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Is this a sign of my starter going bad?

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It had action on day 2 & 3 after that it slowed down then stopped .. using King Arthur bread flour .. was feeding once a day for 3 days then twice a day.. I accidentally discarded on day two… it’s in my microwave with a paper towel and rubber band … the first few days I had the lid on then switched upon reading .. maybe that’s the problem? Is it saveable? 
my hair accidentally dipped into one of them just a few mins ago should I throw it out? Did I poison them? 

Infinity Bread (ft. Spelt)

Profile picture for user WatertownNewbie

This is a variation on the Infinity Bread from the recent Community Bake.  The original used emmer as the third flour, and in a subsequent bake I posted a bread with einkorn.  This time spelt became the third flour, and I am pleased with the result.  Not as much oven spring as with the other two, but that seems typical of spelt.  The flavor is great, and the crust has a nice crispiness.

Idaho Country Baguettes

Profile picture for user occidental

I didn't make many baguettes for several years due to having a gas oven.  Then I got an oblong combo cooker which made them, along with batards, possible again with gas.  But now that I have an electric oven after ten years with gas I remember what I was missing.  These were baked on the stone with 5 ice cubes in a cast iron pan for steam.

20231013 Bagels with CLAS

Profile picture for user Yippee

 

Please see here and here to learn more about concentrated lactic acid sourdough (CLAS). 

 

 

These days, I mostly bake bread using the air fryer and occasionally depend on the bread machine. I reserve the big oven solely for baking for those who hold a special place in my heart as VIPs.

Spelt Loaf

Profile picture for user occidental

I have not used spelt in the past, so I thought I'd give it a try.  I made up a sourdough formula that had 40% spelt, with 50% bread flour and 10% rye making up the rest.  Hydration was approximately 77%  The loaf turned out pretty good, the flavor was nothing distinct, tasted like a whole wheat loaf, with moderate rise and an average crumb.

If you have a favorite spelt recipe, let me know in a comment or link to it.  I have plenty of flour left and would like to explore using it in some other bakes.