The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Susan's sourdough

AnnieT's picture
AnnieT

Susan's sourdough

Susan, I baked "our" bread today and got the best looking loaf so far - I used my stone and huge ss mixing bowl because the dough stuck to the smaller bowl a couple of times. I also realized that I have been too impatient with the dough and found the perfect cure - sew a quilt at the same time! No pacing back and forth watching the timer, no stretching it before the 30 minutes was up. I let it sit on the little propane heating stove to warm up this morning as the pilot light gives a gentle heat. I was so thrilled with the loaf and had it sitting on the bread board covered with a cloth when the family arrived for supper. They all duly admired it and my son started to cut it for all to try. As he got to the center there were two huge holes, and you can imagine how I got teased. They weren't at the crust like the lazy baker ones but they were big enough for the girls to pretend they were spectacles. However, the flavor was wonderful and there is only one measly slice left for me, plus the crust stayed crisp. They polished off the pasta too - time was when there would have been another meal for Nana. I have been thinking about the exciting times you have had lately, first the tunnel fire when you were in Cambria and now the wild fires - are you ready to retire to the soggy northwest yet? A.

Comments

Susan's picture
Susan

That you're still happy. And congrats on the quilting. I've made several, all by hand, but haven't quilted in years. And on the timer, I ended up buying a Polder timer that I wear around my neck, so I can go anywhere in or out of the house and still be mindful of the bread. Sometimes I get working in the yard and end up flying back in the house like crazy! It works quite well for me. Sounds like you had a great meal with your family tonight! You're a lucky lady to have them close by, but you planned that, didn't you!

Gary isn't quite ready to retire, but you never know. We've been in SD for 11 years. That's a long time for us. Surely there's somewhere in between fires and soggy!!!

Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts.

Susan from San Diego

AnnieT's picture
AnnieT

Susan, I forgot to say that the crumb of that last loaf was beautiful with lots of holes - plus the 2 huge ones. I imagine it was my shaping technique that caused them. I slightly flattened the dough then gathered the edges and pinched them together, then scooched the boule on the counter to seal the join with friction. Good excuse to try again! Have you considered southern Oregon? A.

Susan's picture
Susan

than to take a pretty, great-tasting loaf out of the oven!

I have never been to Oregon, but that is an error we will be correcting before long. We need to check out different places before they can even go on our list. You said it was your favorite of all the places you've lived, so it's bound to be great!

Susan from San Diego

Susan's picture
Susan

 

Susan in San Diego