Jack- better times are coming, so hang in there and keep the faith. Your "self" is still there, but like most of the rest of our selves, it’s just on a hiatus. As part of a course I teach, I take university students on beer tours of Germany, Belgium and England and I too am wistful of the now lost past. But, the thought of walking the hops farms, touring the Trappist abbey, drinking ale on a patio overlooking green fields of barley, and sampling directly from the brewer’s vats keeps me hoping for a return to Europe, soon.
Yes, Better times are a head. If we let ourselves get caught up in this negative time we will be come part of it. Please stay positive, stay social distancing, and please be happy creating.
Jack, here I sit on a rainy, gray, cold day ... but, you just flooded our room with sunshine. You are a natural teacher & a deep down generous, caring, good person for sharing your knowledge freely with the world. I made my first bread about 50 years ago, but you have taught me the “principals” & my bread is now better than ever. Thank you. You have gotten me excited about baking bread. My husband watches your videos with me & I read your blogs out loud while we have our tea. He enjoys you as much as I do. There is only so much bread two senior citizens can eat. Thus, I am gifting the lovely sourdough loaves you have inspired me to make, to friends & family. I call them my “Bake With Jack Loaves” & encourage them to check out your blog, videos & shop. And really, I do bake with you, in my imagination, as your videos keep me company in the kitchen while I play with dough. 🙏
You are the best! You educate us(because anyone who says they know everything about bread baking is a liar!) And somehow you always put on a cheerful face through this messed up time in our lives. You cheer us up, even though in the last few months, I think I detect a bit of sadness in your eyes. You certainly are a help to me, with bread making and you cheer me up!
I loved the more casual format of the video. Sometimes we all just need to have a play, as you put it. And it's a nice break from the more scripted videos - much more personal, like we're just hanging out having a chat with you rather than watching a class. Both formats are good and have their place, but it's really nice to have a mix. Keeps it feeling like a real community.
Aha, that's where I'm going wrong - I have more flour on the table than I have IN the dough! I've watched 2 videos and I am filled with excitement for my next rolls. Thanks for the heartfelt message at the end too. I was looking last night where I served my engineering apprenticeship - the building had been there since 1952 and last year they knocked it down ready for a big warehouse. It was very difficult contemplating the past and how that's gone. My conclusion - don't try to dwell in the past, we can do nothing to change it, don't worry about the future, we can do nothing to change it, just make the most of the present - it's a gift we'll never get again. Keep up the great work Jack.
I loved this "freestyle" video. For those of us who have viewed all of your videos, it gave us some excellent reminders, but I'll be happy to watch you play with dough any time. I understand why you're feeling down-in-the-dumps because I find myself there frequently. Baking gives me joy and I thank you for teaching me how to bake sourdough bread, which always lifts my spirits. My skills have come such a long way since I started watching your videos. I'm retired now, but I was a teacher, so I know the things you miss. Just remember, you are still the man you were and everything you've done in your life is a part of who you are now. Just like I will always be a teacher, you will always be a chef, a baker, a teacher. It's only a matter of time before you're back teaching the classes you love.
Jack, seriously, you don't know how much your videos help me. I was so glad to see this video today. You've covered sticky dough several times, but of all my ills in the kitchen this is still my #1 problem. It's much less of a problem than it was a couple years ago. What really helps me is just seeing you work through problems like you did today. I can imagine the dough in my hands when you do it on camera, and it helps me visualize what I'll do next time I come across sticky dough. I notoriously over floured my doughs before following you last year. You've been my biggest help. Thank you for continuing this channel. I hope this whole pandemic is over soon and you can find a way to flourish when it's done.
In these times you and your knowledge of the flour are needed by all the wannabe bread baking public more than ever You also have the ability to make many of us have a smile and a laugh Keep it up stay strong for us all we need you my o mucker
I hardly ever comment on videos. It's not that I don't enjoy them but I'm normally watching on a devise that doesn't let me comment easily. I've only recently discovered your channel, but after becoming an avid bread baker (sourdough) this year I've found your channel and tips so helpful. You are FANTASTIC at what you do. You make it accessible for all and don't overload viewers with jargon. If you ever think about doing live sessions for sourdough I'd definitely sign up! Loved the video, keep doing what you love and you'll bounce back I'm sure
Nice to see you again. Sorry if you're still feeling a bit down but as you say I think there's a lot of people in the same boat. Your videos are a welcome ray of sunshine in a gloomy world. By the way, my wife was watching this video with me and she said that you really cheer her up and you are a lovely lad. She also says the way you handle the dough it's like watching a magician about to do some hand magic. I said he does, he'll produce a loaf and some rolls in a minute. 😁😁 Please keep making the videos and stay safe. 👍👍
Ahh! The listed directives, techniques, and personal labels (flour pot, tactical dust, etc) are great. Good "Bake with Jack" cookbook content some day? We can only hope and pray. And we do. :)
‘Don’t panic’ is pretty good advice all around Jack :) I want you to know that 90% of what I know about bread making comes from you. That’s pretty awesome. Thank you for that. Good to see you healthy and well. Thanks for the video. Really great tips. I don’t think you need a script. Your knowledge just spills out of you and you have a great way of explaining things.
Thank you Jack! Through this video I learned that I have been to heavy handed with my dough! You are such a natural teacher. I absolutely loved this video and learning about the things that may be second nature to you but are a developing skill for me. It reminds me of working in the kitchen with my grandma. Love ya!
Thanks for this ... I was going into "Jack withdrawal" : ) ...nothing wrong with impromptu ..... And I did see your blog post... I think we are all struggling a little, even those of us that are retired and thought "stay home?...no biggie" It has to be really hard for someone who is always out amount people. You hang in there.
Great demonstration and it is very helpful. Love you Jack, my heart broke a bit hearing you’re feeling a bit lost or down. You know we all love you. You are so genuine, delightful and always so inspiring. Sending you positive vibes from NYC.
During Lockdown, I spend ages trying to find video's from UK bakers on how to bake bread and yours was the only one worth watching!! I'd also set up a WhatsApp group for brand new bakers and started circulating your video's to them. They loved them because you provide simple instructions and teach us not to worry. Keep em coming !!
