Miette

How cute is this video?!  Seriously a dream come true right here.  Just last week I purchased the Miette cookbook and have tried out a couple recipes so far.  I have come across some errors but Chronicle did publish list of errata on their website.  The cookbook is seriously cute, from the 6 inch cakes to floral endpapers and the whole book having scalloped edges!

Gary and I are finally taking a trip back up to San Francisco to visit some friends and have lots of eating excursions (and also celebrate my birthday, I guess).  The last time I went Miette was on my list we didn't have time to make it out to the Ferry Building.   This time both locations are on my to-do list! 

Have you gone to Miette? What are your favorite things to get?  I browsed their Yelp photos and love that you can order panna cotta in a little glass jar.

Croissants

I made croissants from scratch! It took about forever but I think well worth it. As they were proofing I got a little worried because the recipe said they would triple in size, but they didn't. Thankfully I didn't throw it out at that moment because they came out nice after their time in the oven. They are by no means perfect but am satisfied with my first attempt. I can't wait to try again!

Baking Goals

Another goal I've added for 2011 is to bake something every week. Last year I set out to learn how to make bread, which was really fun to learn through Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes. It took all the kneading and intimidation out of baking bread. But now I'm ready to move on to something more. I recently bought Tartine Bread and I have to admit I'm a little nervous buying new equipment and attempting my own starter, but it ties in to one of my other goals: taking more risks. It might not be a big risk, but it's still something to me. It will require more time, effort, and money. But if this is something I'm thinking about pursuing I need to take the next step.

In the boule above the hydration percentage is higher than my usual.  I also tried out the spray bottle method in addition to pouring a cup of hot water in a broiling pan.  Both of these methods create steam in a home oven to get a nicer crust.