Bread Squared
Another week, another loaf—and a new pan!
My railroad expertise draws on the years I served as assistant to a wooden-train-obsessed toddler. Some cars, like the hopper used to transport coal, are open topped. And some, like the Pullman used to transport sleeping passengers, are closed. Keeps the people inside.
The same principle applies to the Pullman bread pan, which is long and low and—unlike the standard one—covered. It produces a finished loaf with a dense bite, streamlined look, and square slice.
Is square bread better? George Pullman, the industrialist behind both the coach and the loaf, thought so. In the tight confines of the café car, it offered more efficient storage. But even domestic kitchen engineers can admire the clean geometry of the grilled-cheese square, the tuna-salad triangle, and the circular empty plate.
Bakeries like Tag’s Bakery in Evanston IL. offered Pullman style white bread loaves which were perfect for celebratory Sandwich Loaves- the quintessential stack of delicious fillings between thin cut layers of bread, finished with a cream cheese outer layer garnished with decorations of all sorts. A slice of ham, chicken, tuna, and egg salad all in one serving- a palate sensation!
Thank you for bringing my memories forward!