Leave it to me to get thoroughly sick right before World Bread Day, and no matter how long I planned my post, become unable to gather the strength to complete it! Luckily, it was just a bug, and the worst seems to have passed. Let’s just pretend that this is dated for the 16th of October and simply proceed, shall we?
Summer quickly fading from mind, it seems like ages since our little trip to Paris. In fact, it’s hard to believe we were even there at all, barely having begun to sink out teeth into the culture when we had to relinquish that grip and return home again. Regardless, those dreamy memories are still fresh, vibrant, and wholly inspiring.
So what is it that I think of first, and miss the most from that trip? Perhaps unsurprisingly, I can tell you in no uncertain terms, it’s the bread. Sure, we have our local bakeries in town that do wonderful things with flour and yeast, but it’s just not the same. No matter how many baguette I try, none compare to those that I had for breakfast while in Paris, sampling a new loaf from a new boulangerie every day. Oh, and the supermarket “french bread”? That stuff is just a sick joke, better suited as a doorstop than edible foodstuffs.
Short of having one of those lovely breads shipped halfway around the world, I was determined to find a suitable substitute. Starting from scratch, it was the baguette aux céréales, multigrain baguette, my absolute favorite pick from that vacation, that I craved the most, complete with its signature crispy crust and open crumb, plus the bonus of nutty, toothsome grains and seeds galore.
Now, I don’t profess to be a master baguette maker; far from it. I’m certain both my methods and results would be laughed right out of any self-respecting bakery, but I was proud of my skinny, nubbly loaves as the came out of the oven, hot and toasted to a golden brown. Although the bulk of my exterior seeds became casualties of rough handling, just enough hung on to get the point across- This isn’t your standard, plain old baguette. Imbued with spelt, oats, quinoa, sunflower, sesame, poppy, and chia seeds, it’s composed of a melange of ingredients that traditionalists would probably be horrified to find in their beloved daily bread. For me, however, the combination perfectly hit the spot.
Although it’s too much work to have these crusty beauties on hand for breakfast everyday, it’s comforting just to know that this treasure isn’t doomed to exist only in my memories now. Plus, in the comfort of my own home, I have the tools and time to make it into so much more than a stand-alone treat. I have a feeling that any true Parisian wouldn’t be caught dead snacking on a vegan cream cheese, tomato, and sprout sandwich on a multigrain baguette… But they’re the ones missing out this time.
The bread looks fabulous!!
Hope you’re feeling 100% better!!
What a beautiful post! That bread looks amazing, there is nothing like fresh baked! I especially love that sweet sandwich, looks perfect.
Hope you are feeling better!
Oh wow, the bread looks fantastic! Now I want a big, comforting sandwich.
Feel better Hannah!
Glad to hear you’re on the mend! The bread (and subsequent sandwich) looks fab. Wish I’d remembered about World Bread Day! Argh.
I’m sorry to hear you were feeling sick, that’s never ever fun.
Your bread looks and sounds amazing!!
Sorry you were so sick, but this bread looks delicious, whether you posted it on World Bread Day or not. I would love to try that sandwich!
I hope you feel better soon!
That bread looks perfect to me! What a beautiful and simple sandwich too :)
Sorry to were sick, but good to hear it’s getting better! It’s the time of year I guess too, as loads of people are reporting ill around me.. so fingers crossed it stays away from me this time.
I love your bread and with all those ingredients is sounds superhealthy!
The baguettes are beautiful! I love that you rolled them in seeds–the extra crunch must be wonderful.
That bread looks absolutely divine to me. I’m hardly a great (or even acceptable) baker, but I feel inspired now to go turn out a loaf topped with tasty sesame seeds. Mmmmm….
Who says multigrain baguettes aren’t equal to, or better than, the original? I call this progress! And you sandwich looks divine. :)
Your bread looks wonderful. take care and get back to tip-top health!
How did I miss World Bread Day?! Your bread and sandwich look oh-so-yummy. Hope you feel better soon :)
Hope you recover really soon!
The breads look delicious, i love seedy breads. Always perfect for salad sandwiches :)
Rose
Your bread looks fantastic. I hope you are feeling better!
Hope things are better at your end! :)
And that bread looks beautiful!
Get well soon SweetPea!
Sorry to hear you were sick, but I’m glad you’re feeling better!
Beautiful baguette! If I saw that in the grocery store, then I’d be in heaven! :)
Please post the recipe!
Look pretty damn good to me!
A multigrain baguette sounds delicious! And the sandwich looks very summery.
Oh man that sandwich looks gorgeous. It’s 10:39 at night and I’m finding my stomach growling. I’m just sad there is no recipe. That bread looks like the perfect pairing of a crisp crust and deliciously tender interior.
Oh, that sandwich looks so yummy and inviting!!! You made me hungry again!!! Hope you’re feeling better:)
Too bad I missed world bread day! Your multigrain baguettes look beautiful. I have to add this to my baking list, which is growing every day.
I agree 100% with your thoughts on bread in France; there’s just simply no substitute for a baguette purchased and eaten in that country! Your baguette aux cereales looks scrumptious, though, and I wish I could try it for myself!
That bread looks amazing. Just as good as a french bakery.
Oh no I missed world bread day again! :( I’M missing out on a vegan cream cheese, tomato, and sprout sandwich on a multigrain baguette!! Yum. Your bread looks delicious. I can’t wait to try the bread in France one day.
Mmmm that looks like one tasty baguette!! Yay for re-creating a favourite!!
Hannah, there is no problem last submission day was the 17th anyway. As always your photos are beautiful and the Sandwich looks so yummie. Love both!
Thank you for your participation in World Bread Day 2009. Yes you baked! :-)
Any chance of sharing the recipe, or are you planning to publish it? It looks completely amazing, and I would love to give it a go.