When thinking about bread recipes, common recipes will come to
mind, whether it is thanksgiving stuffing, bread pudding, breaded fish,
or French toast. The possibilities for uses of bread are endless, and
can be showcased in a lot of new and unique ways.
Bread Crusted Salmon
A show stopper is a bread crusted piece of salmon. In this recipe, a salmon fillet is lightly brushed with dijon mustard. After the salmon is seasoned with a favorite blend of fresh herbs, such as tarragon, parsley, or thyme, the salmon is "crusted" in bread. A slice of white bread is trimmed of the crust, and then rolled very thin with a rolling-pin. The fish is then topped with the piece of rolled out bread, and then cooked, bread side down, until the bread is golden brown in color. The salmon is flipped, and then placed in the oven to continue cooking until the desired level is reached.
Bread in Sauce
Another unique use for bread is to utilize it in a sauce. A Spanish sauce called romesco, is a wonderful sauce used to top vegetables as well as meats such as chicken, or beef. Romesco is an almond, roasted pepper, and tomato based sauce which is pureed. The addition of sherry wine vinegar, roasted garlic, and fresh herbs are added as well. The sauce showcases bread as it is added to the tomato blend, and creates a thickness to the sauce.
Bread in Soup
Similar to romesco sauce, a variation to romeso is a Gazpacho, which is a chilled tomato based soup. Gazpacho utilizes the similar ingredients to romesco, but typically has the addition of cucumbers and onions. This refreshing soup utilizes typically sourdough bread to thicken the soup and give it a wonderful feel.
Bread in Salad
A fantastic leftover use for baguettes would be to make croutons, and better yet, the famous Italian salad known as a panzanella. Panzanella comprises of rustic pieces of olive oil seasoned baked croutons, with the addition of fresh tomatoes and basil. Fresh spring mix field greens, and a light balsamic vinaigrette make up this delicious salad. The key to the salad is to serve it at the very last moment, to make sure that the bread remains crunchy, which gives the salad its textural contrast.
French bread Pizzas
One of the easiest and quickest bread recipes to prepare during the week is to make French bread pizza. A baguette of bread is sliced in half, and spread with tomato sauce. Assorted toppings and cheese can be added, and then can be baked in a 375 degree oven until the bread is toasted.
Aside from bread recipes, bread can be used in a very handy way to degrease gravies and soups. If a visible lining of oil coats a certain sauce or soup, a chef trick is to take a piece of bread, and lightly skim the top of the soup or sauce. This allows the bread to absorb the oil without losing any of the sauce or soup you make.
With so many varieties of bread and bread recipes, and so many applications, bread can truly be elevated in dishes beyond the typical use of making sandwiches or toast.
Bread Crusted Salmon
A show stopper is a bread crusted piece of salmon. In this recipe, a salmon fillet is lightly brushed with dijon mustard. After the salmon is seasoned with a favorite blend of fresh herbs, such as tarragon, parsley, or thyme, the salmon is "crusted" in bread. A slice of white bread is trimmed of the crust, and then rolled very thin with a rolling-pin. The fish is then topped with the piece of rolled out bread, and then cooked, bread side down, until the bread is golden brown in color. The salmon is flipped, and then placed in the oven to continue cooking until the desired level is reached.
Bread in Sauce
Another unique use for bread is to utilize it in a sauce. A Spanish sauce called romesco, is a wonderful sauce used to top vegetables as well as meats such as chicken, or beef. Romesco is an almond, roasted pepper, and tomato based sauce which is pureed. The addition of sherry wine vinegar, roasted garlic, and fresh herbs are added as well. The sauce showcases bread as it is added to the tomato blend, and creates a thickness to the sauce.
Bread in Soup
Similar to romesco sauce, a variation to romeso is a Gazpacho, which is a chilled tomato based soup. Gazpacho utilizes the similar ingredients to romesco, but typically has the addition of cucumbers and onions. This refreshing soup utilizes typically sourdough bread to thicken the soup and give it a wonderful feel.
Bread in Salad
A fantastic leftover use for baguettes would be to make croutons, and better yet, the famous Italian salad known as a panzanella. Panzanella comprises of rustic pieces of olive oil seasoned baked croutons, with the addition of fresh tomatoes and basil. Fresh spring mix field greens, and a light balsamic vinaigrette make up this delicious salad. The key to the salad is to serve it at the very last moment, to make sure that the bread remains crunchy, which gives the salad its textural contrast.
French bread Pizzas
One of the easiest and quickest bread recipes to prepare during the week is to make French bread pizza. A baguette of bread is sliced in half, and spread with tomato sauce. Assorted toppings and cheese can be added, and then can be baked in a 375 degree oven until the bread is toasted.
Aside from bread recipes, bread can be used in a very handy way to degrease gravies and soups. If a visible lining of oil coats a certain sauce or soup, a chef trick is to take a piece of bread, and lightly skim the top of the soup or sauce. This allows the bread to absorb the oil without losing any of the sauce or soup you make.
With so many varieties of bread and bread recipes, and so many applications, bread can truly be elevated in dishes beyond the typical use of making sandwiches or toast.
