We’re delighted to announce the launch of the first Cookbooker Challenge. What’s the challenge? Think of it as Julie & Julia meets ‘crowdsourcing’.

Over the next 2 months, we’ll be encouraging our members to participate in collaboratively baking and reviewing every recipe from Peter Reinhart’s new book, Artisan Breads Every Day. Ten Speed Press has generously offered copies of James Peterson’s Baking as prizes for the best written review, the member with the most reviews, and the best photograph of a recipe.

Details are available at the Cookbooker Challenge page.

I’m quite excited as I’m a huge fan of Peter’s work. The first serious bread book I bought was his seminal Bread Baker’s Apprentice, and I’ve bought all the others since, including the new one. If you’re at all interested in bread baking, the book is a great starting point. The recipes are straightforward and take advantage the innovative techniques that have revolutionized home artisan baking.

Buy the book! It’s not expensive at all. While you’re waiting to get out to your favourite bookstore (or for the package to arrive in the mail), you can start with some free recipes from the book.