The many exciting roads to bread glory and the best ways to enjoy it from a powerhouse couple who threw in their corporate jobs to realise their bakery dream.

Mike Russell started Baker Bleu with a bread obsession, three recipes, his life savings and a hard-won belief there is more to life than a soulless desk job. Here, in frank and glorious detail, he shares the secrets to his bakeries' cult following. Make one of the classic core recipes, from the country loaf to the everything bagels and challah, and discover at least three more ways to use that same dough – from seeded and fruit loaves to pizza, focaccia, empanadas and more. Bless your bread with the best sandwiches and tapas from Mike's favourite collaborators. Nail the Almost Croissant recipe (the home cheat's version!) and find yourself conjuring Lazy Mince Tarts, flaky danishes, and the famous Vegemite Twists. Make a project of the beloved Easter Cherry and Chocolate Bread. Conquer shortcrust pastry and serve up the greatest Salted Caramel Apple Pie. And when you've got loaves coming out of everywhere, for maximum enjoyment, explore the many excellent ways to repurpose and rejoice in yesterday's bread.