Are kidding me? You've inspired a lot of us to be home bakers. I'm with the airlines and you all know what happened there. I'm about to get laid off, but you...your vidoes, saved me from being lonely and hopeless. We're on the same boat. We lost a lot. We just have to look after each other. You vlog. We learn. We are like baking from a new oven. We'll get the hang of it soon and the bread's gonna be awesome. 👊 from Manila.
Dear Jack, you saved me during the pandemic! I was always very busy with work and work and work that I was lost when lots of work couldn't be done anymore. I realized I did not have any hobbies anymore (my work was my hobby). I did made bread before and then I found your channel. Started to watch your videos from beginning and learned so much from it. I realized the bread I made before couldn't be named bread to be honest. And then there was you: I was able to make bread like we buy at a bakery. And my enthusiasm came back and suddenly I realized: I have a hobby. Since then I am baking and baking. We even citate you in our home like "practice" and "structure". Long story short: you and your videos helped and still helping me through this pandemic. I do have the luck I still have work and work at home. But during my work, I make the time for baking bread. So thank you so much for this and getting me and probably more fans through this pandemic. Want you to know this. It's a hard and weird time and I wish I could tell you when it's over. but you are not the only one who feels this way and want to let you know your videos help a lot even when you might not realise it.
I absolutely love your videos! I feel like I'm learning more about breadmaking while watching the world's greatest sleight of hand magician. I used to feel intimidated by bread making, but now, I am a confident bread maker. I would love to attend one of your classes after the zombie apocalypse has ended and Americans are allowed to travel to the UK(of course that won't mean that all of them have any sense). Thank you so much and keep up the great work.
EXCELLENT video Jack. Being a new bread baker, I’ve only tackled making rolls once before, You’ve inspired me to make them again today and do it your way! Am feeling success already!😍. Thank you for continuing to keep on keeping on here on You Tube, and never underestimate the passion and knowledge you bring to others. Prayers from across the pond, with hopes that you’ll soon be taking the U.K. back by storm, in all the ways you and your audiences are missing.
Went through yoir blog post. Who are you?!!! You are a selfless teacher who taught millions across the globe to bake their bread right. People work to earn their bread and you showed a way to turn that earning into a real bread. Goos times are coming, Jack. Just float for a while and the waves would soon bring you back to the shore, stronger and better
You may not be face to face with us Jack but you are with us, such a wonderful easy communicator. You are a treasure much appreciated and loved around this world you have created for us. Chinup dear friend, it will be over soon - isn't. So make the most of these moments because I have a feeling that you were going to very very busy .GOD BLESS.
It made me inordinately happy to see a new BWJ video in my subscription list. It was very helpful, and humorous! Much needed. The casual style is fine by me. Thank you for the heartfelt words, I will read the blog post. We all have to do what we can to buoy our spirits, and for some of us that is baking. You are a gifted teacher, so in essence you are helping us not only nourish our bodies with tasty bread, but nourish our spirits as well. ✌🏻
I know this was a year ago but I just started watching you a few days ago. Pandemic took a toll on a lot of people. But I appreciate your watching out for others even when you could be making money off of the pandemic like some people have done. It’s nice to see that you’re doing well again with your new book coming out next week which I pre-ordered. You’re a great young man to watch and the past few days I’ve been binge watching your videos and learning a lot from you. you’re amazing at what you do at such a young age to have so much talent and so much love and passion in what you do. That makes you more special than who you think you are now and know that there’s not a lot of people like you out there. Best of luck on your new journey with your book and thank you again for sharing your knowledge.
Great video Jack! very useful, you’re a natural impromptu or not! It’s your generous nature that keeps you posting these awesome videos, needless to say the way you feel definitely resonates
So sorry you haven't been able to do face-to-face teaching :( But please know that this girl from across the pond was absolutely thrilled to see a new video of yours today! You've helped me through many of my sourdough adventures. Keep on teaching through TH-cam . PLEASE!
Excellent, informative, entertaining - as usual. Thank you Jack. And to all those wannabee bakers - keep practising. Jack makes it look so easy because it can be, with practice.
Such valuable tips Jack and couldn't come at a more perfect time. I've been so frustrated with my bread fails and just about given up. Between the light touch I've NOT been doing and the excessive flour, I HAVE been using, you have opened up my eyes and given me the desire to try again. Thank you for restoring my desire to give me bread dough another try. Look forward to reading the blog post and gave a feeling, I will find that very helpful too. God bless you Jack and thank you for sharing.
Hi Jack. Thanks for the video. A lot of very useful tips and tricks, that I look forward to testing. I believe most people in these times risk feeling a bit down. It’s been a rough year so far. Good thing to talk about it. Side note: Have been using the merch from the big box from your store, and we really love everything in it, so thanks for providing very useful and sturdy tools.
Nice C stand! Don't be sad Jack you are well loved by people here! If really things happened for a reason they also got everyone thinking we had been taking granted for a lot of things....chin up
You’re awesome, Jack. Thanks for opening up and sharing your vulnerability. We all went thru it with you. The world is a different place and we’ve all had to adjust to the new normal. Rather than kick it under the rug, you opened up on a way we can all relate. Glad to have found your channel..
Love seeing you back. You have such a great style and I learn so much. Read your blog when it came out and it resonated so much.. it is heartwarming to have you back on our screens.
And then it will be possible for everybody in the whole world to enjoy your classes. I am from the Netherlands and would love to bake with Jack digitally 😃
Hi Jack, I’m in Melbourne Australia and have been in lockdown now for far too long. Thank you for sharing, I feel as if I have not much left of myself right now, I haven’t left my home in months. I have a teenager who can’t leave the house due to the lockdown rules, we will leave the house together when we are allowed to. Listening to you made me feel less alone, if that makes sense. I am baking regularly but rarely have an appetite these days, I love he smell of freshly baked bread 🍞, thank you once again.
