The end of Christmas Baking

Haven't been posting anything lately because we've been busy baking gifts for friends and family. Been sticking to the things I know well: my "go to" sourdough, tried and true biscotti, and Grandma's Welsh cakes. The last of the sixteen mailings of bread and cookies went out the door today. Now it's time to turn to the community cookie swap--we're the only ones who also share bread. Today I baked five loaves of sourdough: two 1-1/2 lb. loaves to restock our bread-empty freezer, and three 1 lb. loaves to share.

I recently purchased a Kitchenaid 600 Pro--6 qt., spiral dough hook. So far, I'm delighted with it. Mixed 6.6 lb (3kg) of 68% hydrated dough today with no difficulty; motor didn't even get warm.  Since my small oven can only accommodate two 1-1/2 lb. loaves, or three 1 lb. loaves at a time, I retarded half the dough an additional two-and-a-half hours while the first loaves proofed and baked. Worked out with ease, and I see no significant difference among the loaves.

Happy Holidays to all,

David G