Discovering Sourdough

By Teresa L. Hosier Greenway

P ROFESSIONAL S OURDOUGH B READS B AKED A T H OME

U SING O NLY T HE W ILD Y EAST

Part I

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 Discovering Sourdough

By Teresa L. Hosier Greenway

PROFESSIONAL SOURDOUGH BREADS BAKED AT HOME

U S IN G O N L Y T H E W I L D Y E A S T

Part I

Copyright 2010 All rights reserved worldwide- Recipes in this book may be
featured as web content with a link back to the author’s website:
http://www.northwestsourdough.com
This book may not be resold in any part in any media, except by the author.

Use this link from your site or blog to help others find “Discovering Sourdough”:

http://www.northwestsourdough.com/discovering/

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 Credits

Dedicated to:
The Holy Spirit

My parents Richard and Martha Hosier, Warren and Ruth Greenway

My family, Warren D, Rochelle, Westley, Wyatt, Natalie, Wiley, Wyllis, Stephen,
Whitley and Tyra - whose appetites helped me along my journey.
A special thank you to my daughter Rochelle Nelson who challenged me to bake…
“real sourdough”

Many thanks to Ray Glaze for his invaluable help programming the special
hydration and recipe calculators and for taking care of my sourdough forum with
such dedication

I would especially like to thank the testers of the recipes:

Martha J. Hosier, Arroyo Grande, Ca; Warren Greenway Sr. Pahrump, Nv;
Vanessa Stephan, Andover, MN; Carolyn Barr,Hobbs, NM;
Arthur Alvis, Seattle, WA; John Schiller, Loveland, CO;
Liudmila Valls, Toronto, Canada; Neil Wallace London, UK;
Rochelle Greenway Grapeview,WA; Natalie Greenway, Glendale AZ;
Mary Echavarria, Buda, Tx; Martha Tose, Grover Beach, CA; Gerald Barkley,
Sturgis, MI; Michelle Hosier Nipomo, Ca; Ray Hosier, Tehachepi, Ca;
David Lewis, Raymond, Wa; Kristine Strange,Tacoma,Wa;
Gerald Kent, San Diego, Ca; Kathy Wishnie, Belgrade, MT;
Craig Gardiner,Victoria, Australia; Patty Nevins, Sacramento,Ca; Jane Hoel,
Chapel Hill, NC

And my proof readers:

Ann Davidson, Carol Stibbie,
Randy Longacre and Andrea Koppel

Thank you Peter Reinhart for encouraging me along the way and changing the way
I see the world

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 “A S A R E S U LT O F A G O O G L E S E A R C H , I M A D E M Y F I R S T V I S I T T O T H E N O R T H W E S T
S O U R D O U G H S I T E . I C A M E A R M E D O N LY W I T H A S T R O N G D E S I R E T O B A K E S O U R D O U G H
G O O D S . T H AT D E S I R E WA S B A L A N C E D W I T H A B S O L U T E LY Z E R O K N O W L E D G E A B O U T T H E
P R O C E S S . I WA S F U R T H E R H A N D I C A P P E D AS N O T O N LY D I D I N O T S P E A K “ S O U R D O U G H ” ,
I A L S O D I D N O T S P E AK B A S I C “ B A K I N G.” T H R O U G H E - M AI L I M E T T E R E S A . S H E
I M M E D I AT E LY L A B E L E D M E A “ N E W B I E ” A N D B E G A N T H E P R O C E S S O F E D U C AT I O N . T H E N
A V E RY W O N D E R F U L T H I N G H A P P E N E D . S H E A S K E D M E T O R E V I E W , F R O M A “ N E W B I E ’ S
P E R S P E C T I V E , A B O O K S H E WA S W R I T I N G O N S O U R D O U G H . N O T O N LY D I D I L E A R N A
TREMENDOUS AMOUNT ABOUT SOURDOUGH B AKING IN THE REVIEW PROCESS, I ALSO
W I T N E S S E D T E R E S A ’ S U N B R I D L E D PA S S I O N F O R S O U R D O U G H B A K I N G. H O W E V E R ,
P R O B A B LY T H E B I G G E S T I M P R E S S I O N WAS N ’ T M A D E I N M Y M I N D B U T R AT H E R I N M Y
H E A R T. T E R E S A T R U LY H AS B E E N B L E S S E D W I T H A S E R VA N T ’ S H E A R T. S H E C A R E S A B O U T
T E A C H I N G A N D PAS S I N G O N T H E A R T O F S O U R D O U G H B A K I N G A S M U C H AS S H E D O E S
A B O U T P R A C T I C I N G A N D P E R F E C T I N G I T. I H I G H LY, H I G H LY R E C O M M E N D T H I S B O O K T O
A L L .”

