Hi All,
I wanted to add my two cents about granite counter tops for those
considering new countertops. Like Jeanette, we installed Corian when it
was new to the market. It only came in white and was a challenge to keep
clean. It's virtue was a cooler surface (not really) for pastry making
and that you could resurface it when necessary since it was a solid
piece of material. It showed every scratch and cut. I chose granite for
our kitchen remodel and highly recommend it to anyone who can afford it.
It is well worth the money and although costly, the price has lowered
with it's increase in popularity. Marble is more costly and has the
disadvantage of becoming stained with the contact of acids such as lemon
juice or vinegar. As Jeanette noted, the surface does stay cool, but
will withstand the hottest pot or pan (we use no trivets since the whole
counter top is one ;-). You can cut on the surface and your knife will
dull before you see a scratch. Granite comes in an incredible variety of
colors and "styles" (dot-like patterns, streaks etc.). We chose "Blue
Pearl", a deep gray to black granite strewn with reflective , blue
crystals. I worried about all my bread baking with flour making a mess
on the dark surface. Not to worry, I can only tell if the counter top is
dirty by rubbing my hands over it. It is the easiest surface to clean
with mild soap and water (ammonia based products will eventually harm
the seal on the granite). No, I don't get a kick-back from the granite
industry. I just love it's versatility, practicality and beauty.
I was fascinated by the history of American European style bread in the
San Francisco Chronicle article. I was wondering if anyone has tips on
the Grace Bakery's technique of pre-baking bread, freezing it and then
baking it off. I have frozen dough to defrost and work on later with
mixed results. I often bake, freeze and then defrost bread when needed
in the future. I would, however, like the flexibility of making bread
in a "brown and serve" manner from a frozen state. OK Bread Baking
Buddies, does anyone already do this?
Ellen aka Gormay