Hi Jack Your videos and knowledge imparted have been so helpful please give yourself a pat on the back...it is well deserved and you should be proud of yourself...keep well and safe...Many Thanks
Hey Jack! I’m on my 2nd rest for my sourdough and thought what a great time to watch your latest video. It’s So good to have you to watch and learn from! You make things look easy and by learning over the past 2 years, my skill has greatly improved! THANK YOU. Stay grounded my friend. Greg West Texas
you just saved my bag of very hard to come by flour!!!! i I have always struggled with a sticky dough, so this video was a lifesaver for my bread. I almost put the dreaded kitchen wrap on the dough but watched your video first - THANK YOU!! only used a smidgen of the flour i normally used to shape! It was great to see a video from you - things will get to a new normal soon. Might not be exactly what we want but it will get back to some new normal. You keep me smiling when i see a new video that teaches me something. You help a lot of us keep it between the ditches these days.
You are the best Jack! Thank you for all that you have taught me! As far as “who am I now”...I think we really still are the same people we were before covid... we’ve just been put “on hold” for a while. Have faith that life will get back to normal!
Every time I made sandwich rolls, they would flatten and spread out when rising and baking. I started following your methods and now NOW! I have to flatten the rolls a bit because they bake up too round-y and tall! Hurray! Your explanation of dry side and sticky side has cured my flat rolls! You’re the BEST!
Love how real you are. Totally relateable. Enjoy every video of yours. Just beginning my bread making journey(at 58yrs old) ~ and you make it totally a fun experience. Glad you were suggested on one of the Bread Baking Groups!
Hey Jack. I just wanted to say thanks. This is a good video. When you first start baking, as I have, you really can't get enough tips like this. Dough handling can be a challenge for me. I really enjoy your videos and I like your personality. My wife always says that your recipes are the best. You are helping a lot of people get their minds off of a very tough time. I hope you feel encouraged knowing that what you're doing is helping more people than you realize. I hope you and your family are doing well. Thanks Jack.
Thank you so much for your video, I've missed your regular videos. This very welcome freestyle was especially useful for me because I've been really struggling with this specific aspect of bread baking. I couldn't remember how to keep a sticky side to the dough so thank you for that, you are a mind reader! You are awesome and your patient, systematic process for teaching bread baking is the reason why I've been able to kick my bread baking up a notch or two. I was about to give up when I stumbled over your excellent videos. I totally understand feeling a little down, I know I have been and it's easy to see that you really enjoy teaching so not getting to do that would be a bummer. I am so glad you feel like I do, making a loaf of bread makes everything better. I hope to someday take one of your classes and see you in your element! I hope you and your family are doing well, staying healthy and hanging in there.
U can come spend time with us anytime Jack. We’re all struggling in our new roles. For me, how to be a Grammie when I can’t hug and love on my my grandsons. Hang in there it will come right in the end.
Always a good video Jack! Learned a lot from you from watching a number of your videos when I started baking bread. Just watching this made me pat myself on the back cos i do everything you just said. I hope you’re feeling much better!!!
I picked up on this tip when you did the Sourdough videos. It was the BEST tip I've ever learned. I had been baking sourdough for years and would get inconsistent results. Learning to keep a top/bottom or sticky/smooth side made a huge improvement in how I shaped and the final bread. THANK YOU JACK!
Nice to see you Jack ! Making bread has a been something I look forward to each week during this nonsense. Your latest tip has just made me realise I am stretching my dough too far when I am putting in structure and ending up with a bit of stick when shaping.
Very useful! I'm writing this response on April 28, 2022: Re "Who Am I Now": I am a professional classical singer and singing teacher. For the first year and a half of the pandemic I had no work at all. No one was giving concerts, so there was no work for musicians. My students weren't working either, so, in addition to us all trying to stay away from each other, they couldn't afford to take lessons. I found that it was almost impossible to practice: if I'm not going to use it, why bother? For an analogy, if you, Jack, and your family developed an allergy to yeast, so that you couldn't eat your bread, and nobody asked you to make bread for them, or to teach them how to do it themselves, it might be hard to make yourself still work with dough. So you have my complete sympathy. Thank god Covid is fading a little, and we're also getting better at dealing with it, so I'm about halfway back to normal.
I bless the day I stumbled upon you early last year. And how little did we know then how much we would need your kindness, your decency, your expertise, and your goodness in these very dark times this year. I think the Zoom idea posted below is a great one and you'd get to talk with people, at least. I would limit the number to join so that it would feel more intimate for everyone. It might bring a smile back to your soul :] Love and Light Jack!
So helpful! Thank you so much. Going te read your blog post now. I know I feel like I've lost everything and every day is some struggle to make things easier.
Jack, Bro, you know you are loved! It's all good bro! Life is good, you could be in a bad situation as I am. yet I am happy, so you should be. Love you dude! just be you!
Yes, that helped! Your vulnerability is so genuine! , It is very important that we all understand how the changes in the world, and in our personal lives do matter and do effect how we feel. Thank goodness for us to share through social media- the ability to feel a little better in this community! #TeamBakeWithJack
VERY good and helpful! Thanks. I loved seeing the impromptu and repeated shaping and handling, as well as informative commentary on what not to do and how to correctly approach your dough. You've really helped me out mate, it's very much appreciated.
Jack, I appreciated your stealth blog. I just found it recently as I am looking at your channel a lot more now. I have been baking some bread. It started with a rye recipe. It was good, but rather dense with a formidable crust. I appreciate your care and attention to us home bakers. I appreciated the stealth blog too. It was a good message for me, as well. Bill
This definitely was helpful! I have baked using my kitchen aid--with having 4 kids, it's been giving me the ability to put fresh bread on the table. But I decided today that I really needed to learn to knead. Thank you 😀
Free style anytime Jack! Always valuable info and great tips for a more successful outcome :) It's very hard when things change beyond our control. It is almost like losing a part of your soul or identity. Your presence is important to your virtual bakers around the world even if its not the same as being in front of actual human beings and getting immediate responses - it is very gratifying. Hang in there X Linda Quebec city, Canada
Good to see you again, you are the reason I make a lot of sourdough bread and with less flavour the before. Learned some really good techniques out of your videos. Thanx 👍
Watching that it sticks...and that is correct...is so helpful! It has stopped me from using more flour...i hardly use any now...such wonderful advice! You are a wonderful instructor!
