📖 Overview
Peter Reinhart's Bread Revolution examines the resurgence of heritage grains and baking methods in modern bread making. The book includes recipes and techniques for working with sprouted, whole, and ancient grain flours.
Through detailed instructions and scientific explanations, Reinhart explores how to achieve optimal results with alternative flours and natural leavening. The text offers guidance on equipment, ingredients, and methods needed to create artisanal breads using both traditional and innovative approaches.
Step-by-step photos and clear directions enable bakers of all skill levels to produce naturally fermented sourdough, enriched breads, and gluten-free options. Reinhart includes formulas for sandwich loaves, flatbreads, pizza doughs, and other staples of the home baker's repertoire.
This work connects the technical aspects of bread baking with broader movements in food sustainability and nutrition. The emphasis on whole grain baking reflects changing perspectives on health and artisanal food production in contemporary culture.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise the detailed explanations of sprouted grain techniques and Reinhart's scientific approach to bread baking. Many note the book helped them understand the health benefits and chemistry behind sprouted flours.
Positive reviews highlight:
- Clear troubleshooting guides
- Photos showing proper techniques
- Success with gluten-free recipes
- Deep dive into fermentation methods
Common criticisms:
- Recipes require specialty ingredients hard to source
- Too much focus on theory vs practical recipes
- Several readers report inconsistent results with recipes
- Limited options for basic home bakers
One reader noted: "Great for understanding the 'why' but makes simple breads unnecessarily complex."
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.0/5 (89 ratings)
Amazon: 4.4/5 (156 ratings)
- 68% 5-star reviews
- 12% 3-star or below
Many reviewers recommend it for experienced bakers interested in nutrition and alternative grains rather than beginners seeking basic bread recipes.
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The Perfect Loaf by Maurizio Leo This collection presents sourdough recipes and methods developed through scientific precision and experimentation with flour varieties.
Tartine Bread by Chad Robertson The book details the creation of rustic breads using basic ingredients and traditional fermentation techniques developed at San Francisco's Tartine Bakery.
The Bread Baker's Apprentice by Peter Reinhart The text explains bread making fundamentals through formulas and techniques used in culinary schools and professional bakeries.
Modernist Bread by Nathan Myhrvold, Francisco Migoya This comprehensive work examines bread making through scientific analysis and modern techniques while exploring global bread traditions.
🤔 Interesting facts
🌾 Peter Reinhart is considered one of America's leading authorities on bread and has won multiple James Beard Foundation awards for his work in baking.
🌱 The book introduces sprouted grain flour, which contains more nutrients and less gluten than conventional flour, making it easier to digest while maintaining excellent baking properties.
🍞 Many recipes in "Bread Revolution" are designed to work with alternative flours like ancient grains, which have seen a 250% increase in popularity since 2015.
🌿 The author spent over two years testing and developing the revolutionary techniques presented in this book, collaborating with sprouted flour pioneers and artisan bakers.
🏆 This book was named one of the Best Baking Books of 2014 by The Washington Post and has influenced numerous professional bakeries to incorporate sprouted grain techniques into their production.