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It’s Daring Bakers time again, and this month, you’ll see blogs overflowing with French bread. For French bread, surely you’d seek out a recipe from France, yeah? Ah, no, not really. Instead, our wise hosts, BreadChick Mary and Sara from I Like to Cook turned to the American cooking icon Julia Child. I have to admit that I know nearly nothing about her. I have a book – Mastering the Art of French Cooking vol. 1 – that I got from a friend who was moving and didn’t want to lug this heavy book with him. I’ve read it (at the same time I read the archives at Julie + Julia, that uses the very same book), but I haven’t cooked more than once or twice from it. I understand that many people, and many Daring Bakers, feel very strongly about Julia, but I really don’t. Maybe it’s an American thing.

That said, I frowned when I saw the recipe. 20 pages?? You’re joking! Turned out a lot of it was quite skippable, and the recipe itself wasn’t complicated at all. French bread contains four things – flour, yeast, salt and water. That’s it. Julia also suggests using cornmeal, but Danielle Forestier who features in PBS Baking with Julia in the episode where they do this particular bread says that that’s never done in France. And I admit, I skipped that part, seeing no real use for it. So, the recipe is long, and it takes a long time to bake. But, the only part I was worried about was shaping the bread. I watched this video clip of Julia and Danielle, and no more worries – it’s really simple once you’ve seen it done.

I made Batards – a small baguette – and while I would have liked them a little longer, I’m not complaining. They rose perfectly and all in all, came out pretty perfect. They have a very crusty exterior, and fluffy, soft interior. The only thing I might have done differently is that I sprayed in more water in the oven a few times during baking, to provide a really moist environment. I think that might have contributed to the nice crust. Oh – and I needed more flour than the recipe stated to make it work – it was much too sticky at first, barely a dough at all.

I’m glad I made two batches at once – seeing as it took over seven hours from start to finish. Seven hours of fun and expectations! And you’re rewarded with beautiful bread, so don’t hesitate to make this if you happen to have a day free. It’s well worth the effort!

For the full recipe, please go here.
And for the Daring Bakers Blogroll, go here.

Me, with my trusty Nikon, February 2008

I’ve been tagged for several memes again! Fun! I suppose that means you want to know even *more* about me? Well, I’ll play! Joelen and Greg both tagged me for the same one, and Cinnamonda for a shorter, but similar one.

What were you doing 10 years ago?

In 1998, I was in my second year at university. I lived in a dorm with seven great people. Partying hard, studying a little, having a lot of fun. I studied political science at the time, mostly – later on, I’ve expanded a bit and have degrees in something called “Science, Technology and Society in Europe” and English, as well as political science. Yes, I studied for quite a while. And 1998 was actually the year me and three of my friends won a big dart tournament and won a trip to London. (No, I don’t really play darts. We were very lucky.)

What were you doing 1 year ago?

Umm.. that’s much harder, for some reason. Same as I’m doing now, I suppose – except I didn’t exercise as much, nor walk as much. I have the same job as I did then, the same house, the same husband… We did have gorgeous kittens this time last year – something I miss a lot, I hope we’ll be lucky enough to have some later this year.

Five snacks you enjoy

- Honey-roasted cashew nuts (especially Planter’s – incredibly yummy! And wouldn’t you know, not sold in Sweden. Probably just as well, or I’d never stop eating.)
- Potato chips – preferrably just lightly salted. I like American Ruffles too, a lot. And I remember something called Sun Chips? Those were awesome. But never flavored, I really prefer the salted variety.
- edamame (fresh or frozen soy beans) with salt
- Oranges (especially if someone else peels them)
- Cheese

Five things you would do if you were a millionaire

I guess it depends on how much money I have, but let’s assume I have lots – ok? And I’ll be really honest here. This is really, truly what I would do.

- Not work
- Travel more
- Cook from better ingredients
- Buy more expensive clothes and accessories
- Give more gifts to my loved ones

Five bad habits

- I’m impatient
- I get really cranky when I’m hungry – and I refuse to admit that it’s because I’m hungry
- I click my nails together
- I tear at my toenails. (really a very bad idea)
- I like things to be done MY way.

Five things you like doing

- Curling up on the sofa with a good book (generally crime, some of my faves are Val McDermid, Jeffery Deaver, Karin Slaughter…)
- Watching tv-shows (some of my faves are Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Hereos, Prison Break…)
- Cuddling with the cats
- Cuddling with the husband
- Cooking (obviously)

Five things you would never wear again

Oh, this is hard! I have no idea. Honestly, I don’t really discriminate – I love nice clothes and accessories, but I have no problems buying something really cheap as well if it suits my style. And as for specific styles.. who knows? I don’t feel like wearing bright turqouise now, but what’s to say I won’t like it in half a year? Never is a strong word!

- Anything that’s big and shapeless, just because it might fit me
- Neon leg warmers
- anything with velcro
- a wedding dress (well, /2005/07/ah-finally-married.html”>I didn’t really wear a dress.)
- Bright blue mascara

Five favorite toys

- My Kitchen-Aid stand mixer
- My stick blender
- My Nikon d80
- My fancy water kettle that can heat water to 40, 60, 80 or 100°C.
- My makeup collection

And, finally, five bloggers to tag for this. I’ll go with some old friends that I don’t think has done this recently. (And one new friend!)

- Jeanne at Cook Sister
- Johanna at The Passionate Cook
- Dagmar at A Cat in the Kitchen
- Susan at Farmgirl Fare
- Inge at African Vanielje