Went super simple. Received a starter that I was told was a couple months old already so I went in for a bake pretty quickly after first couple feeds.

120g starter
310g warm water from RO filter (think I got to apprx 90f with kettle)
500g King Arthur unbleached AP filter

4 stretch and folds 20-25 mins apart. Shaped into ball after last stretch and allowed to proof in oven with light on about 4 hours. (I think I checked around 3hrs and allowed it to go another hour or so)

Full on shaped and tightened on countertop until I was satisfied and then put in lined bowl, into the refrigerator for 24-25 hrs. Took out and let sit in countertop while I preheated the oven.

Allowed cast iron double pot to pre-heat in the oven at 500.

Baked at 500 for 20. Lid off and baked another 25 or so for this result.

Overall I am happy with the first go. In my very unprofessional opinion the crumb and overall way that it expanded looked nice throughout although photos don’t exactly reflect that.

by terrellq

12 Comments

  1. terrellq

    I forgot that of course I added salt! Abt 16g or apprx 2 full teaspoons

  2. clancey706

    This looks amazing! I have no idea what I am doing but trying to get info to start baking, I haven’t seen anyone put it in the fridge before baking, what is the reason for that?

  3. brinns_way

    Get outta here with that perfect first loaf!

  4. No_Philosophy2940

    Teach me. I got my first starter and nervous what to do

  5. Historical_Emu_7078

    I’m going to nail my whole wheat loaf this weekend… you just wait!!!

    Looks great 😁

  6. twilightgardener

    Wow! Beautiful loaf! How big is your cast iron Dutch oven? I used a 3q for my first loaf and think I need a bigger one