Bread Winners: More Than 200 Superior Bread Recipes and Their Remarkable Bakers

I borrowed this book so much from the library years ago, that I knew I'd eventually have to get my own copy. I've used many of the recipes, and they have all been great successes. These are the recipes I'm asked to share over and over. There are very few outdated notes, such as using compressed yeast cakes, which I haven't seen for years. But bread-making really hasn't changed much. Even though I had already been baking bread for a few years by the time I found this book, it gave me many wonderful recipes for breads other than just standard loaves, such as pita, Italian bread sticks, English muffins, and bagels. The clear directions and tips gave me the confidence I needed then as a fairly new cook. Now that I'm old and have been baking for years, I still love this book and use it more than any other bread book. I recommend it for anyone who is just beginning to learn about bread-making, but even experienced bakers will benefit from reading through it. I only wish I hadn't waited 30 years to get my own copy.

Provides basic info on ingredients/procedures commmonly used in bread baking, as well as lots of creative recipes and interesting, brief profiles of their originators. One of my most heavily referred-to books for ideas and inspiration. Love this book!

I first checked this book out of the library about 15 years ago and violated copyright law by photocopying the recipes I used the most. I kept checking the book out and copying a few more. I finally decided to become an honest woman and purchase it for myself. I love this book because few of the bakers, including the author, are professionals. They all do something else for a living ( a wide variety of something else!) and in many ways are like me. I love the recipes, especially the sourdough starter which, incidentally, is the only one to ever survive without turning pink and moldy or just flat out dying.

I first found this book at my local library about 19 years ago. It took me a while to find my own copy (no internet!) and as I recall I spent a lot of money on it but I loved the book so much I didn't care. Mel London includes recipes from a number of people he has either met in person in his travels, or who have contacted him, who share his love for homemade bread. He includes a number of holiday breads, sourdough procedures and recipes, and such delights as English Muffins (you'll NEVER buy Thomas's again) and Pita Bread (tricky, but doable!). He also devotes some time to teaching bread baking skills, so even if you've never baked a loaf of bread before, you'll be able to succeed using this book.