The Breads of France and How to Bake Them in Your Own Kitchen

I just fell in love with The Breads of France. It's so awesome! It has loads of interesting, doable recipes from all over France, divided by region, and so much variety. Brioches, bagels, quick breads, cookies, dinner rolls, croissants, Christmas stollen, and lots and lots of straight-up loaves of bread. The cultural information about the different areas of France and the background of the different breads was fascinating and fun to read.

What about the food? The recipes are great. I've made several breads and cakes and every one has come out looking like the picture and tasting terrific. They are easy to follow and go together just the way he says. This book is definitely a terrific find.

My second favorite Bernard Clayton cook book. He is every bit as scholarly and serious a bread baker as Reinhart or Leader - and he was there first.