I just finished my first batch this afternoon! I bought a dried/dehydrated starter from breadtopia about a week ago and went about rehydrating and feeding it for a few days. Then, I used a recipe I found on here! I had some trouble knowing what the proper way was to let the dough rest. I covered the bowl with a damp towel through all the rests/stretch and folds, but didn't cover it in the fridge so a skin formed :(. I left it on the counter for an hour after liberally spraying the top with water to hopefully allow for more expansion. Not sure if it led to my bread being overproofed, tho… I do not have a dutch oven, so I cranked the heat to 550 f with a small cast iron pan on the bottom rack and a medium one on the middle rack. Then, when the oven had been heated for about 30 minutes, I threw the dough in and put a metal mixing bowl on top, then added boiling water to the bottom pan. I scored once before baking, then when I took off my makeshift lid, I scored again because it seemed a little tight. I let the bread rest for ~2 hours before cutting in, and I'm overall really happy! Would have loved a little more spring and a more sour flavor, but I'm quite satisfied. I've never posted before, so I hope this follows all the rules! Would love some feedback.
Link: https://recipeweave.com/recipes/cmd9akdaj0003pfhpffa1y3zt
by QuarterGlittering955
6 Comments
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Your scoring is so pretty :3
Two things you need to check your starter and make sure it’s active. It’s kind of got to be capable of doubling in size within 4 to 6 hours of feeding.
Next learn the lesson All bakers must learn. Times in recipes are meaningless. Bread is not something you can control. It does what it wants and you have to respond to it like a diva.
You need to see a 75% rise during your bulk fermentation or your toast.
Ignore recipes and start thinking in this way
1. Mix and knead
2. Bulk ferment
3. Shaping
4. Proofing
You can’t follow the recipe like a cookie recipe because bread is a living thing(at least until you bake it)
My scoring is terrible and yours is GREAT!
Beautiful!!
That really came out great!! I hope it’s delish. It’s so good for us, too.