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Heritage Baking: Recipes for Rustic Breads and Pastries Baked with Artisanal Flour from Hewn Bakery

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"[This] lavishly illustrated labor of love is a must-have for any baker who seeks to create honest, authentic and flavorful breads and pastries." --Stanley Ginsberg, award-winning author of The Rye Baker

Here is a go-to resource for bakers of all skill levels who love new information and techniques that lead to better loaves and more flavor. These forty-five foolproof recipes for delicious, nutritious, good-for-the-gut breads and pastries star a wide range of artisanal flours that are now readily available to home bakers. These flours add layers of flavor and texture, and combined with a natural starter and long fermentation, make these baked goods enjoyable even by those who have difficulty with gluten. In-depth master tutorials to starter, country loaves, and adjusting recipes for different flours are paired with step-by-step photography sequences that help visual learners get these fundamentals just right. Including recipes for one-of-a-kind rolls, scones, muffins, coffee cake, cookies, brownies, and more, this is a new take on baking for the home baker's cookbook canon.

"Ellen King is one of my favorite bakers, and Hewn is a gem--there's nowhere else you can get such good bread made with flour that been so thoughtfully sourced and handled. Here, Ellen shows you how to do it." --Mark Bittman, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"Why on earth pick up a bag of flour with strange sounding names such as Red Fife, Turkey Red, or Marquis? Allow Ellen King of renowned Hewn Bakery to explain how these heritage varieties add complexity and mesmerizing flavor to your baking." --Maria Speck, award-winning author of Simply Ancient Grains

226 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 23, 2018

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Ellen King

13 books

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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
399 reviews1 follower
October 29, 2026
★★★★★

**A Beautiful Tribute to Traditional Baking and Artisan Craftsmanship**

*Heritage Baking: Recipes for Rustic Breads and Pastries Baked with Artisanal Flour from Hewn Bakery* is an inspiring cookbook for anyone who appreciates the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and the timeless pleasure of homemade pastries. This book celebrates the artistry of traditional baking, highlighting the importance of quality ingredients, thoughtful techniques, and patience in creating exceptional baked goods.

One of the most appealing aspects of heritage baking is its connection to generations of culinary tradition. Rustic breads and handcrafted pastries have a special character that comes from understanding the ingredients and respecting the process. The emphasis on artisanal flour adds another fascinating dimension, encouraging readers to appreciate how flour selection can influence flavor, texture, and the overall quality of a finished bake.

I particularly love the idea of bringing bakery-inspired creations into the home kitchen. Baking bread from scratch can feel like a rewarding achievement, from working with the dough to watching it develop a beautiful crust in the oven. Pastries offer their own pleasures, combining careful preparation with delicious results that can make an ordinary breakfast or afternoon gathering feel special.

This cookbook also appeals to readers who want to develop their baking knowledge rather than simply follow recipes. Exploring traditional methods can help home bakers understand the relationship between ingredients, fermentation, shaping, and baking. These skills encourage confidence, creativity, and a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every loaf and pastry.

Another wonderful quality of artisan baking is its ability to bring people together. Fresh bread shared at the dinner table or homemade pastries offered to visiting friends can create meaningful moments around food. These simple experiences remind us that baking is not only about the final product but also about the care and enjoyment involved in making it.

Overall, *Heritage Baking* sounds like a valuable addition to the collection of anyone passionate about bread, pastries, and traditional baking methods. Its focus on rustic creations and artisanal ingredients makes it especially appealing to curious beginners and experienced bakers seeking inspiration. I would happily recommend this cookbook to readers who enjoy learning new techniques and creating delicious food from scratch. A lovely celebration of baking heritage, quality ingredients, and the enduring comfort of freshly baked goodness.
145 reviews
October 9, 2026
★★★★★

A Beautiful Celebration of Traditional Baking

Heritage Baking is an inspiring cookbook for anyone who appreciates rustic breads, handcrafted pastries, and the timeless pleasure of baking from scratch. Its focus on artisanal flour and the baking traditions associated with Hewn Bakery gives the collection a distinctive character that sets it apart from more general baking books.

What I find especially appealing is the emphasis on ingredients and craftsmanship. Great bread and pastries are about more than following a recipe; they also involve understanding textures, working with dough, and appreciating how quality ingredients contribute to the final result. This cookbook celebrates that process and encourages readers to approach baking with greater curiosity and care.

The combination of rustic breads and pastries also makes the collection versatile. It offers inspiration for bakers who enjoy creating everyday loaves as well as those who want to explore more delicate baked treats. The heritage theme adds another layer of charm, connecting the experience of home baking with the traditions that have shaped it over time.

I also appreciate the book's appeal to people who enjoy learning through cooking. It encourages a deeper appreciation of artisanal baking while making the subject inviting for enthusiastic home bakers.

Overall, this is a lovely addition to a baking library and a thoughtful choice for anyone passionate about traditional breads and pastries.
Profile Image for Kayes Hasan.
643 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ **A Beautiful Cookbook for Bread and Pastry Lovers!**

- A wonderful collection for anyone who appreciates the art of traditional baking.
- The focus on rustic breads and pastries makes this cookbook especially appealing to home bakers.
- Offers inspiration for exploring artisanal baking and creating delicious homemade treats.
- Perfect for bakers who enjoy learning new techniques and experimenting with quality ingredients.
- A great choice for anyone who loves the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries.
- Encourages a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and creativity behind baking.
- A lovely addition to any cookbook collection, especially for those passionate about homemade baked goods.

**Overall:** A fantastic cookbook for anyone who loves rustic breads, flavorful pastries, and the timeless tradition of baking. It's inspiring, inviting, and perfect for bringing the joy of artisanal baking into your own kitchen. Highly recommended! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for anklecemetery.
512 reviews24 followers
April 29, 2020
I made my sourdough starter from this book (bought used after my mom ordered over 70 pounds of flour from a heritage mill, one of the bakery's suppliers). It's a great sourdough culture; took about nine days to really hit its stride, but I'm very happy with the bread I've baked.

I've also made the sourdough scones here, though I adjusted the peach recipe because I had a fresh pear on hand. Delicious. They freeze exceptionally well.

Recipe not from this book, but I have also made popovers and waffles with the discard. Sourdough may be the hallmark of COVID-19, but it's the first time I haven't outright killed a starter, so there's that.
Profile Image for Kirk Dobihal.
565 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2026
Excellent primer on bread baking using natural levain techniques. Can't wait to try some of these recipes and also employ the techniques she uses in her producing and maintaining her natural levains.
1,963 reviews
September 20, 2019
Great book for using heritage style flour in a wide array of baked goods.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
2 reviews
Read
May 14, 2020
Great bread book for using different varieties of wheat and other grains.
Profile Image for Dana.
360 reviews4 followers
May 4, 2019
Some interesting recipes in here I am looking forward to trying. Their method of making bread is very simple. Will see how it goes...
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews