I've been baking with my whole wheat sourdough starter (my family fondly call it the monster) that I started two years ago from King Arthur's recipe online. I have pretty good consistency using the following formula that I developed over time.
1 Cup Starter
2 cups water
1LB 6.5 oz bread flour
1TBS salt
I typically knead it for a good 15 minutes in my machine, then let it raise for 12 hours. I would then shape and final proof for 4 more hours. Bake at 500 for 10 mins with a tray with a cup of water in the first min and spray every 30 sec after twice.
Sometimes, I get a darker loaf with tiny little blisters on the crust and great irregular holes in the crumb. However, I don't always get that crust or the holes in the crumb. The flavor is consistent though.
I would like to perfect this bread! Here are my questions.
1. What controls crust thickness? I would like a thin, crackling crust
2. How to get consistently get the gluten development that I see in French bakeries with irregular holes and translucent crumb?
Based on what I wrote here what would you suggest that I modify to achieve those results?
Thanks in advance.