This is a lifesaver! (And flour saver haha) I've always wondered why my dough always sticks to the surface after proofing/before shaping which almost always leads me to over flouring. I've learned something new today so thank you, Jack!
The tactical dust and the flour flick 🤣🤣🤣 love it. Learned these from you in the way back videos and they have been very helpful. I tell everyone that's making bread not to dust the table they look at me like im crazy lol. I'll have to add these awesome vocabulary words to my brain. And ahhh to hear you "say cut to the table". Missed that lol.
Hi Jack, About your blog-entry: Doubt is a sign of intelligence. Use this time well :-). Since I have joined your channel, my bread making has improved. Now that I understand more of the principles, I can experiment. You're a great teacher Jack, and I'm sure you're a great creator as well.
Cheer up and hang in there, Jack. Covid will not last forever and good normal days will be back. Keep your wonderful videos going. Following you from Asia in Singapore 👍
Jack - I would say that we are all in the same boat, but actually we are each in our own "family boat" on a big lake. The lake has a bit more wind and waves than usual. I wish those people well who are the only person in their "family boat" as they are probably having a more difficult time. And there are very few good things to watch on TV, let alone the news. Time to bake more bread !!!
Thank you Jake, really needed this. I am guilty of over flouring and not knowing how to get out of the situation. I always look forward to your videos, even more to your demonstrations. Have really missed it.
Fabulous, Jack. This has so much potential - even if the stairs look a little tricky for getting a BIG oven up to your brilliant new space. Hope it goes really well. Will be watching out!
Just seen this. Its very true. However much we want work not to blend with our person and some days run out. It's were we spend a significant part of our time, energy and attention. Developing, doing, moving, interacting. Its bound(!) to become a part of us. When its a career, you're in the field as a life choice, even more so. Like crust on a bread, so inseparable it'd need ripping apart. Sometimes, like this one, its hopefully a question of biding one's time. Prepare to become better and more resilient when we cross this difficulty. Learning never to take anything for granted.
Thanks for this video Jack! You inspired me to mix up 200g of flour and 140g of water and some salt for no other purpose than to play with the dough and see how it behaves. I had a good time - and a few hard rolls for dinner tonight. Thank you!
Loved the quick touch technique for keeping the dough from sticking to your fingers. Also, would love to know how to bake those biscuits. I never thought about dividing the dough for biscuits too. Great idea.
Thank you so much for all these EXTREMELY helpful (and enjoyable) bread baking videos, especially this one! I started trying to teach myself how to bake some months ago and stumbled on your videos and immediately got hooked, BECAUSE you EXPLAIN and SHOW especially the basics! I've been struggling and this simple, well explained and actually SHOWN video pointed outa common problem for me: too much flour, sticky dough, dough that I just could not get to make tidy balls or roll into ropes or become bread with good crumb (ie not dense and chewy!). I'm looking forward to your Homebakers Club next week . . . and (hopefully FINALLY!) making a nice loaf with these tips!
Jack, thank you for everything. Like many on here, I tried sourdough for years and never quite got it until I came across your videos and until I was forced to be home all the time and could practice and experiment more. My favorite part of sourdough has been giving away loaves to friends and neighbors. It seems so important these days. Thanks for helping me do that. My question related to sticky dough is this. I am fortunate to have found a local wheat grower and miller in Maryland that produces wonderful flours. However, the varieties change from time to time. Some have higher protein or gluten levels than others, among other differences. Sometimes the flour is noticeably stickier with the same amount of water due to the way the particular flour behaves. It can take a few tries to adjust and find the right amount of water to use. I already use pretty high hydration, and so sometimes it's all just too sticky to deal with. I think on one of your videos you said that adding flour late in the process is not great because of how the gluten won't develop the same as the rest of the flour. Any thoughts on this and how to work with really sticky sourdough and either make it work or turn it into something else? -Michael, Maryland USA
I'm happy for you that you got to play with the dough. It's sort of a happy meditative zone. Ok, I admit I'm happy you brought us along too. ☺️ Still working on the flour flick ...🤨
I know it’s not much, but you have inspired so many people to bake through the lockdown. I started baking after discovering your channel and only today I told a lady that I workwith about you. Whilst everything might not work out perfectly all the time, it still tastes amazing. I am lucky as I am still working and getting paid, but it must be difficult for you and your family. I appreciate your guidance and advice and I hope this all ends soon and you can get back to doing what you love. Looking forward to the next video. On a side note, have you ever used Vital Wheat Gluten in your baking? I use it with great success when I can’t get bread flour. Thanks again
Your tips are wonderful! Thanks for your impromptu video! Baking has been my therapy through this time. So grateful that I came across your videos. Keep up the great work you are doing. You are so appreciated!
@11:03 Jack says "I don't know how helpful is this video"
Me: you saved me from dusting 1lb flour on a half lb dough
Jack- better times are coming, so hang in there and keep the faith. Your "self" is still there, but like most of the rest of our selves, it’s just on a hiatus. As part of a course I teach, I take university students on beer tours of Germany, Belgium and England and I too am wistful of the now lost past. But, the thought of walking the hops farms, touring the Trappist abbey, drinking ale on a patio overlooking green fields of barley, and sampling directly from the brewer’s vats keeps me hoping for a return to Europe, soon.
Yes, Better times are a head. If we let ourselves get caught up in this negative time we will be come part of it. Please stay positive, stay social distancing, and please be happy creating.
Jack, here I sit on a rainy, gray, cold day ... but, you just flooded our room with sunshine. You are a natural teacher & a deep down generous, caring, good person for sharing your knowledge freely with the world. I made my first bread about 50 years ago, but you have taught me the “principals” & my bread is now better than ever. Thank you. You have gotten me excited about baking bread. My husband watches your videos with me & I read your blogs out loud while we have our tea. He enjoys you as much as I do. There is only so much bread two senior citizens can eat. Thus, I am gifting the lovely sourdough loaves you have inspired me to make, to friends & family. I call them my “Bake With Jack Loaves” & encourage them to check out your blog, videos & shop. And really, I do bake with you, in my imagination, as your videos keep me company in the kitchen while I play with dough. 🙏
You are the best! You educate us(because anyone who says they know everything about bread baking is a liar!) And somehow you always put on a cheerful face through this messed up time in our lives. You cheer us up, even though in the last few months, I think I detect a bit of sadness in your eyes. You certainly are a help to me, with bread making and you cheer me up!
