I’m Rebecca Bishop of The Next Loaf baking school in Wenhaston, Suffolk.
I’m also the author of the baking book ‘Two Magpies Bakery’ and founder of Two Magpies Bakery.
Each month, my column will feature baking tips, book recommendations, ingredients, equipment and a recipe of the month.
To get the latest information sign up for my newsletter www.thenextloaf.co.uk or follow me on Instagram @thenextloaf
This month I’m mainly making…. flour!
I just added to my overloaded kitchen counter with a ‘mockmill’ and now I’m obsessed with milling my own flour.
It’s a fascinating black hole of limitless possibility that I’m excited to explore, especially with local companies like Hodmedod selling a great selection of British grown grains (they also sell flour and do mail order)
Watch this space for more bakes using freshly milled flour!
What I’m reading –
‘Grist’ by Abra Berens
It’s that time of the year for warming soups and stews and this book really makes grains, peas and beans the stars of a range of nourishing, satisfying and tasty meals.
I love the way it showcases the ingredients by method (frying, roasting etc etc) as well as highlighting the importance of soil and regenerative agriculture. With beautiful photographs and inspiring writing, it’s a book to made you feel good.
Try out my recipe for
Pear, Sage & Almond Cake!
One of my favourite places to shop for fruit and veg is Robert’s stall at the weekly market in Southwold. If you know, you know.
Even in the depths of winter, Robert manages a smile whilst making a few carrots and a cauliflower look appealing. In the autumn the stall is groaning under the weight of local apples and pears.
This recipe also features in my book “Two Magpies Bakery’ and works well with fruits from all seasons –a very versatile addition to your baking repertoire. Scan the QR code to get this fabulous recipe.
Baking know-how
Not all flours are created equal yet they’re a store cupboard staple we take for granted. Over the next couple of months, I’ll be looking at the qualities different flours brings to our bakes.
Let’s start with plain flour which usually has a protein level of 7-8%. This means low gluten – but not no gluten. Perfect for tender, crumbly cookies and cakes but don’t overmix your batter by stirring/beating for too long or you’ll end up with chewy, dense cake.
Self-raising flour, another low protein flour has bicarbonate of soda and baking powder already added. Remember not to leave batters mixed with self-raising flour sitting around too long as the power of the bicarbonate of soda will be lost. You can make your own self-raising flour by adding 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every 150g of plain four.
What I’ve been working on…
I’m really excited about all the new baking classes I’m running next year (available to book now on my website).
As well as all the old favourites, such as Scandinavian baking and sourdough bread, I’ve added in ‘Parent and child’ classes, ‘bread baking for sensitive tummies’ and a half day ‘sourdough fermentation’ workshop – perfect if you have lots of questions and no answers! Remember classes are available to buy as gift vouchers if you’re not sure what class your loved one would enjoy.
Baking classes
From January 2024, I’m launching ‘The Next Loaf’ baking school in Wenhaston, Suffolk. If you’ve already attended one of my classes at Two Magpies Bakery you’ll know they’re perfect for raising your baking game or as a gift for a loved one.
Classes are small so there’s lots of personal attention and suitable for beginners or bakers looking for more consistency and challenge. We’ll be mixing, shaping and baking our way through an exciting range of classes including Scandinavian baking, Easter baking, sourdough, parent and child baking and Italian baking – to name a few! Classes (and gift vouchers) are now available to book on my website www.thenextloaf.co.uk
Private baking classes
Planning a special get-together, hen-do or just love to bake with friends and family? If you’re interested in a bespoke classes in your own home for a maximum of 6 people get in touch with rebecca@thenextloaf.co.uk
Upcoming events
• 4th November 2023 – Southwold Literary Festival talk.
• 25th November 2023 – Cake and bake show, London Olympia sourdough workshop and author talk.
• January 2024 onwards – Baking classes in Wenhaston (just off the A12 near Southwold)
visit my website www.thenextloaf.co.uk to book.