First bake after hiatus
Hello to my friends on TFL,
It's been, I think, about 3 months since I've done any baking. I have been lurking on TFL and seeing some of the amazing breads (and food!) posted here. Excellent! I've been on a bit of a hiatus due to a number of life issues. It's been a roller-coaster for sure. Not to be depressing but my mother passed away after a long decline. We thought she was going to pull through but things went back downhill. While I spent a month in the hospital at her side, I was also in the process of buying my first house in life. I relocated from the bay area down to central California - the town of Atascadero to be specific. I love this area, and some of my extended family live right around the corner, which is good. The move has been a bittersweet event, but I am happy in my new place. Still settling in. My new kitchen is great though -- tons of countertop space, and a walk-in pantry that holds all of my large grain bins and flour bins easily, and a double-oven (!!). What luxury!
Throughout all this time, my liquid sourdough starter has gone through some serious neglect/abuse, but amazingly, it is fine now. Just as perky and happy as it ever was.
Here was today's first bake -- it was a 90% white, 10% whole-wheat, 68% hydration, lean bread, pretty standard stuff. I did a mash+soaker+levain. Sorry no crumb shot, it was given out and devoured quick.
A little under-proofed, but I am a little rusty. The crumb is great -- I love how the mash softens the crumb and makes it perfectly chewy and soft.
One of the loaves went to my neighbor who wanted bread once she heard I baked. Half of the other loaf went to my father. I devoured the rest. :)
My neighbor sent this picture to me a couple hrs later. Warmed my heart. One of her kids: (I have permission to upload this).
I am happy to be baking again. That smile is all I need.
Cheers!
-Sam