I'm not that qualified to review this book--I bought it to get one recipe for a whole wheat bread I used to make more than twenty years ago. My original copy went to my ex-wife, and when I started baking again, I sought out a replacement. That said, the book is really a delightful compendium of recipes and remembrances. It speaks to another age when every neighborhood would have their own bakers and bakery products. This one is full of traditional German bread recipes from the Braue' family, described with love and humor by the author. The recipes are simply described, and frequently accompanied by little sniippets of quotations by a truly eclectic bunch of authors. Even if you are not a baker, it is an amusing glimpse into another, perhaps more intimate era. And yes, if you are new to baking, there is lots of good advice and wisdom on the ingredients and the process of baking bread. So even though I can't critique most of the recipes, this book as once again a treasured part of my baking library.Read full review
My first experience with Uncle John's Original Bread Book was when I was a teen. I had the paperback edition, which I eventually fell to pieces from use as I made quite a few of the recipes for bread. (I especially commend the Annadama bread, the Swedish Limpa bread - several Swedish acquaintances have said it is quite authentic - and a number of the rye breads.) The author is the son of a German immigrant baker who has passed on his father and grandfather's recipes, as well as others from family members, etc. For me, it was both a wonderful introduction to baking and the beginning of a cookbook library which now consists of hundreds of volumes. I later acquired another copy, again in paperback, which eventually went missing. By that time, it was out of print - so the book and recipes became fond memories. It is available on the used book market - the recipes are very retro i.e. pre-bread machine - but if one has the time and patience, the reward will be truly artisan bread.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I was looking for bread recipes that I could be successful at. The book provides easy directions as well as personal insight and helpful tips. Before I purchased this book, I checked it out at my local library and was impressed enough to want it for my own.
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