I loved the more casual format of the video. Sometimes we all just need to have a play, as you put it. And it's a nice break from the more scripted videos - much more personal, like we're just hanging out having a chat with you rather than watching a class. Both formats are good and have their place, but it's really nice to have a mix. Keeps it feeling like a real community.
Aha, that's where I'm going wrong - I have more flour on the table than I have IN the dough! I've watched 2 videos and I am filled with excitement for my next rolls. Thanks for the heartfelt message at the end too. I was looking last night where I served my engineering apprenticeship - the building had been there since 1952 and last year they knocked it down ready for a big warehouse. It was very difficult contemplating the past and how that's gone. My conclusion - don't try to dwell in the past, we can do nothing to change it, don't worry about the future, we can do nothing to change it, just make the most of the present - it's a gift we'll never get again. Keep up the great work Jack.
I loved this "freestyle" video. For those of us who have viewed all of your videos, it gave us some excellent reminders, but I'll be happy to watch you play with dough any time. I understand why you're feeling down-in-the-dumps because I find myself there frequently. Baking gives me joy and I thank you for teaching me how to bake sourdough bread, which always lifts my spirits. My skills have come such a long way since I started watching your videos. I'm retired now, but I was a teacher, so I know the things you miss. Just remember, you are still the man you were and everything you've done in your life is a part of who you are now. Just like I will always be a teacher, you will always be a chef, a baker, a teacher. It's only a matter of time before you're back teaching the classes you love.
Jack, seriously, you don't know how much your videos help me. I was so glad to see this video today. You've covered sticky dough several times, but of all my ills in the kitchen this is still my #1 problem. It's much less of a problem than it was a couple years ago. What really helps me is just seeing you work through problems like you did today. I can imagine the dough in my hands when you do it on camera, and it helps me visualize what I'll do next time I come across sticky dough.
I notoriously over floured my doughs before following you last year. You've been my biggest help.
Thank you for continuing this channel. I hope this whole pandemic is over soon and you can find a way to flourish when it's done.
It’s my pleasure ted. I’m so pleased it has helped 🤗
In these times you and your knowledge of the flour are needed by all the wannabe bread baking public more than ever
You also have the ability to make many of us have a smile and a laugh
Keep it up stay strong for us all we need you my o mucker
I hardly ever comment on videos. It's not that I don't enjoy them but I'm normally watching on a devise that doesn't let me comment easily. I've only recently discovered your channel, but after becoming an avid bread baker (sourdough) this year I've found your channel and tips so helpful. You are FANTASTIC at what you do. You make it accessible for all and don't overload viewers with jargon. If you ever think about doing live sessions for sourdough I'd definitely sign up! Loved the video, keep doing what you love and you'll bounce back I'm sure
Nice to see you again. Sorry if you're still feeling a bit down but as you say I think there's a lot of people in the same boat. Your videos are a welcome ray of sunshine in a gloomy world. By the way, my wife was watching this video with me and she said that you really cheer her up and you are a lovely lad. She also says the way you handle the dough it's like watching a magician about to do some hand magic. I said he does, he'll produce a loaf and some rolls in a minute. 😁😁 Please keep making the videos and stay safe. 👍👍
Ahh! The listed directives, techniques, and personal labels (flour pot, tactical dust, etc) are great. Good "Bake with Jack" cookbook content some day? We can only hope and pray. And we do. :)
‘Don’t panic’ is pretty good advice all around Jack :) I want you to know that 90% of what I know about bread making comes from you. That’s pretty awesome. Thank you for that. Good to see you healthy and well. Thanks for the video. Really great tips. I don’t think you need a script. Your knowledge just spills out of you and you have a great way of explaining things.
Thank you Jack! Through this video I learned that I have been to heavy handed with my dough! You are such a natural teacher. I absolutely loved this video and learning about the things that may be second nature to you but are a developing skill for me. It reminds me of working in the kitchen with my grandma. Love ya!
Thanks Susan!
I would love to see more tutorial or freestyle videos. I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing all that dough prepped into loaves
Thanks for this ... I was going into "Jack withdrawal" : ) ...nothing wrong with impromptu ..... And I did see your blog post... I think we are all struggling a little, even those of us that are retired and thought "stay home?...no biggie" It has to be really hard for someone who is always out amount people. You hang in there.
We’re all in the dumps....but hoping for better times. Definitely getting tired of Groundhog Day! Feeling exactly like you..but Baking on!!! Chin up!
Great demonstration and it is very helpful. Love you Jack, my heart broke a bit hearing you’re feeling a bit lost or down. You know we all love you. You are so genuine, delightful and always so inspiring. Sending you positive vibes from NYC.
Thanks Diane 🤗🤗🤗
During Lockdown, I spend ages trying to find video's from UK bakers on how to bake bread and yours was the only one worth watching!! I'd also set up a WhatsApp group for brand new bakers and started circulating your video's to them. They loved them because you provide simple instructions and teach us not to worry. Keep em coming !!
Jack, you are a joy to watch and listen to! What you are feeling resonates deeply, thank you for sharing from your heart.
Are kidding me? You've inspired a lot of us to be home bakers. I'm with the airlines and you all know what happened there. I'm about to get laid off, but you...your vidoes, saved me from being lonely and hopeless. We're on the same boat. We lost a lot. We just have to look after each other. You vlog. We learn. We are like baking from a new oven. We'll get the hang of it soon and the bread's gonna be awesome. 👊 from Manila.
