Around the world, for thousands of years, freshly baked breads have provided wholesome sustenance for the body and symbolic warmth for the soul. The Bread Book is a gorgeous compendium of the world's most delicious, best-loved breads, complete with step-by-step directions for baking them.These extraordinary, authentic recipes are personally recommended and used by four-star chefs and local cooking masters in countries and cultures spanning the continents. More than 130 recipes are provided, ranging from the traditional Native American fry bread to the contemporary ciabatta loaves of Italy. Included are recipes for hearty basic breads, robust savory breads, mouthwatering and timesaving quick breads, distinctive sourdough and rye breads, cakelike fruit and nut breads, sumptuous enriched doughs, and ethnic fried doughs-as well as exceptional recipes for coffee cakes, pastries, and more.Every recipe is accompanied by thorough step-by-step directions-all beautifully illustrated with full-color how-to photographs. Complete with personal anecdotes, helpful tips, and information on ingredients, The Bread Book is an essential guide to perfecting the fine art of baking world-class gourmet breads. (8 1/2 x 11, 192 pages, color photos, recipes)Linda Collister started her career as a sous-chef working for Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. She has studied at the Cordon Bleu Cookery School in London, as well as La Varenne in Paris.

A beautiful full-color, step-by-step guide to bread making--with more than one hundred and thirty recipes ranging from traditional Native American fry bread to contemporary ciabatta loaves of Italy.