Cook's Illustrated Almost No-Knead Bread

I'll admit, I was skeptical but this turned out really well. I haven't been baking much bread since we have some great bakeries around here. I eye-balled the salt measurement and didn't put quite enough in otherwise it had a crispy crust and nice flavor inside. If I can remember to start it the night before and have beer on hand, I will make it again.

Re: Cook's Illustrated Almost No-Knead Bread

cool! I'll have to look at that recipe. My house is smelling musty b/c of the water issues in the basement. I need something to mask the scent until I can get it professionally cleaned.

[Cumberland]

Re: Cook's Illustrated Almost No-Knead Bread

This was in Mother Earth News a few months ago. I made it a few times, and it was very good. I wish there was a chewy crust recipe.

[poky]

Re: Cook's Illustrated Almost No-Knead Bread

Is this similar to that "artisan bread in 5 minutes a day" thing? I checked that book out and copied down the basic recipe, but haven't made it yet.

Re: Cook's Illustrated Almost No-Knead Bread

I think it is similar, Sandy. Is that the book written by a doctor?

It's pretty quick. The rise time just takes a little planning and foresight (one ingredient I don't always have on hand ).

[poky]

Re: Cook's Illustrated Almost No-Knead Bread

Ah, yes, the back flap does say he's been a physician:

http://www.amazon.com/Artisan-Bread-Fiv ... 0312362919

Here's a video of the authors making the basic recipe:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMxJgIpe38Q

[DCJenn]

Re: Cook's Illustrated Almost No-Knead Bread

have beer on hand

I honestly can't remember that EVER having been a problem.

Jenn

[Michele]

Re: Cook's Illustrated Almost No-Knead Bread

I think this is the recipe my boss keeps talking about....except he keeps calling it "No Rise Bread."....But the way he describes making it.....is no kneading! And he gets Cook's.....so I bet it's it. Is the recipe on the website??

Re: Cook's Illustrated Almost No-Knead Bread

have beer on hand

I honestly can't remember that EVER having been a problem.

Jenn

The problem is also having the right beer on hand -- a light lager. I used Session and that might have been a bit much.

Michele, it needs to rise for at least 8 hrs, and then a 2 hr second rise in the dutch oven, so it is definitely not no-rise! The recipe calls for kneading the bread 10-15 times between rises. I can't get the website to come up to see if it is available there. I got it out of the magazine (march 08?). It is a variation on some of the other no-knead recipes floating around.

Re: Cook's Illustrated Almost No-Knead Bread

Make that Jan 08 for the Cooks Illustrated issue. I doubt it is free on their website. If you want, I will send you a copy.

Here is the NY Times recipe. I think CI based their recipe on this with major changes being the replacement of some water with beer and a little vinegar (I skimmed, there might be other differences).

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/08/dinin ... yt&emc=rss

[alison]

Re: Cook's Illustrated Almost No-Knead Bread

My brother makes the NYTimes recipe in a cast iron pot.
It's yummy. He's addicted to making this bread!

[Michele]

Re: Cook's Illustrated Almost No-Knead Bread

I bet I can get the recipe from my boss since he gets the CI and has been talking about the bread a bunch.

I'll have to try it out.

I just made some wheat bread from an allrecipes recipe and am now addicted again to the smell of fresh baked bread.

Re: Cook's Illustrated Almost No-Knead Bread

it is floating around free out there on the internet. I found it last night.

http://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipe. ... #topOfPage

[Vishenka69]

Re: Cook's Illustrated Almost No-Knead Bread

Has anyone tried the whole wheat version yet? Also how big does the dutch oven need to be?