Dear Jack, you saved me during the pandemic! I was always very busy with work and work and work that I was lost when lots of work couldn't be done anymore. I realized I did not have any hobbies anymore (my work was my hobby). I did made bread before and then I found your channel. Started to watch your videos from beginning and learned so much from it. I realized the bread I made before couldn't be named bread to be honest. And then there was you: I was able to make bread like we buy at a bakery. And my enthusiasm came back and suddenly I realized: I have a hobby. Since then I am baking and baking. We even citate you in our home like "practice" and "structure". Long story short: you and your videos helped and still helping me through this pandemic. I do have the luck I still have work and work at home. But during my work, I make the time for baking bread. So thank you so much for this and getting me and probably more fans through this pandemic. Want you to know this. It's a hard and weird time and I wish I could tell you when it's over. but you are not the only one who feels this way and want to let you know your videos help a lot even when you might not realise it.
Good to see you back mate
My son of 8 years have started baking bread learning your videos ... Thanks
I absolutely love your videos! I feel like I'm learning more about breadmaking while watching the world's greatest sleight of hand magician. I used to feel intimidated by bread making, but now, I am a confident bread maker. I would love to attend one of your classes after the zombie apocalypse has ended and Americans are allowed to travel to the UK(of course that won't mean that all of them have any sense). Thank you so much and keep up the great work.
For me, this was the best of the recent videos. I think a few videos “teaching class” will help a lot of us.
EXCELLENT video Jack. Being a new bread baker, I’ve only tackled making rolls once before, You’ve inspired me to make them again today and do it your way! Am feeling success already!😍. Thank you for continuing to keep on keeping on here on You Tube, and never underestimate the passion and knowledge you bring to others. Prayers from across the pond, with hopes that you’ll soon be taking the U.K. back by storm, in all the ways you and your audiences are missing.
Went through yoir blog post. Who are you?!!! You are a selfless teacher who taught millions across the globe to bake their bread right. People work to earn their bread and you showed a way to turn that earning into a real bread.
Goos times are coming, Jack. Just float for a while and the waves would soon bring you back to the shore, stronger and better
You may not be face to face with us Jack but you are with us, such a wonderful easy communicator. You are a treasure much appreciated and loved around this world you have created for us. Chinup dear friend, it will be over soon - isn't. So make the most of these moments because I have a feeling that you were going to very very busy .GOD BLESS.
It made me inordinately happy to see a new BWJ video in my subscription list. It was very helpful, and humorous! Much needed. The casual style is fine by me. Thank you for the heartfelt words, I will read the blog post. We all have to do what we can to buoy our spirits, and for some of us that is baking. You are a gifted teacher, so in essence you are helping us not only nourish our bodies with tasty bread, but nourish our spirits as well. ✌🏻
Thank you Tara ☺️👌🏻
I know this was a year ago but I just started watching you a few days ago. Pandemic took a toll on a lot of people. But I appreciate your watching out for others even when you could be making money off of the pandemic like some people have done. It’s nice to see that you’re doing well again with your new book coming out next week which I pre-ordered. You’re a great young man to watch and the past few days I’ve been binge watching your videos and learning a lot from you.
you’re amazing at what you do at such a young age to have so much talent and so much love and passion in what you do. That makes you more special than who you think you are now and know that there’s not a lot of people like you out there. Best of luck on your new journey with your book and thank you again for sharing your knowledge.
You are like a dough fairy, mate. A dough whisperer.
I learned a lot. Thank you.
Great video Jack! very useful, you’re a natural impromptu or not! It’s your generous nature that keeps you posting these awesome videos, needless to say the way you feel definitely resonates
So sorry you haven't been able to do face-to-face teaching :(
But please know that this girl from across the pond was absolutely thrilled to see a new video of yours today! You've helped me through many of my sourdough adventures. Keep on teaching through TH-cam . PLEASE!
Excellent, informative, entertaining - as usual. Thank you Jack. And to all those wannabee bakers - keep practising. Jack makes it look so easy because it can be, with practice.
Such valuable tips Jack and couldn't come at a more perfect time. I've been so frustrated with my bread fails and just about given up. Between the light touch I've NOT been doing and the excessive flour, I HAVE been using, you have opened up my eyes and given me the desire to try again. Thank you for restoring my desire to give me bread dough another try. Look forward to reading the blog post and gave a feeling, I will find that very helpful too. God bless you Jack and thank you for sharing.
Hi Jack. Thanks for the video. A lot of very useful tips and tricks, that I look forward to testing.
I believe most people in these times risk feeling a bit down. It’s been a rough year so far. Good thing to talk about it.
Side note: Have been using the merch from the big box from your store, and we really love everything in it, so thanks for providing very useful and sturdy tools.
What an eye-opening video. Now I see where I've been going wrong in the past few months. Love the idea of the flour flick ...
Nice C stand! Don't be sad Jack you are well loved by people here! If really things happened for a reason they also got everyone thinking we had been taking granted for a lot of things....chin up
We're all human, but we're in this together. Love ya Jack, hang in there
You’re awesome, Jack. Thanks for opening up and sharing your vulnerability. We all went thru it with you. The world is a different place and we’ve all had to adjust to the new normal. Rather than kick it under the rug, you opened up on a way we can all relate. Glad to have found your channel..
Love seeing you back. You have such a great style and I learn so much. Read your blog when it came out and it resonated so much.. it is heartwarming to have you back on our screens.
Jack, why not have a zoom class for us? I would gladly pay to participate!
And then it will be possible for everybody in the whole world to enjoy your classes. I am from the Netherlands and would love to bake with Jack digitally 😃
@@HeleenKerssies Right!?!
I agree!
Me too Jack.
What a great idea!
Hi Jack, I’m in Melbourne Australia and have been in lockdown now for far too long. Thank you for sharing, I feel as if I have not much left of myself right now, I haven’t left my home in months. I have a teenager who can’t leave the house due to the lockdown rules, we will leave the house together when we are allowed to. Listening to you made me feel less alone, if that makes sense. I am baking regularly but rarely have an appetite these days, I love he smell of freshly baked bread 🍞, thank you once again.
Hi Jack
Your videos and knowledge imparted have been so helpful please give yourself a pat on the back...it is well deserved and you should be proud of yourself...keep well and safe...Many Thanks
Thank you Jack! Keep being who you are!
Hey Jack! I’m on my 2nd rest for my sourdough and thought what a great time to watch your latest video. It’s So good to have you to watch and learn from! You make things look easy and by learning over the past 2 years, my skill has greatly improved! THANK YOU.
