This "almost" worked out, but my shaping needs much practice. The bread is wonderful though. Because of life I ended up refrigerating the dough for bulk fermentation for about 14 hours due to a last minute meeting on the road, but these baked up very nice. The crumb is soft and creamy, and has great flavor. The flavor is no doubt thanks to the long and slow bulk fermentation. Clearly I need to watch SteveB's loaf forming video a couple more times though. My sister-in-law says "They have character.". Maybe she's right.
OldWoodenSpoon
The secret does seem to be in longer term fermentation :)
the crumb just a touch too wet still, but we shall eventually rise to perfection ;)
...better a touch wet than overly dry as far as I'm concerned.
Crumb shot looks very open but still even.
I can't believe I am so excited about baking a decent bread, but this is truly an art and I am learning to stick to directions rather than figuring I can do it by myself :)
Gotta work around it, somehow.
Your boules have that charming rustic look. If they are good eating, they are a success. Symmetry is vastly over-rated.
Nice crumb. Nice photo.
David
They look like they are talkin to the flowers!
Sylvia