steam and that might have helped. Good job, baking buddy!
Lovely loaves, Gretchen!
The bread looks wonderful. You have more “dare” than me cuz I am still to chicken to try to bake bread!
This is my first time visiting your blog. Can’t wait to try some of the recipes!
I like the idea of making 2 loaves. My one loaf was gigantic and heavy. Might just try that the next time.
Nice job. I love your photos!
these look wonderful.
Bravo for doing it again! Those glas are the best! I have not bought store made bread in years. I make our own every weekend and freeze some…so much better!
I wondered why all these gorgeous breads were popping up! Yours looks really delicious!!
SGCC – Thanks!
Lynn – Thank you. I will keep working on the baking tricks to see what works for me!
Madam Chow – Thank you!
Mrs L – Oh, please try and bake bread…do not be afraid!!!
Michelle – So glad you stopped by!
Judy – 2 loaves were perfect! One to eat and one to give away!
Gea – Thank you very much!
Bea – Thank you!
Tartelette – Thanks! I look forward to making more and more bread!
Nicisme – Thank you so much!