Stay grounded my friend.
Greg
West Texas
you just saved my bag of very hard to come by flour!!!! i I have always struggled with a sticky dough, so this video was a lifesaver for my bread. I almost put the dreaded kitchen wrap on the dough but watched your video first - THANK YOU!! only used a smidgen of the flour i normally used to shape! It was great to see a video from you - things will get to a new normal soon. Might not be exactly what we want but it will get back to some new normal. You keep me smiling when i see a new video that teaches me something. You help a lot of us keep it between the ditches these days.
You are the best Jack! Thank you for all that you have taught me! As far as “who am I now”...I think we really still are the same people we were before covid... we’ve just been put “on hold” for a while. Have faith that life will get back to normal!
Every time I made sandwich rolls, they would flatten and spread out when rising and baking. I started following your methods and now NOW! I have to flatten the rolls a bit because they bake up too round-y and tall! Hurray! Your explanation of dry side and sticky side has cured my flat rolls! You’re the BEST!
Love how real you are. Totally relateable. Enjoy every video of yours. Just beginning my bread making journey(at 58yrs old) ~ and you make it totally a fun experience. Glad you were suggested on one of the Bread Baking Groups!
We love you Jack
Hey Jack. I just wanted to say thanks. This is a good video. When you first start baking, as I have, you really can't get enough tips like this. Dough handling can be a challenge for me. I really enjoy your videos and I like your personality. My wife always says that your recipes are the best. You are helping a lot of people get their minds off of a very tough time. I hope you feel encouraged knowing that what you're doing is helping more people than you realize. I hope you and your family are doing well. Thanks Jack.
Thank you so much for your video, I've missed your regular videos. This very welcome freestyle was especially useful for me because I've been really struggling with this specific aspect of bread baking. I couldn't remember how to keep a sticky side to the dough so thank you for that, you are a mind reader!
You are awesome and your patient, systematic process for teaching bread baking is the reason why I've been able to kick my bread baking up a notch or two. I was about to give up when I stumbled over your excellent videos.
I totally understand feeling a little down, I know I have been and it's easy to see that you really enjoy teaching so not getting to do that would be a bummer.
I am so glad you feel like I do, making a loaf of bread makes everything better.
I hope to someday take one of your classes and see you in your element! I hope you and your family are doing well, staying healthy and hanging in there.
U can come spend time with us anytime Jack. We’re all struggling in our new roles. For me, how to be a Grammie when I can’t hug and love on my my grandsons. Hang in there it will come right in the end.
Oh, I so missed you and the table. Good to see you again Jack.😊
Always a good video Jack! Learned a lot from you from watching a number of your videos when I started baking bread. Just watching this made me pat myself on the back cos i do everything you just said. I hope you’re feeling much better!!!
You still have all your loyal fans Jack and zoom meetings would be amazing...we are all in this together 👍🍞🤎
I picked up on this tip when you did the Sourdough videos. It was the BEST tip I've ever learned. I had been baking sourdough for years and would get inconsistent results. Learning to keep a top/bottom or sticky/smooth side made a huge improvement in how I shaped and the final bread. THANK YOU JACK!
Thank you, Jack...love tuning into your messages, love the blogs...you are helping us sustain community and bake good bread while we are at it...
Nice to see you Jack ! Making bread has a been something I look forward to each week during this nonsense. Your latest tip has just made me realise I am stretching my dough too far when I am putting in structure and ending up with a bit of stick when shaping.
Very useful!
I'm writing this response on April 28, 2022:
Re "Who Am I Now": I am a professional classical singer and singing teacher. For the first year and a half of the pandemic I had no work at all. No one was giving concerts, so there was no work for musicians. My students weren't working either, so, in addition to us all trying to stay away from each other, they couldn't afford to take lessons.
I found that it was almost impossible to practice: if I'm not going to use it, why bother? For an analogy, if you, Jack, and your family developed an allergy to yeast, so that you couldn't eat your bread, and nobody asked you to make bread for them, or to teach them how to do it themselves, it might be hard to make yourself still work with dough.
So you have my complete sympathy. Thank god Covid is fading a little, and we're also getting better at dealing with it, so I'm about halfway back to normal.
I bless the day I stumbled upon you early last year. And how little did we know then how much we would need your kindness, your decency, your expertise, and your goodness in these very dark times this year.
I think the Zoom idea posted below is a great one and you'd get to talk with people, at least. I would limit the number to join so that it would feel more intimate for everyone. It might bring a smile back to your soul :] Love and Light Jack!
So helpful! Thank you so much. Going te read your blog post now. I know I feel like I've lost everything and every day is some struggle to make things easier.
Jack, Bro, you know you are loved! It's all good bro! Life is good, you could be in a bad situation as I am. yet I am happy, so you should be. Love you dude! just be you!
Yes, that helped! Your vulnerability is so genuine! , It is very important that we all understand how the changes in the world, and in our personal lives do matter and do effect how we feel. Thank goodness for us to share through social media- the ability to feel a little better in this community! #TeamBakeWithJack
VERY good and helpful! Thanks. I loved seeing the impromptu and repeated shaping and handling, as well as informative commentary on what not to do and how to correctly approach your dough. You've really helped me out mate, it's very much appreciated.
“It will be fine... nobody panic!” Thank you... because I definitely was panicking for you
Jack, I appreciated your stealth blog. I just found it recently as I am looking at your channel a lot more now. I have been baking some bread. It started with a rye recipe. It was good, but rather dense with a formidable crust. I appreciate your care and attention to us home bakers. I appreciated the stealth blog too. It was a good message for me, as well. Bill
So excited to see you uploading again!
This definitely was helpful! I have baked using my kitchen aid--with having 4 kids, it's been giving me the ability to put fresh bread on the table. But I decided today that I really needed to learn to knead. Thank you 😀
Good to see you again
Free style anytime Jack! Always valuable info and great tips for a more successful outcome :) It's very hard when things change beyond our control. It is almost like losing a part of your soul or identity. Your presence is important to your virtual bakers around the world even if its not the same as being in front of actual human beings and getting immediate responses - it is very gratifying. Hang in there X Linda Quebec city, Canada
Good to see you again, you are the reason I make a lot of sourdough bread and with less flavour the before. Learned some really good techniques out of your videos.
