Ep 19. Baking Bread

In season 8 episode 19 of the cooking show, Lidia's Kitchen, the focus is on the art of baking bread. Lidia starts off the episode by explaining how the scent of baking bread can bring back fond memories for many people, evoking feelings of comfort and warmth. She then demonstrates how to make two different types of bread from scratch.

First up is a rustic peasant bread, which Lidia says is a great beginner's bread because it's easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. She starts by combining water, yeast, and salt in a large bowl, then slowly adding in flour until a dough forms. Lidia explains the importance of kneading the dough well, which helps to activate the gluten and give the bread a chewy texture. The dough is left to rise for a few hours, then shaped into a round loaf and baked until golden brown.

Next, Lidia shows how to make a slightly more complex bread, a focaccia with cherry tomatoes and olives. This bread requires a few extra steps, such as cooking down the tomatoes and adding them to the dough, as well as topping the bread with olives and rosemary before baking. Lidia emphasizes the versatility of focaccia, saying it can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even a main course with a salad.

Throughout the episode, Lidia shares tips and tricks for making bread, such as using a thermometer to ensure the water is at the right temperature for activating the yeast, and using a spray bottle to mist the bread with water before baking to help create a crispy crust. She also talks about the importance of patience in bread-making, as many of the steps involve waiting for the dough to rise or the bread to bake.

In addition to demonstrating the bread-making process, Lidia includes some recipe ideas for using leftover bread. She suggests making croutons for salads or soups, or using stale bread to make a panzanella salad with fresh vegetables and herbs.

Overall, Baking Bread is a great episode for anyone interested in learning more about bread-making, or for those who simply enjoy the smell and taste of freshly-baked bread. Lidia's easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips make the process seem approachable, even for beginners. And with two different bread recipes to choose from, there's something for everyone to try.