For my birthday back in August, I had asked my parents for a day at the Bread Ahead Bakery School. I used my gift voucher to book the Fundamental Bread Baking Workshop run by Aidan Chapman, and it was quite possibly my most successful day baking yet.
The day was timed to perfection allowing myself and the other 11 bakers in the class to go home with 5 freshly baked loaves of bread!
We started with an overnight English loaf. We shaped it in a banneton before baking for the amazing shape and crust pattern. I’ll be getting one ASAP! [John Lewis | Amazon | Sous Chef]
Next up was Focaccia!
One rosemary, tomato and olive focaccia! The whole family agree this is the favourite and I’m close to having eaten half of it.
Is there anything more perfect that freshly baked, light and airy Ciabatta? Stop thinking, there isn’t.
I wish I could crawl into those holes, sleep, then nibble my way back out. Viva Italia!
Despite being absolutely full after sampling our baked goods all day long, I could not leave Borough Market without something sweet, and it seemed only right to finish up with a Bread Ahead salted caramel and honeycomb doughnut.
In total I waddled home with two Ciabatta loaves, Focaccia, an overnight English loaf, a soda bread, and a wealth of knowledge courtesy of my very patient tutor Aidan. Find him across social media at @Dough_Anarchist. If you need me, I’m in my bread bin.
What a fantastic experience and one that you'll never forget no doubt. You are now armed with a wealth of knowledge – go forth and spread the bread I tell you, go go go!
I shall spread the bread from my house right to yours!