Thanx 👍
Watching that it sticks...and that is correct...is so helpful! It has stopped me from using more flour...i hardly use any now...such wonderful advice! You are a wonderful instructor!
This is a lifesaver! (And flour saver haha) I've always wondered why my dough always sticks to the surface after proofing/before shaping which almost always leads me to over flouring. I've learned something new today so thank you, Jack!
The tactical dust and the flour flick 🤣🤣🤣 love it. Learned these from you in the way back videos and they have been very helpful. I tell everyone that's making bread not to dust the table they look at me like im crazy lol. I'll have to add these awesome vocabulary words to my brain. And ahhh to hear you "say cut to the table". Missed that lol.
Hi Jack,
About your blog-entry:
Doubt is a sign of intelligence.
Use this time well :-).
Since I have joined your channel, my bread making has improved. Now that I understand more of the principles, I can experiment.
You're a great teacher Jack, and I'm sure you're a great creator as well.
Cheer up and hang in there, Jack. Covid will not last forever and good normal days will be back. Keep your wonderful videos going. Following you from Asia in Singapore 👍
Jack - I would say that we are all in the same boat, but actually we are each in our own "family boat" on a big lake. The lake has a bit more wind and waves than usual. I wish those people well who are the only person in their "family boat" as they are probably having a more difficult time. And there are very few good things to watch on TV, let alone the news. Time to bake more bread !!!
I love your videos! You are a wonderful teacher and a fantastic person! God bless you, Jake!
Thank you Jake, really needed this. I am guilty of over flouring and not knowing how to get out of the situation. I always look forward to your videos, even more to your demonstrations. Have really missed it.
Really....autocorrect!!!!!!! I know your name is Jack...not Jake....ugh....❤️💕💕
Welcome back Jack. 👍
Fabulous, Jack. This has so much potential - even if the stairs look a little tricky for getting a BIG oven up to your brilliant new space. Hope it goes really well. Will be watching out!
Great video with good information as always. Every time I over flour my board I hear your voice in my head saying "don't use so much dust"
I love your chats! Keep up the great work. Your enthusiasm while teaching your craft has inspired me to get back to baking!
I loved the impromptu! I miss our Thursday date. And....I have some levian mixed, ready to play tomorrow! See ya!
Just seen this. Its very true. However much we want work not to blend with our person and some days run out. It's were we spend a significant part of our time, energy and attention. Developing, doing, moving, interacting. Its bound(!) to become a part of us.
When its a career, you're in the field as a life choice, even more so. Like crust on a bread, so inseparable it'd need ripping apart.
Sometimes, like this one, its hopefully a question of biding one's time. Prepare to become better and more resilient when we cross this difficulty. Learning never to take anything for granted.
Thanks for this video Jack! You inspired me to mix up 200g of flour and 140g of water and some salt for no other purpose than to play with the dough and see how it behaves. I had a good time - and a few hard rolls for dinner tonight. Thank you!
Thank you Jack. I'll watch this many times, I have such trouble handling dough but I will keep trying. 😍
Yes to the plastic bowls, please Jack. Can’t find them in Canada and love love the scrappers and grignette.
Loved the quick touch technique for keeping the dough from sticking to your fingers. Also, would love to know how to bake those biscuits. I never thought about dividing the dough for biscuits too. Great idea.
Thank you so much for all these EXTREMELY helpful (and enjoyable) bread baking videos, especially this one! I started trying to teach myself how to bake some months ago and stumbled on your videos and immediately got hooked, BECAUSE you EXPLAIN and SHOW especially the basics! I've been struggling and this simple, well explained and actually SHOWN video pointed outa common problem for me: too much flour, sticky dough, dough that I just could not get to make tidy balls or roll into ropes or become bread with good crumb (ie not dense and chewy!). I'm looking forward to your Homebakers Club next week . . . and (hopefully FINALLY!) making a nice loaf with these tips!
You are very welcome, I am chuffed to have helped you :-)
Jack, thank you for everything. Like many on here, I tried sourdough for years and never quite got it until I came across your videos and until I was forced to be home all the time and could practice and experiment more. My favorite part of sourdough has been giving away loaves to friends and neighbors. It seems so important these days. Thanks for helping me do that.
My question related to sticky dough is this. I am fortunate to have found a local wheat grower and miller in Maryland that produces wonderful flours. However, the varieties change from time to time. Some have higher protein or gluten levels than others, among other differences. Sometimes the flour is noticeably stickier with the same amount of water due to the way the particular flour behaves. It can take a few tries to adjust and find the right amount of water to use. I already use pretty high hydration, and so sometimes it's all just too sticky to deal with. I think on one of your videos you said that adding flour late in the process is not great because of how the gluten won't develop the same as the rest of the flour. Any thoughts on this and how to work with really sticky sourdough and either make it work or turn it into something else? -Michael, Maryland USA
So glad you’re back! You’re an awesome teacher.👍🏻💕😁
I'm happy for you that you got to play with the dough. It's sort of a happy meditative zone.
Ok, I admit I'm happy you brought us along too. ☺️
Still working on the flour flick ...🤨
Thank you so much Jack. Great tips. I have been baking bread for ages and now you're making me a better bread baker.
I know it’s not much, but you have inspired so many people to bake through the lockdown. I started baking after discovering your channel and only today I told a lady that I workwith about you. Whilst everything might not work out perfectly all the time, it still tastes amazing. I am lucky as I am still working and getting paid, but it must be difficult for you and your family. I appreciate your guidance and advice and I hope this all ends soon and you can get back to doing what you love. Looking forward to the next video. On a side note, have you ever used Vital Wheat Gluten in your baking? I use it with great success when I can’t get bread flour. Thanks again
Thank you! I really learned several things. All the best. I appreciate it.
Your tips are wonderful! Thanks for your impromptu video! Baking has been my therapy through this time. So grateful that I came across your videos. Keep up the great work you are doing. You are so appreciated!