For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice.
~ T.S. Eliot
This is it - my first new year post, finally. Nearly a week into January, I'm taking my time to ease into 2012. No need to rush...I'm trying to savor every minute (and that's not even a new year resolution, by the way). What better way to start off with than by baking bread, and Dorie Greenspan's Bubble-Top Brioches at that? After a couple of weeks of missing out on French Fridays with Dorie, I was truly looking forward to baking these beauties!
The dough was soft, buttery and beautiful to work with. Part of the preparation method was to chill the dough in the fridge for at least 2 hours after the first rising, slapping it down every half hour or so until it no longer rises so actively. Then chill it overnight to attain a perfect brioche texture. Call me weird, but that slapping part was probably the most stress-busting fun I've had in a while. The dough was so accommodating to my hard whacks, it kept bouncing gently back. So inspirational, I should carry that resilient attitude inside me throughout the year. For always, even.
In the past, I've tried baking several versions of brioches using slightly different techniques of preparing the dough but I must admit, this was the best-textured dough I've ever made. I was worried because it was very soft, almost batter-like to start with, but I simply stuck to Dorie's instructions and suddenly, magic happened! The dough was not even as sticky as I'd anticipated, and sadly for this post, no drama whatsoever was involved in rolling it into 'bubbles'. Pretty easy.
Do check out this fab brioche recipe in Dorie's cookbook, Around My French Table. It can be made into brioche loaves too. Hmm...I wonder if any of the Doristas did just that? Find out more about their versions of this bread here.
thanks for sharing. i love the colour of your cookery set.
ReplyDeleteWow, these look amazing! Lovely brioches, it looks like the perfect texture, too!
ReplyDeleteYum! What a great recipe to get back into the FFwD swing of things on. I've never tried any other brioche recipe, but I agree that this one was pretty easy to work with.
ReplyDeleteOh yummy! Can just imagine one of these out of the oven, slathered with real butter and drenched in honey. Mmmmm!
ReplyDeleteYes they were puffy like powder puffs, weren't they? LOVED these and I love your extra bubble :)
ReplyDeleteLooks wonderful i haven't made it before will check the link
ReplyDeleteregards
Maya....your brioches look lovely with four balls instead of three :p lovely. I love them too...soft and buttery and springy at the same time :) Lovely !
ReplyDeleteLovely broiche rolls, it's always good to try having fun when you bake, these turned out perfect and with tea, yum! Thanks for your comment on my post this morning, must have been middle of the night for me and day for you, lol, I can never keep that time difference straightened out! Anyway, welcome back after a small break, you did pick a good recipe to get started back;-)
ReplyDeletemmm Delicious stuff! Love how your photos look!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful New Year, Maya! xoxo
Those look wonderful! I am such a sucker for any kind of roll
ReplyDeleteWhat a darling breakfast set! And it looks like your rolls came out perfect as well. Congrats.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, looking forward to many delicious recipes in 2012.
What a great idea to make a picture of the smashing hand. It made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteYour brioche looks great.
Your brioche is perfect looking! I thought this was a pretty straight forward recipe and will definitely make them again!
ReplyDeleteLove the chicken dishes :-)
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a drama free time making these beauties.
You did a wondeful job. I love brioche.
ReplyDeleteVery yummy bread!!! I've never had the courage to make bread at home so i love all your bread posts it gives me hope and courage that one day I'll also be able to make bread hehe
ReplyDeleteI'd love the slapping part of it too hahaha I'm always finding ways to release my stress and anger :)
Your brioches look great, too! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteI've been seeing lots of these bubble top brioches today it's killing me they look so good. They do look fantastic and I would think I would enjoy slapping down some dough as well. :)
ReplyDeleteYay, your first 2012 post :) They look absolutely perfect. I loved the photo with your hand print. Actually never knew that the repeated "pounding" would still have them rising. Yeah, good sample to live by :) I have been having the strongest urge to back some bread. Not necessarily a sweet bread but more along the line of these bricoches. Will hunt that recipe down.
ReplyDeleteThese were fantastic! Rolling the little dough balls may have been boring but they were definitely fun to eat.
ReplyDeleteYour brioche look great! 3 balls, 4 balls why not?
ReplyDeleteWhy not four balls? And why not five? Or using this dough to make monkey bread? It's so nice when people are creative!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I agree - the texture was almost velvety!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend!
I would have enjoyed the slapping much more if it hadn't been late and I hadn't been so tired. They look just as good with 4 bubbles as 3.
ReplyDeleteDid they melt in your mouth? My mom use to make those exact rolls and they were always my fave. Happy, happy New Year again and sooo looking forward to more from you. xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteLove the chicken set! Looks like a successful return to FFwD. I loved these rolls. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteThose bread look beautiful and delicious. Happy New Year, Maya!
ReplyDeleteMmmmmm! How did you know I've had brioche-baking on my mind for weeks now?! This definitely looks like the way to go... especially if Dorie condones stress-relief in the form of brioche boxing :) They look fantastic, I can only imagine the glorious buttery smell.
ReplyDeleteGreat photos - love the blue rooster. I thought these were divine, and such a great way to start FFWD in 2012. I think the powder puff is a good description - leave it to a 7 year old!
ReplyDeleteOMG OMG OMG I need to make these!!! Forget about my new year goal. NO need to loose any weight =)
ReplyDelete