Episodes

  • "Sourdough 101: Nurturing Your Starter from Scratch"

    "Sourdough 101: Nurturing Your Starter from Scratch"
    Oct 2 2024
    In this episode of the Breaking Bread Podcast, host Rachel Parker guides listeners through the process of creating and maintaining a sourdough starter. She begins with a step-by-step guide to making the starter and offers various tips along the way, such as naming the starter for a personal touch. Rachel then discusses how to care for the starter, emphasizing the need for accurate measurements, consistent temperature, and a daily or weekly feeding schedule. She also shares advice from the Bread Squad, a baking community, about resolving issues like slow reactions and unpleasant smells. The episode concludes with a mention of resources available in an online baking community and alternatives to creating starters like the recommended Vitale Sourdough Starter. Overall, it is a comprehensive guide to sourdough starters, catering to both beginner and experienced bakers.
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    5 mins
  • Haunted Hearths

    Haunted Hearths
    Sep 25 2024
    In this Halloween-themed episode of the Breaking Bread Podcast, host Rachel Parker takes listeners on a journey through the world of themed breads. Rachel begins with a historical background on Halloween and bread, focusing on Ireland's Barmbrack bread which contains hidden objects carrying specific meanings for the consumer. The episode also introduces a variety of bread recipes like the Pumpkin-Shaped Bread, Mexico's traditional Pan de Muerto, Mummy-Wrapped Breadsticks, Spider Web Focaccia, and Cinnamon Roll Jack-o'-lanterns. Rachel encourages listeners to experiment with flavors and decorative elements to create their own Halloween masterpieces. She concludes the episode by suggesting a bread baking party to share the fun and asks listeners to visit their blog for the discussed recipes and YouTube channel for visual guides.
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    4 mins
  • Flour Power: King Arthur's Climate Blend and the Future of Sustainable Baking.

    Flour Power: King Arthur's Climate Blend and the Future of Sustainable Baking.
    Aug 30 2024
    In this episode of the Breaking Bread Podcast, host Rachel Parker discusses King Arthur Baking's Climate Blend Flour, a sustainable baking innovation. The flour is a product of regenerative agriculture, a method of farming that enhances soil health, promotes biodiversity, and reduces carbon emissions. Apart from being environmentally friendly, the flour is noteworthy for lending a rich, nutty flavor to various baked goods, making it an excellent alternative to conventional whole wheat flour. Rachel also mentions that King Arthur Baking has designed special recipes to help bakers make the most of this flour's unique characteristics. She concludes by emphasizing that this innovative flour allows bakers to contribute to environmental sustainability without compromising on the quality of their bakes.
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    4 mins
  • "Crumb-worthy Secrets: Mastering the Art of Bread Storage"

    "Crumb-worthy Secrets: Mastering the Art of Bread Storage"
    Aug 27 2024
    In this engaging episode of the Breaking Bread Podcast, host Rachel Parker and guest Henry Hunter, founder of Baking Great Bread at Home, discuss the crucial topic of proper bread storage. They debunk common misconceptions and explain that while bread was historically stored in cool, dry places, the modern refrigerator can actually cause bread to dry out by speeding up starch molecule crystallization. Recommended storage techniques include using specialized bread storage bags for short-term storage and the freezer for longer periods. Proper thawing procedures are also discussed to ensure that even frozen bread can be restored to its fresh-baked status. The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of proper storage as part of the bread baking process, encouraging listeners to not only bake but also store their homemade bread efficiently for maximum freshness and taste.
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    3 mins
  • "The Power of Steam: Elevating Your Bread from Good to Great"

    "The Power of Steam: Elevating Your Bread from Good to Great"
    Aug 27 2024
    In this episode of the Breaking Bread Podcast, host Rachel Parker introduces listeners to the vital role of steam in baking bread. She explains how introducing steam at the start of the baking process enhances bread's rise, crumb structure, and crust quality. Rachel discusses various methods for creating steam in a home oven, such as using a preheated cast iron pan, lava rocks, baking stones, and even specialty bread pans. Throughout the podcast, she shares personal stories and invites listeners to share their experiences. By the end of the episode, listeners should have an understanding of the importance of steam in bread baking, how to create it, and how to utilize it effectively.
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    4 mins
  • The Dawn of Bread - Journey Through History with Breaking Bread

    The Dawn of Bread - Journey Through History with Breaking Bread
    Aug 20 2024
    In this edition of Breaking Bread, Rachel Parker takes listeners down memory lane tracing the origins of bread, a staple food in many cultures. Starting from 30,000 years ago, when our ancestors unwittingly fermented wild grain seeds in water, Rachel describes the initial creation of dense flatbreads by primitive humans. She explains the monumental role of agriculture around 10,000 BCE in making bread a food staple, leading to the formation of permanent human settlements and advanced societies. Highlighting bread's historical significance, she discusses its use as a commodity and currency in ancient Egyptian civilization and its social impact by controlling grain supplies. Unveiling archaeological insights, Rachel shares fascinating findings of bread remnants dating back 14,400 years ago. As part of the episode, she seeks input from listeners for future topics while promising to continue exploring bread's history in the upcoming episode.
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    4 mins
  • "Cracking the Code: Chef Dave Palmer's Secret to Long-Lasting Soft Bread"

    "Cracking the Code: Chef Dave Palmer's Secret to Long-Lasting Soft Bread"
    Aug 20 2024
    In the latest episode of the Breaking Bread Podcast, host Rachel Parker interviews Chef Dave Palmer, who shares his revolutionary method for making soft, long-lasting sandwich bread. The episode covers a detailed discussion on Chef Dave's 'Secret Wheat' recipe, in which he notably uses the autolyse method typically seen in sourdough baking. Along with sharing specifics like the unique use of ingredients such as powdered apple cider vinegar, Chef Dave also sheds light on his distinct baking approach. Particularly intriguing is his practice of withholding certain ingredients during the initial mix. The episode ends with an invitation to listeners to try Chef Dave's recipe for themselves, which is available on their blog. Overall, the podcast offers a refreshing take on home baking, with valuable insights for all baking enthusiasts.
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    3 mins
  • "Cracking the Code: Chef Dave Palmer's Secret to Long-Lasting Soft Bread"

    "Cracking the Code: Chef Dave Palmer's Secret to Long-Lasting Soft Bread"
    Aug 20 2024
    In this engaging episode of the Breaking Bread Podcast, host Rachel Parker sits down with Chef Dave Palmer, the host of 'Traveling Bread', to discuss a revolutionary baking method he has developed. Dave introduces a unique recipe called 'Secret Wheat' and explains how he employs the autolyse method, normally used in sourdough baking, in its creation. Dave also divulges some unusual ingredients in his recipe, including powdered apple cider vinegar, and takes listeners through his step-by-step approach to baking. Dave ended the talk by sharing where listeners can find the full 'Secret Wheat' recipe. The episode concludes with Rachel reminding the audience to share their baking experiences via the 'Baking Great Bread at Home' Facebook group.
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    3 mins