Brötchen/Brötle, Semmel, Weck/Weckle/Wecken, Bömmel, Schrippe, Rundstück, Laible, Weggen … and I am sure that I am missing some! Germans and their regional words for “bread roll” … English speakers aren’t much better, but when it comes to Germans and their love of the bread roll, it goes to a whole new level. These rolls even reference that Germanic culture in that they are Kaiser Rolls, with their distinct markings. I used a roll press to imprint them and they sort of stayed imprinted — I think my baker’s ratio made a little bit too lose of a dough (and I have to admit, Alice, my starter, was especially bubbly yesterday afternoon). These are delicious and light and perfect for breakfast with butter and jam, or a lunch sandwich. Just the perfect amount of crunch. Pleased with the result. You can also make them with poppy seeds or sesame seeds.
breads
Alice’s Adventures in Wondoughland continue this week around in circles: Sourdough Poppy Seed Swirls (Sauerteig Mohnschnitten). These are incredibly yummy and easy to make. The dough is very easy to work with and soft. Very pleased with the result. If you’re a fan of poppy seed muffins, these might be right up your alley.
Here’s another little bread recipe: I realized that I had no bread in the house last night, and I am a “toast for breakfast kind of person”, though I am not an early breakfast eater. That means that this loaf making was perfect as I started my day baking and ended up having a few slices near mid-day. Great all-purpose bread, from breakfast to sandwiches.
These are addictive. Very addictive.
In my weekly adventures in Wondoughland, my sourdough starter this week produced these absolutely fantastic bread sticks, aka Grissini. I can’t stop eating them. Wrap them in prosciutto, add them to a charcuterie platter, use them as a crouton with soup or salad, or just dip them in some ranch dressing, they are crazy yummy no matter how you snack on them. I made 6 varieties, sesame seed, nigella seed, poppy seed, herbs de provence, pretzel salt and plain. These may become a staple at my place!
Rosemary Olive and Honey Sourdough Focaccia
The issue with baking artisan sourdough bread is that it is delicious. And addictive. And frankly, I could eat this entire loaf of focaccia, if I didn’t have any self-control. It is *that* good. Salty and briny from the olives, sweet from the honey. Hearty. Stop me, before I just gobble this all up. Great as a bread side to dinner, with garlic olive oil as a started or a snack. Sneak a piece when no one is looking. It’s seriously delicious.