Ep 10. Decorative Loaves with Steve Sullivan

In the tenth episode of season one of "Baking with Julia," titled "Decorative Loaves with Steve Sullivan," viewers are treated to a special guest appearance by Steve Sullivan, the founder of the Acme Bread Company. Julia and Steve team up to show viewers how to create beautifully decorated loaves that are as delicious as they are visually stunning.

The episode begins with Julia introducing Steve and highlighting his impressive background in the artisan bread world. Steve explains the importance of using quality ingredients and the value of taking the time to make bread properly. He also goes over some basic bread-making techniques, such as shaping and scoring dough.

The first recipe that Julia and Steve tackle is a savory swirl bread that incorporates herbs and spices into the dough itself. The dough is then rolled out and sprinkled with a variety of flavorful ingredients before being rolled up into a spiral shape. Steve demonstrates how to achieve a perfectly shaped loaf by using a technique called "grinding," which involves using the heel of your hand to gently push the dough inwards.

Next, the duo moves on to a more decorative loaf that features a stunning braided design. Steve walks viewers through the braiding process step-by-step, emphasizing the importance of keeping the dough taut throughout. He also demonstrates how to create a "pan loaf," which involves placing the braided dough into a loaf pan to achieve a more uniform shape.

Throughout the episode, Julia and Steve offer useful tips and tricks for achieving the perfect loaf, such as using a baking stone to replicate the intense heat of a commercial bread oven. They also discuss the importance of using a proper thermometer to ensure that the bread is cooked all the way through.

In addition to the main recipes, Julia and Steve offer a few fun ideas for how to experiment with decorative breads. They show viewers how to create a "twist loaf," a whimsical design that involves twisting two long strands of dough together to create a pretty pattern. They also introduce viewers to the concept of "stenciling," which involves using a razor blade to carve designs into the top of a loaf before baking.

As always, Julia and Steve offer plenty of helpful advice and encouragement throughout the episode. They emphasize the importance of having fun while baking and encourage viewers to experiment with their own ideas. The episode ends with Julia and Steve admiring their finished loaves and offering a few last words of wisdom for anyone looking to improve their bread-making skills.

Overall, "Decorative Loaves with Steve Sullivan" is a delightful episode that is sure to inspire viewers to get creative in the kitchen. Julia and Steve make a great team, and their enthusiasm for baking is infectious. Whether you're a seasoned bread-maker or a baking novice, there's plenty to learn and love in this episode.