first baguettes - au levain

My first baguettes -- based on the Baguettes au Levain recipe in Dan Leader's Bread Alone.

Dough

http://www.oldwithoutmoney.com/baguetteDough.JPG

and Baked:

http://oldwithoutmoney.com/baguettesBaked.JPG

(Can't seem to upload -- is there a filesize limit?)

The Julia Child video on shaping was enormously helpful.

http://pbs-juliachild.onstreammedia.com/cgi-bin/visearch?user=pbs-juliachild&template=template.html&query=+ClipChef%3ADanielle+ClipChef%3AFores…

Part 2 includes the shaping technique.

- Richard

www.oldWithoutMoney.com

I've been working off of those exact same videos, as well as using The Bread Baker's Apprentice and just baked three loaves this afternoon. I did the full de-gas method, as suggested in the Julia Child video, and found the hole structure to be much more regular than I wanted. Last attempt, I was careful to not de-gas, and I seemed to have better structure, but it was difficult to get the proper shapes to the loaves. (The taste is still outstanding, but I am working on the appearance and texture at this point.) This is my second try in the last few days, and I may go mix up another pate fermentee before I call it a night to give it another shot, tomorrow.

John