My starter, Breadward, was born Feb 18, 2025 and he was ready for his first loaf March 5.
I used the following recipe:
– 500g bread flour
– 350g water
– 125g starter
– 13ish g salt
I mixed all of the ingredients together around 3pm and then did 4 rounds of coil folds every 30 minutes. I put the bowl of dough in the oven with the light on for about 5 hours and then left it out on the counter until 4:30am because it wasn’t ready to shape before I went to bed. After shaping I put it in the fridge until 8pm and then baked it at 450 for 20 min with the lid on and dropped the temp to 425 for the last 20 with the lid off (also threw 3 ice cubes in the Dutch oven).
Overall it tasted fantastic. I only waited about 1.5 hours before cutting into it because I was so excited but I don’t think it affected the crumb too much.
I baked two more loaves this weekend but I’m still having a hard time with the bulk fermentation and determining when it is/isn’t ready. I guess I just need to practice more!
by erpodbielski
6 Comments
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Omg! My starter’s name is Breadward too! Nice loaf 👍🏻
this is frickin beautiful!! u have a knack for this considering its your first ever loaf
I just had dinner, but my mouth is wattering from looking at this
Bravo. The smallest of notes, but I recommend pulling the loaf out of the DO entirely when you take the lid off. Helps you get more even browning on the lower portions of the loaf. (Or get a combo DO but I don’t have one of those.)
Also since you mentioned having trouble with BF check out Sourdough Journey’s bulk o matic guide. It’s awesome (as his entire YT channel).
r u joking that’s gorg