Death by Baguette by Jennifer S Alderson

Author:Jennifer S Alderson [Alderson, Jennifer S]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Traveling Life Press
Published: 2020-02-06T16:00:00+00:00

19 Baking a Baguette

“Kneading the dough does not mean simply pushing it around the bowl. You’re activating the yeasts, which allows the dough to rise into the traditional baguette you all desire. You have to massage it, not punch at it,” Pierre le Monde growled.

His snappiness was starting to get on Lana’s nerves. When Sabine had raved about what a great teacher he was, Lana had expected a more relaxed, even jovial baker who was good with clients. Pierre was the opposite.

Her group was gathered around a stainless steel countertop in le Monde’s baking school. In the center stood all the ingredients they used to mix their own balls of dough. Their bowls were so close together, they had to take turn mixing, for fear of otherwise knocking over the other person’s work.

Pierre stood behind Tamara, holding her hands while helping her practice the proper technique. Tamara seemed to be unfamiliar with a kitchen, confused as to how mixers worked, and unsure what a spatula was called. When Pierre said they were to use the food processors to mix their tapenades, she had to ask which kitchen appliance he meant.

She must have a cook or eat out all the time, Lana thought.

Pierre watched Tamara work her dough, frowning. “Give it more oomph! It is not a delicate flower; you have to really knead if you want it to rise properly.”

Lana liked to cook but had never taken a baking workshop before. So far, she was not impressed by Pierre’s rather abrupt style and almost arrogant manner of speaking.

Most of her guests didn’t seem to mind. Angie and Bernie were having the time of their lives. They spent most of the first hour throwing flour at each other, making silly shapes with their dough, tasting every ingredient, and chatting easily with Pierre about their favorite recipes.

Sabine and Miranda were also loving every second. Henry worked quietly next to his wife, smiling at their jokes, but not really participating in the merriment. The same could be said of Willow and Jane, though they did seem to be enjoying themselves.

After checking everyone’s progress, Pierre began pulling small bowls filled with a variety of ingredients out of a cooler and placing them in the middle of the table. “If you wish to add any of the rosemary, garlic, olives, dried nuts, berries, or cheeses to your loaf, you can do so before we get it ready for the oven. While the bread is baking, we will also make a selection of tapenades and dips. This is your chance to experiment with new tastes and creations. I will show you how to prepare a few basic recipes, then I want you to use your fantasy.”

“I like this guy,” Bernie said to his wife.

Angie giggled in agreement. “It’s more fun than I expected.”

After Pierre approved their dough, he showed them how to ball it up, then grabbed a tray and began laying their creations on it.

“The last and perhaps most important step is allowing the dough time to ferment and rise.

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