11-28-2009, 12:41 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Devany
Bread should be consumed within 3 days, otherwise you need to refrigerate it for longer life. I have made a lot of the no knead breads and they are fairly good, but I have to say that some real kneading releases amazing texture, flavor and crumb.
I have found that putting homemade bread in a fridge dries it out, as fridges are simply not cold enough to keep bread fresh. If you make bread without preservatives the only way to keep it fresh is to freeze it on the day you bake it. Also, the Jim Lahey method does the kneading for you, that's why you let it sit for 12+ hours, the time does the kneading.
If you don't have a breadmaker, Dutch oven or fancy equipment, this is really a fabulous way to make top quality European style bread (maybe only rivaled by Pam Lamont's which I am hoping to be lucky enough to try one day)
By the way, Dee, if you can't find the NY Times links, go to google and type Jim Lahey bread or I think it was under Wednesday Kitchen - his blog or weekly food article. There is also a youtube video on how he does it.