I chose this book because on the surface, it is about anxiety and depression, something I suffered from at a similar age to Kitty. I am always interested in how people cope with a mental health issue especially when you are still in your teens and in full time education. However, there is so much more to this book. Kitty is a strong woman with a wonderfully supportive family who not only allow her to recover in her own way without worrying about her schooling but help her every step of the way. It was a brave move for her father to give up the job of teaching to become a baker in partnership with his daughter. It is clear he knew he had no option. He writes about his amazing journey in this book and Kitty writes about hers. It doesn’t surprise me how much support this family received on their journey including from teachers at Kitty’s school. Having looked at many recipes these past two years as I got to grip with making sourdough bread I can 100% recommend Kitty's recipes. They are clear, simple and sensible. I have seen so many sourdough recipes elsewhere which have so many unnecessary steps in and make such a palaver of the process that you wonder why anyone bothers. 10/10 to Kitty for the clarity of her recipes. I am still only making basic sourdough loaves with the occasional foray into crumpets, bagels and doughnuts. Kitty's recipes have inspired me to try a lot more and I shall be heading into the territory of puff pastry, pains au chocolate and anything with a segment of a Terry's Chocolate Orange inside. It evoked such a smell and image of freshly made bread that I had to pause reading it to make my own loaf so that I could continue reading with some warm fresh bread with an inch of butter melting slowly into it. It reminded me why I love baking bread so much. Place the shaped dough on a sheet of parchment paper, cover with a damp tea towel and set aside in a warm, cosy place to rest for 1 hour. Starting at one long edge, roll the dough into a tight log. Using a sharp knife or length of thread, slice the dough crossways into 12 equal slices, each roughly 2cm wide.

Breadsong: How Baking Changed Our Lives - Hardcover - AbeBooks Breadsong: How Baking Changed Our Lives - Hardcover - AbeBooks

Inspiring, humbling, amusing, engaging, moving ….just a few of the adjectives I could use to sum up this book which is oh so much more than a cookery book. Written by both Kitty Tait & her father Al Tait the first half recounts their journey which lead them to setting up their ‘Orange Bakery’ & the second half is recipes. But even the recipes (written by Kitty) are a joy to read. Never have I ever laughed out loud at a serving suggestion before!! Yes it’s also a memoir through the hell that is anxiety & depression but the whole book is a complete joy. I’d recommend it to anyone. Now to bake me some bread!!Both Al and Kitty are effusive about Aggie and Albert, Kitty’s patient siblings, who had to put up with their kitchen being turned into a professional bakery for a couple of years. Kitty has even named one of the Orange Bakery’s sourdough loaves after her brother. “We think he likes the fact that it’s called The Albert,” says Katie, their mum. Then she giggles: “He doesn’t really, actually.” I always appreciate a cookbook which blends the cook's story and experiences into the recipes, which Breadsong manages excellently.

Breadsong - How Baking Changes Lives - The Frugal Flexitarian Breadsong - How Baking Changes Lives - The Frugal Flexitarian

Throughout the evening the bar will be open for drinks and guests will be able to book in and stay for dinner afterwards. We have been following Kitty and Al's journey with wonder and amazement. It is proof, if one was needed, that a loaf of bread can have the power to heal, bring joy, bring together a family and a community and give life flavour and purpose. In this book they share with their stories and recipes, both are utterly deliciousI’m not a good cook but was inspired to have a go..rustic was the response at my friday family table..not a piece left on any plate..even my 3 year old grandson