Playing with sourdough

[CanuckJim]

Re: Playing with sourdough

Dutch,

Exactly. I've done both, and it seems to suit me to pat flat. Dropping the pieces a few times would accomplish the same object. Probably worth a try, not matter how it's done.

Jim

[Dutchoven]

Re: Playing with sourdough

Wow! Talk about coinkidink! I was inspired to say the same thing. Great thought Jim. Could probably just drop the pieces on the bench a couple of times to degas also and then do the primary shaping or as some call it "rounding"
Best
Dutch

[CanuckJim]

Re: Playing with sourdough

Just a thought: once you divide and scale the dough pieces, you should do a preliminary shaping. The first step in that shaping is to pat the pieces flat with the palm of your hand (not too aggressively). This will eliminate most, if not all, large gas pockets. After a bench rest of about fifteen minutes (seam side up), you can flip the dough over, do the final shaping and into the baskets.

Jim

[rlf5]

Re: Playing with sourdough

Is this Reinhart's Basic SD or Hamelman's. I do not have Hamelman's book so I am not familiar with his recipe. The bread really is looking good and irregularity in the crumb is good but...there is some variable that is causing these cavernous holes. I will try to come up with a suggestion.

Its the basic sourdough recipe from Reinhart. Thanks!

[Dutchoven]

Re: Playing with sourdough

Is this Reinhart's Basic SD or Hamelman's. I do not have Hamelman's book so I am not familiar with his recipe. The bread really is looking good and irregularity in the crumb is good but...there is some variable that is causing these cavernous holes. I will try to come up with a suggestion.

[rlf5]

Re: Playing with sourdough

Fourth (I think) run with the basic sourdough. The flavor keeps getting better and better. Not dense at all this time, but the larger holes are still there. I imagine my shaping technique sucks. At least the holes don't effect the taste.

[rlf5]

Re: Playing with sourdough

Sliced, toasted, and buttered its great...with marmalade on top of that its even better.

[asudavew]

Re: Playing with sourdough

Thanks! Once I finish this loaf off (man, 4lbs is a lot of bread), I'll try another. I agree that my shaping needs work. Hamelman's book has been a big help. I really like his techniques.

Looking good!

Is it really tasty?

[rlf5]

Re: Playing with sourdough

Thanks! Once I finish this loaf off (man, 4lbs is a lot of bread), I'll try another. I agree that my shaping needs work. Hamelman's book has been a big help. I really like his techniques.

[Dutchoven]

Re: Playing with sourdough

You are really getting there with these loaves. Concentrate on technique and sticking to the formula. Gradually you will begin to eliminate variables and will be able to manipulate them to achieve any desired result you might have. I do believe that improving your shaping technique will help with these strange holes in the crumb of you bread. Something you are doing is creating this. Do keep in mind that when you begin to bake them in the WFO with the hot hearth you will be able to see those big ones originating in the lower portion of the loaves and extend upward into the loaf.
All the best to you and keep learning!
Dutch

[rlf5]

Re: Playing with sourdough

Second try at the Miche. No caverns this time, but there are some larger than I'd like pockets as you can see from the last pic. Flavor is great, but the texture of the crumb still needs work. I don't think my barm was quite as active as it needed to be.

[rlf5]

Re: Playing with sourdough

Baking always takes longer than you think huh? I have found that concentrating on my shaping technique has gotten rid of my large holes. There are some detailed shaping instructions in Amazon.com: Bread: A Baker's Book of Techniques and Recipes: Books: Jeffrey Hamelman
Drake

Yea I just received the book in the mail a few days ago and I'm going to try my hands with the miche again tonight. Thanks!

[DrakeRemoray]

Re: Playing with sourdough

Baking always takes longer than you think huh? I have found that concentrating on my shaping technique has gotten rid of my large holes. There are some detailed shaping instructions in Amazon.com: Bread: A Baker's Book of Techniques and Recipes: Books: Jeffrey Hamelman
Drake

[rlf5]

Re: Playing with sourdough

Took a try at the poil?ne miche from "The Baker's Apprentice." The crust looks OK, but the inside was undercooked and quite dense. I had to cut the cook time short b/c I needed to leave the house right away. I believe the internal temp was 192F. Also, I had to use a 50/50 mix of whole wheat flour and bread flour b/c I couldn't find and medium grind wheat. Oh and those dayum hampster holes are back.

[rlf5]

Re: Playing with sourdough

The inside of the banneton is dusted quite well with rice flour. No problems with sticking thus far.