Hazelnut and Fig Levain
Inspired by Tony’s (CalBeachBaker) last week, I couldn’t wait to give the Hazelnut and Fig Levain a try. Last night I made the stiff white levain and this morning I hand mixed 1400-gram dough and found the dough a bit sticky to start with but soon smoothed out as the gluten developed. I thought that the number of figs and hazelnuts were a lot, but I was surprised that I got them combined into the dough. Bulk proofed at 24C for 2 hours, divided and shaped into two 700-gram oblong doughs. Final proof at 24C for 2 ½ hours in a Couche seam side down. Laterally scored with a steak knife and baked with steam on stone. I may have baked them a bit dark; I should have pulled them a few minutes earlier. The aroma in the kitchen was amazing with the anise seed prevalent. The figs and hazelnuts were evenly dispersed, even down to the end bits (my wife was too quick for me again).
The taste can only be described as fantastic. I will definitely make this again.
Cheers, Gavin
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