She’s a bit of a flat stanley, but I’m proud of my first loaf! 😅

I have a very cold home and we’re currently experiencing an ice storm! It took plenty of trial and error getting my starter to reliably double. I was very nervous baking this first loaf as my starter never quite looked as “alive” as others I’ve seen. It’s also quite small compared to others. However, I baked it up and I’m proud of the results! Hoping to do a better score and have better rise next time.

75G starter (all I could spare), 500G bread flour, 375G water.

Mix starter + water + flour. Let rest 30 minutes.

Add salt + a little more water. Pinch & fold lightly to incorporate. Rest another 10–15 minutes.

I did three sets of stretch folds, once every hour. Then let the dough overnight bulk in a well covered bowl on the counter.

Checked dough early morning for rise then did one pre-shape of the dough. Let it rest on the counter for 20-30 mins. Then final shape > plop in basket + stitch dough > then place covered in the fridge for 12 hours.

Once ready to bake, preheat the oven to 450 with Dutch oven + lid on. I kept the Dutch oven in there for about an hour before adding my dough. Bake 20 minutes covered then 25 minutes uncovered. Let dough rest for an hour after baking. 💕