Tartine Bread

We had a really good rain last night and the 2nd growing season of North Texas is in full swing. Radishes that I planted last month are ready for harvest, beans are growing, tomatoes are getting larger each day. I am so excited!

Last night my husband and I celebrated our 7th year of marriage and while waiting for our table at the cheesecake factory we decided to browse Barnes and noble. That was when I spotted the Tartine Bread cookbook.

The country bread loaf on the cover made my mouth water, so much so that I decided to give it a try today. Which is when I realized that it's about a 3 week long process. However, I was determined to give it a try!

I didn't buy the book, but  instead found the recipe on Martha Stewart's website. If it turns out well, I'll probably go back and buy the book to try the other recipes. Despite the fact that it first appeared incredible complicated, it was actually pretty easy. I must admit, I've never made bread before....ever. I've wanted to try for a while now, but never actually braved it.

Basically Chad Robertson's recipe focuses on simple ingredients and commitment, lots of it. I made the first part of the recipe tonight, the Starter. Now I begin my 20 -ish day journey to Tartine Bread. I weighed, mixed and poured my heart out and now the real challenge comes, the wait. Over the next 20 days I will be committed to "feeding" the starter around the same time each day until it has reached perfection. Then I can make the dough. 

I'll keep you posted.