Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Yummy Bread

I think I have success!

This is my first ever sourdough loaf waiting to slowly rise.


AND after it has been baked.....


I was surprised by how mild it tasted - I was expecting something a bit stronger and more sour.

Since then I have made another one - all gone now - and I have the makings for sponge tonight so I cook another loaf tomorrow.

I think I know what I am doing now.  I only do 1 loaf at a time, so I keep 1/3cup of the sponge for the next starter.  Then I add 1/6cup flour and water for it's first feed.  The second feed is larger at 1/3cup each flour and water.  At that point I am ready to make the sponge, so I add 1 and 1/3cups each of flour and water.  Once that has  done it's thing I add sugar, salt and oil give it a mix and then enough flour to get a dry-ish dough.  I turn it out onto the bench and give it a bit of a stretch and a push together.  Once a finger hole poked in comes back out at, which doesn't take long at all, it's into the tin for the dough to rest and rise before baking.

The last loaf was really light and airy.  I think it was left a bit too long proofing before being popped into the oven.  Still tasted good!!