Virgin Sourdough Attempt

[BBQ Engineer]

When I was home brewing beer, there was a saying...Don't worry, relax and have a home brew! It worked in all kinds of situations, and the real meaning was that in making the brew, don't get worked up about about it, because it's gonna turn out OK! I find that Sourdough is about the same way.

I got some of Keith's sourdough through an exchange, and have gotten it rehydrated and have been keeping it fed and fairly active. I set out to make some bread today, and here is how it turned out.

I'm learning some of the terms...and there is good reason that this is called the sponge.


Had the Kitchen Aid help me with the mixing part...


I did the kneading part...


It turned out a good looking hunk-O-dough


While it raised I did some work around the house. Here is a pic of the beautiful sky and my purple martins flying around. There are a bunch of them here now...there are 12 in this picture.


More Martins...


Back to the sourdough...Man did this raise.


I decided on 2 french loaves and a regular loaf.




Man were these good! The trouble is, I need to cut the recipe in half. I gave away some to my neighbors...needless to say they love me!






It was awesome. I can't wait to make some sourdough pancakes too! Thanks Keith and Tracey for putting up with my rookie questions. I think I am on my way!

[Bassman]

If that isn't some beautiful bread, I don't know what is! Whatever you do, don't cut the recipe in half. This bread freezes quite well and there will always be a neighbor or good friend just waiting. I actually modified the recipe so I could make more (about 5 loaves at once). My wife like the big dinner rolls which also freeze well. Just take a couple out of the zip lock and keep the rest in the freezer. For your first sourdough bread, I give you .

[BBQ Engineer]

Ya see, Bassman comes to the rescue again. What was I thinking about cutting the recipe in half. I was a flat hero for walking some piping hot bread to my neighbor. You are right Keith, if I'm making bread, I'm gonna make all I can. Glad I thought of it!

[Slanted88]

Get on it!....Man, i love this stuff!....he heeee.....i'm gettin fat just lookin! Pancakes & rooster bullets & bacon....

[SMOKE FREAK]

Damn! I tried three times and aint come up with anything like that! The first two loafs went straight in the trash! I need to get some advice or else get my bread from the store................................

[JustSmoke2]

WOW Great Looking bread. You guys almost got my arm twisted enough to try and make some bread. I get a sour dough bread at Norm's in Richville Michigan and its just to die for. One slice of bread I have to cut in half which will make a normal size sammich.

[WALLE]

Dana - those are awesome! from me as well.

I smiled to myself when I read... "making three.." I'll bet you thought your kitchen was going to explode when those babies kept swelling up!

With that recipe, if I just make three loaves they won't fit in my toaster!

Keep on it, your starter will just keep getting better and better.
Tracey

[Whisky Fish]

Man that's some great lookin stuff! I gotta learn to do some of that! great work!

[Kingudaroad]

Super nice! Looks like you got your starter real active before hand. Sweet

[ALX]

yowza...that looks good....Great job on this dana..

[doctor phreak]

virgin attempt my ass those look professional to me.....nice job i hope i do a great job like that when i do my bread ..... brother

If that isn't some beautiful bread, I don't know what is! Whatever you do, don't cut the recipe in half. This bread freezes quite well and there will always be a neighbor or good friend just waiting. I actually modified the recipe so I could make more (about 5 loaves at once). My wife like the big dinner rolls which also freeze well. Just take a couple out of the zip lock and keep the rest in the freezer. For your first sourdough bread, I give you .

bassman let me ask you a ??? on freezing do you do this after the rise or before

[curious aardvark]

from me too !
Those are excellent looking loaves.
:-)

[Fishawn]

Sheesh..... That stuff looks perfect Dana .... $4.00 a loaf at the Farmers Market & some creepy guy is selling it.... .... One of these days I will get on the bread wagon.... For now, all you guys are rocking it good. Great Job

[TasunkaWitko]

very nice ~ looks like a professional job to me!

[Bassman]

virgin attempt my ass those look professional to me.....nice job i hope i do a great job like that when i do my bread ..... brother





bassman let me ask you a ??? on freezing do you do this after the rise or before

I freeze after they are baked and cooled. My wife separates them before freezing so she can take out just two or three without having to thaw the whole bag.