The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Feedback appreciated please

Ged's picture
Ged

Feedback appreciated please

Been baking bread for about 3 weeks now.  Have learned so much from people on this site. This is my 5th sourdough attempt from my own starter which is now into week 4 of life.  Have tried various recipes and wasn't happy with the outputs each time although the bread didn't last long and tasted good. I used a glass casserole dish today to act as a dutch oven.When New Zealand gets new stock of the lodge double dutch as everywhere is sold out I will purchase one.   

I haven't had much oven spring until today ( even using the steam function in my new oven) and always seemed to have a very tight crumb. I'm thinking the crumb is down to kneading as well? I always spend 10 to 15 minutes creating a lovely smooth ball. Could it also be down to an immature starter ?

Last night i didn't knead but did 4 stretch and folds - three times over 90 minutes then proofed it for 10 hours.  

Didn't look all the good going into the oven but I am very happy with the results that came out. It really popped. A first for me. Crunchy outer, chewy inner and holes. 

I'd appreciate some feedback - anything I can be doing to continually improve the appearance and texture.  

Thanks for looking.


Ged

Litebrite's picture
Litebrite

Incredible results, even more incredible considering it's only your 5th sourdough.  Great job!

Benito's picture
Benito

Ged, great job for only your 5th sourdough bread.  The crust has good colour, you got good oven spring and the crumb looks good.  I bet it tasted great.

Benny

Ged's picture
Ged

Think I got lucky.  Going to try a double mix tonight, same prep method then make 2 loaves - one for the glass dutch oven and one for the steam oven. Will be interesting to confirm if my bosch oven - although it has steam function is baking the outer layer too quickly for the rise.