The San Francisco Baking Institute: Part 1

Happy New Year, friends!

For Christmas, I was lucky enough to be the recipient of a week long's artisan bread baking class at the San Francisco Baking Institute. Words can't describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity because I've wanted to take a culinary class since I took one in college. I. can. hardly. wait. Since my mom is from the Bay Area, and can never get enough french bread (who can?!), she, my aunt, and I are all starting class this Monday. My only experience with artisan breads is through trying a few recipes by Artisan Bread in Five, specifically their no-knead loaf and King Arthur's no-knead crusty white bread (see below). I've probably made this 15 times with a few different add-ins (honey, wheat flour, etc.) and love how easy it is (really!). The truth is that I hardly eat bread, because diabetes and blood sugar issues run in my family, but I love to have a little nibble and make it for my husband and friends.

I love making sandwich bread as well, especially since a friend gave me a really great, foolproof, honey whole-wheat recipe that is my new go-to (so light and fluffy!)

This blog got me even more excited as she catalogs Monday-Friday of the class.

http://www.bakingasweetlife.com/2008/03/03/san-francisco-baking-institute-artisan-bread-day-one/. I can't wait to learn, be totally overwhelmed with information, gain 5 pounds, and share any pictures and tips I pick up!

If you could take any class, culinary or otherwise, what would it be? I'd love to take an illustrator class, knife skills, sauces, and a power tools class (how's that for diverse? ha!)