New Daring Baker

I'm a newbie to the Daring Bakers - - this month, my first month - - and a great experiment with Tender Potato Bread.

I've been baking since I was knee-high, and love it. I grew up on home baked bread (didn't know from WonderBread until my friend introduced me - - i'm still not a fan). This summer I decided that our "main loaf" of bread in the house - at all times - would be home made. And yet, this was my first foray into Potato Bread.

The photos below should tell you why:

The recipe and the spud - who knew ONE potato could weigh enough to feed an entire loaf of bread?

Sponge - nice and yeasty and full of bubbley goodness. So far, things are looking great, and I'm wondering why those braver than I were complaining about this recipe.

The source of all complaining. This was the gummiest, stickest, meanest "ball" of bread dough that I've ever laid hands on. The "ewww" factor here was palpable. For the better part of an hour I was NOT AT ALL friendly to anyone even coming near the kitchen.

FINALLY rising - and looking (and feeling) something like I've come to expect bread to feel. I have to admit that *I* feel, here, like I've conquered the beast, and am finally in control of my kitchen again.

Finally done...

the rolls, and the bread bowls - filled with a really nice homemade chili and served warm. This was the best.