Topic: Artisan Bread In Five Minutes A Day

[Skhilled (OP)]

Since i have nothing planned for tomorrow I'll try to whip up a batch of the master recipe and see how it goes. I'll only make a half batch since we don't eat that much bread but hopefully that will change. The book does say that the longer it sits the more the flavor will develop. So, dough sitting for 7 days will definitely taste better than one just made although the one just made should still taste quite good! This is something I've already known about for several years from a prior recipe I've found.

[Ken]

Like aging beef? 

[Skhilled (OP)]

Yup! I was reading that some people will keep a batch going like use some and add fresh dough and mix it in to make it taste better. The process is similar to a Amish Friendship Bread except you'll probably not want to give any away:

http://www.armchair.com/recipe/bake002.html

[Skhilled (OP)]

Just mixed my first batch of dough using the master recipe but I reduced it to half of it. It is VERY, VERY easy! Just add warmed or cold water, the yeast, salt and flour then stir. The Danish Dough Whisk makes quick work of it and takes about a minute or two. Let rise for at least 2 hours. Letting it sit longer will not hurt it. If using cold water it will take longer to rise. Then put in the fridge for at least 8 hours, overnight is better. Actually, you can grab a piece and bake it after the 2 hour rise! However, it will taste better the longer it sits in the fridge.

Tomorrow I may bake the first loaf.

[Ken]

It will be interesting to hear how it taste's.

[Skhilled (OP)]

Ok, it's been two days since it's been in the fridge. I'm preheating the pizza stone and gathering the dough for it's final rest...

[Skhilled (OP)]

Here it is! I forgot to slash it until after it was in the oven so I made a half-hearted attempt at it and prayed for the best. LOL Next time I'll slash it properly.

Now to let it cool for 2 hours, it says. I'll let you know how it tastes then...if I don't fall asleep first. LOL

[Ken]

Looks good... yepp, maybe slicing before would work better.

[Skhilled (OP)]

It tastes OK but was still a little moist in the middle even after putting it back in the oven. So, it was the slicing or maybe I need better ingredients. The flour might be a tad old...

[Ken]

My bet would be on the slicing as the key too better heating the center.

[Skhilled (OP)]

Well, I'll try it again and see how it goes...

[Skhilled (OP)]

I bought a fresh bag of King Aurthur Flour. Maybe I'll try it tomorrow and see how it goes.

[Ken]

Sounds like a good plan. I'm trying to get Kay interested in trying a few loaves, trouble is that with my diet breads can kill my calories count!