This week’s bread was quite the surprise.
Just lately my sourdough has really been taking off and has become quite volatile within 20-30 minutes of feeding it! It might have something to do with using structured water to feed it!
So, yesterday I thought I would try it on a much heavier dough. Normally it takes around 18 hours for the sourdough to rise (first rising), double in volume and develop that yummy sour dough flavor throughout the whole dough. Since I was making a double batch, I would have imagined it taking even a bit longer.
Well, only 7 hours into it, the dough had more than doubled, the familiar sour smell was well developed and I really didn’t want to leave it for another 11 hrs. in case it would wear itself out and not rise again.
I went ahead and shaped the loaves, put them down for their second rising and low and behold - they turned out beautifully!
This was a medium hydration, no-knead dough and it ended up with a beautifully soft crumb and a rustic crust.
The whole family loved it!
Hi Birgit,
ReplyDeleteyour sourdough loaves look wonderful! I was a bit confused about the reference to "structured water" though ( I guess I must have missed a post or two ). Could you point me in the right direction re which posts cover your no-knead recipe and the use of structured water?
I'd love to try this out!
Many thanks - I enjoy your blog!
:)
Hi Nina,
ReplyDeleteI haven't finished writing my post on structured water yet, so you haven't missed anything :)
Since I've been baking bread for years, I don't tend to use actual "recipes" for my bread anymore, except when I try something new. I go by feel more than anything.
Having said that however, I find that the recipes and how-to videos on breadtopia.com are excellent! The Sicillian No Knead bread (http://www.breadtopia.com/sicilian-no-knead-bread/) is my son's favorite bread! They also have instructions on making a host of other great breads, with video instructions as well as written, so a really great place to look around!
I hope that helps! :)
Have a fantastic day!
Birgit
Thanks so much for taking the time to find those links for me ( wow - talented AND kind! ).
DeleteI'll check them out, and will look forward to your future structured water post...
thanks again for the info ( and the inspiration! ).
Take care,
:) ... Nina.
Goodness Birgit, I just printed this out. Pinned it too. Have to see if it's on FB and will share!!
ReplyDelete