Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Slipper Bread

In Italian, ciabatta means “slipper,” leading some people to call the bread “slipper bread.” The name is a reference to the shape, which does sort of resemble a slipper ~ wiseGeek

I was going to buy some Ciabatta bread at the bakery the other day rather than turn on the stove in this heat, but knew I could bake it myself at less cost. My bread book did not have a recipe, so I went online and found one at Epicurious. I made my sponge and let it sit overnight, and had a nice sourdough start for this simple to make bread.


I was apprehensive about the baking time, but followed the recipe exactly as written. The loaves have a crispy crust with a nice light crumb. Oh, and the food critic gave it a 10!

19 comments:

Theresa said...

That looks delish. Homemade bread is absolutely amazing. I remember my Mom always making bread. Save me some! Ciabatta has a wonderful taste with the olive oil.

maybelle's mom said...

oh, it looks so delicious. would be great for sandwiches...

PGL said...

Now I'm hungry...I'll take mine with alittle mayo, slice of tomato, some lettuce and some turkey? lol Just kidding. Looks great!

Theresa said...

I guess my 1st message got lost out there. Looks terrific. Love ciabatta bread and the flavor of the olive oil. Nothing like a fresh hot loaf right out of the oven!!

OhioMom said...

Maybelle, that is why I baked it, for sandwiches.

Racquel, that is exactly what I just had sans the turkey! Home-grown maters .. yummy!

Theresa, the gremlins wouldn't let me comment on your blog earlier .. guess they have gone away. I have a hard time keeping my guys from slicing bread before it cools :)

shambo said...

Looks really good. I think I used that exact same recipe myself a few times last winter. I don't have a standing mixer, so I improvised. I was surprised that it came out as well as it did. I think the second time I used the recipe I made sandwich sized rolls. Your loaf looks perfect.

Lucy said...

As we discussed this bread, I too was unsure about making it. I too was extremly pleased with my results... it was the best! And.. so easy at that.. soon the temps w/start cooling, then my bread making will resume...

Now could you butter me a thin slice, mmmm so good!!! ;-)

OhioMom said...

Sue

I found this exact recipe on more than one online resource, I did use my KA but I believe this could be mixed by hand just as easily.

Lucy

I read several sources that said how difficult this bread is, however I have to disagree and say that it is very easy to make. Yes, the heat has had me shying away from the oven, but I wanted some Ciabatta and just refused to pay the prices at the bakery. Hey, just call me frugal :) The food critic has killed one loaf already, with the pear jam!

Grace said...

good for you for sticking it to the bakery and making your own! i'm sure it was just as delicious, if not better, plus there's all that pride that you probably felt. good stuff. :)

Proud Italian Cook said...

Ciabatta, one of my favorite breads, we buy it here all the time. You my friend, could sell this! I'd be first in line!

OhioMom said...

Grace

I have been baking my own bread for some time now, the food critic won't touch store-bought :)

Marie

Thanks, if I had more room than a 35 sq. ft. kitchen with one small countertop I would definitely bake bread for the farmers market :)
I can't believe what they are charging for preservative laden breads at the grocer.

Deeba @Passionate About Baking said...

Sold on this bread...you got me eating the knawing the crust off the screen. bookmarked to be made soon! YUM! BTW, that's one of my fave quotes about veggies you got up here! xoxoxo Deeba

OhioMom said...

PB

Thank you, and thanks for coming by. I love your blog, I am drooling on my screen and know where I will go for inspirational baking.

Usha said...

ooooh,I love this bread its an absolute favorite,yours looks very very delicious,am bookmarking this,hope to try it very soon :)

Carla said...

Mmm I love homemade bread! Perfect for a nice, cold sandwich.

bee said...

i bet it tasted wayyyyyy better than store-bought.

OhioMom said...

To everyone who commented here but who's comments disappeared I apologize, the "gremlins" are eating away at my blog ... :)

Priscilla said...

oh wow, that looks so good!

Marjie said...

I've never made a bread with a sponge. This is a pretty loaf; I'll have to try it one of these days!