hot off the press! how to shape a german loaf - a training film
february 16, 2011
Salaam Dear Ones,
What a red letter day today has been! Juergen and Wolfgang made a training film for us! Juergen is shooting, laughing and directing Wolfgang as he demonstrates the proper way to roll and shape a German loaf. They are just too cute for words! Aren't they the sweetest! I didn't even know they were doing this because I was at the other end of the room with Andreas. Wolfgang studied six years to do what he's doing in the video. Check it out!
Today was day three of making our sourdough from scratch. Andreas showed me how to work with the formulas, and we prepared a sourdough using the starter we created and also set aside our flour mixture for tomorrow morning. Tomorrow we'll bake our bread and see how it tastes. Andreas said he'll be amazed if this works. None of the three bakers has ever made sourdough from scratch. They've always used the starters that they buy already prepared. Wish us luck!
Andreas complimented me on my kneading today. He said, "Look, after only three weeks, she's getting it." I was practically strutting sitting down after he said that. He also said that if we can't get the hang of sourdough when I get back (and he assures me it's a long shot, a very long shot) that he knows a couple of guys, one for sure, who's retired and would probably be willing to come work at our bakery for room and board in exchange for his labor. He said this guy loves to bake and would probably jump at the chance to explore the States. Plus Juergen is talking about coming to help us when he gets his vacation at the end of July, beginning of August, so we'll see what Allah brings. That would be pretty flippin' awesome to have an in-house training program with a real German baker. Would anyone be up for that?
Tomorrow afternoon Aenni and I go to Paris. We'll be there by dinner time. Can you believe it?
On another note, Freddie's momma is in the hospital and not doing well. You know he lost his father just a month ago. Those of you who are close to him might want to check in with him and see how he's doing.
I love you all so much. I'll write you from Paris.
your fattie
What a red letter day today has been! Juergen and Wolfgang made a training film for us! Juergen is shooting, laughing and directing Wolfgang as he demonstrates the proper way to roll and shape a German loaf. They are just too cute for words! Aren't they the sweetest! I didn't even know they were doing this because I was at the other end of the room with Andreas. Wolfgang studied six years to do what he's doing in the video. Check it out!
Today was day three of making our sourdough from scratch. Andreas showed me how to work with the formulas, and we prepared a sourdough using the starter we created and also set aside our flour mixture for tomorrow morning. Tomorrow we'll bake our bread and see how it tastes. Andreas said he'll be amazed if this works. None of the three bakers has ever made sourdough from scratch. They've always used the starters that they buy already prepared. Wish us luck!
Andreas complimented me on my kneading today. He said, "Look, after only three weeks, she's getting it." I was practically strutting sitting down after he said that. He also said that if we can't get the hang of sourdough when I get back (and he assures me it's a long shot, a very long shot) that he knows a couple of guys, one for sure, who's retired and would probably be willing to come work at our bakery for room and board in exchange for his labor. He said this guy loves to bake and would probably jump at the chance to explore the States. Plus Juergen is talking about coming to help us when he gets his vacation at the end of July, beginning of August, so we'll see what Allah brings. That would be pretty flippin' awesome to have an in-house training program with a real German baker. Would anyone be up for that?
Tomorrow afternoon Aenni and I go to Paris. We'll be there by dinner time. Can you believe it?
On another note, Freddie's momma is in the hospital and not doing well. You know he lost his father just a month ago. Those of you who are close to him might want to check in with him and see how he's doing.
I love you all so much. I'll write you from Paris.
your fattie