Whole Wheat Levain

Toast

As a long time lurker, it seemed like it was time to jump in and contribute.

I am an obsessive bread baker and recent convert to the joys of wild yeast. Today's bake was Hamelman's Whole Wheat Levain. Since it was my first attempt at this one, there were no modifications. As always there are things to improve on, but I was pretty happy with the results.

I'm learning so much from eveyone here, I really appreciate this site. I am currently picking my way through Hamelman's book, tomorrow is Semolina Sourdough.

Looks excellent, great work!   Did you cold-retard the shaped loaf?

Editing to add:  I bet your kitchen smelled absolutely wonderful, did it not?  I am always struck by the intoxicating smell of a high-percentage whole grain sourdough baking...

Yes, I did a 24 hour cold retard after shaping and steamed with a roasting pan lid for the first 15 minutes.

The smell and the taste were both great. I am totally hooked on the sourdough!

Cool!   How big (weight) was that loaf?  It looks pretty big in your first photo.  Looks like a good 3lbs or something?