America's Bread Book

by Mary Gubser

A collection of hundreds of the best bread recipes in the United States covers a plethora of tasty, aromatic breads--from Portuguese breads on Martha's Vineyard to sourdoughs in San Francisco. Reprint.

Genres: Cookbooks

495 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 1992

Reviews

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breadbaking journey through the USA -- this is history, folklore, chemistry, anthropology, this is why bread is broken to bring us together at tables everywhere. If you're still not sure after reading the stories, then try the recipes, they're well written, easy to follow. I picked this book up in 1985 when it was first published and no matter how many times I've moved and cleared out the shelves, this one comes with me.

What can you learn from Mary Gubser? Why what she learned from Ruth Allman, Queen of Sourdough -- Beewack is never bottled, only a fool would carry a live bomb.

[Sally Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treasure trove! Not only a cookbook, but also a fascinating story of a genuine quest for the most delicious and best-loved breads in these United States. Interwoven throughout are Mary Gubser's tales of her travels and the marvelous people she met alongside the recipes for the breads those locals and their families love. I found the connection to other bakers made by the stories increased my enjoyment of the making and the tasting. It's like having an army of friends who have heard you bake your own and are eager to pluck out the best recipes in their boxes.

Whether you are in the mood for scones for breakfast, sandwich bread for lunch, or dinner rolls, you will find goodies to satisfy, both in simple and complex varieties. The book lists 12 different blueberry breads, 25 "health" bread recipes, 27 varieties of cinnamon rolls, 10 authentic colonial and early American bread recipes, and more than 18 cornbreads. There are breads for all seasons and occasions and their flavors express the many different cultures that have joined to make up the USA.

All the recipes are clear and easy to follow, many with instructions for adjusting portions (absolutely necessary when some will make 8-10 loaves at a time!) and most with simple illustrations. A basic bread-making guide is included in the first chapter.

Some highlights I've tested myself and found absolutely wonderful include Sunflower Seed Bread from North Dakota, Idaho Potato Bread, Mount Rainier Blueberry Muffins from Washington, Lion House Whole Wheat Bread from Utah, Pan Dulce and Challah from California, Fastnachts from Pennsylvania, Carbonne's Sourdough Bread from Connecticut, New Hope Herb Bread from New York, Multi-Grained Hippie Bread from Texas, and Sheaf of Wheat from Oklahoma, but there are 300 recipes in all, and I have no doubt they are all worth a try in any of America's ovens.

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As reviewed by a friend (I couldn't have said it better myself!): "Love a great cookbook, and "America's Bread Book" by Mary Gubser fills the bill. Wonderful recipes for breads, scones, coffeecakes, fry bread, sweet rolls, waffles, muffins, so many wonderful "bread" foodstuffs! Ms Gubser writes very clear recipes. The book divides the recipes by region with wonderful short tales of Ms Gubser's travels from one area to the next between recipes throughout each section. *HIGHLY recommend* In fact, so good, this crochety cookbook critic finds this cookbook worthy of searching out her own copy to add to her carefully curated treasured cookbooks. This one can become a good working book just like the King Arthur baking book my parents gifted me years ago."

[Kori · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many bread recipes! Everything from traditional multigrain breads, to cinnamon rolls and coffee cakes, to Christmas breads, and even unusual breads (lemon sourdough, anyone?). These days, I don't buy many cookbooks, because hey, I have the internet. But this is the kind of book that's special. I like reading little tidbits about popular bread traditions all over the country, and there seems to be a recipe here for every occasion and palate! I plan to enjoy working my way through the book with my children and starting new traditions, with the old fashioned art of making and enjoying bread.