R ANDY LONG ACRE

D ISCOVERING S OURDOUGH

P ROFESSIONAL S OURDOUGH B READS B AKED A T H OME

U SING O NLY T HE W ILD Y EAST

B Y T ERESA L. H OSIER G REENWAY

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 C ONTENTS
(of all three parts)

Contents Part 1
Credits

Discovering Sourdough

My sourdough Journey………………………………………………………………………9

Beginning Sourdough

The Sourdough Starter - What is Sourdough?................................19

All about the care and feeding of sourdough starters

Home Baking of Sourdough Breads - Roasting Pan Method of Baking…45

What You Need to Know About Measuring…………………………………………… 54
Beginning Dough Handling……………………………………………………………………. 58
First Loaf: Bake your first loaf –
An easy way of baking a loaf of sourdough …………………………………………6
The Beginning Recipes:

Batter and Easy Breads:

Ableskivers………………………………………………………………………………. 69
Honey Butter Cornbread…………………………………………………………. 72
Cranberry Applesauce Muffins………………………………………………… 75
Danish Rye Pumpkin Muffins…………………………………………………… 77
Pumpkin Cranberry Quick Bread……………………………………………..79
Old Fashioned Flapjacks………………………………………………………….. 82
Overnight Jacks……………………………………………………………………….. 84
Sourdough Pancakes……………………………………………………………….. 86
Pumpkin Pancakes…………………………………………………………………… 88
Sourdough Waffles…………………………………………………………………… 90
Killer Sourcream Waffles…………………………………………………………92
Easy Sourdough Biscuits…………………………………………………………. 94
Fluffy Sourdough Biscuits……………………………………………………….. 96
Rustic Biscuits…………………………………………………………………………..98
Sourdough Scones…………………………………………………………………… 100
Onion Cheese Batter Bread……………………………………………………. 102
Soft White Pan Bread……………………………………………………………… 104
Oat and Honey Soft Bread……………………………………………………… 107
Sourdough Tortillas…………………………………………………………………. 110

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 Syrian Flatbread………………………………………………………………………. 113
Walnut Raisin Surprise……………………………………………………………. 115

Contents Part 2

Intermediate Sourdough

Intermediate Dough Handling

Ingredients and Techniques………………………………………………………………. 5

Mixing, Folding and Handling Dough…………………………………………………. 23
Basic White Loaf………………………………………………………………………………… 29
The Intermediate Recipes:

Extra Sour Sourdough………………………………………………………….38

Wheat Potato Loaf…………………………………………………………………41
Western Wheat Sourdough…………………………………………………. 44
Sour Rye………………………………………………………………………………. 47
Dark Beer Rye……………………………………………………………………… 49
Sesame Honey Wheat…………………………………………………………. 51
Molasses Wheat Sourdough………………………………………………….54
Italian Sourdough………………………………………………………………… 56
Danish Rye Pumpernickel……………………………………………………. 58
Cracked Wheat San Francisco Sourdough……………………………60
Cracked Grain Mill Loaf………………………………………………………… 63
Spicy Jalepeno Loaf……………………………………………………………… 67
Garlic Onion Rye Sourdough…………………………………………………70
Desem Rye Malted Sourdough……………………………………………. 73
Saltzburg Sourdough…………………………………………………………… 76
Two Night Sourdough…………………………………………………………… 79
Honey Sunflower Loaf…………………………………………………………. 82
San Francisco Sunrise…………………………………………………………. 85
Buckwheat Sourdough………………………………………………………….88
Austrian Farm Bread……………………………………………………………. 91

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Contents Part 3

Advanced Sourdough

Advanced Dough Handling and Techniques…………………………………….6

Motherdough Starters – What is Motherdough?......................... 20

Salt Controlled Fermentation……………………….…………………………… 26
Morphing Sourdough Starters…………………………….…………………………..33

Advanced Recipes:
AlaskanSourdough………………………………………………………………. 37
Ciabatta………………………………………………………………………………..39
Dill Rye………………………………………………………………………………….41
Griffin’s Bread……………………………………………………………………… 43
Hearth Flaxseed Loaf…………………………………………………………… 49
Light Onion Rye……………………………………………………………………. 52
100% Wholegrain Miche……………………………………………………… 54
Flemish Desem……………………………………………………………………..57
Pumpkin Sourdough……………………………………………………………..61
Spelt Sourdough…………………………………………………………………..65
San Francisco Sharp……………………………………………………………. 68
Sour Malt……………………………………………………………………………… 71
Salt Fermented Sourdough…………………………………………………. 75

Morphed Recipes:

Kalamata Asiago Loaf ………………………………………………………...81

Desem Morph………………………………………………………………………. 84
Northwest Morph Sourdough………………………………………………. 87
Pane Pearl……………………………………………………………………………..90
Rye Morph Pan Loaf………………………………………………………………92
Rosemary Potato Sourdough………………………………………………. 94

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 Motherdough Recipes:

Baguettes……………………………………………………………………………..98
Seaside Sourdough……………………………………………………………… 100
Pane Picante………………………………………………………………………… 103
Pane Teresa…………………………………………………………………………. 106
Asiago Cracked Pepper Bread……………………………………………… 110
Country Kitchen Sourdough………………………………………………… 112
Coastal Loaf…………………………………………………………………………. 114
Vienna White………………………………………………………………………… 117
Sourdough Millet Loaf……………………………………………………………119
Onion Focaccia………………………………………………………………………121
Pizza Motherdough………………………………………………………………. 123
Bay Bread……………………………………………………………………………..125
Motherdough White Loaf…………………………………………………….. 128
Ciabatta Loaf………………………………………………………………………… 131
One Night Sponge Sour……………………………………………………….. 134
Sourdough Fat Pretzels………………………………………………………..137
Pretzel Sourdough Bread……………………………………………………..140

Specialty Recipes:

Sweet Dough: Cinnamon Rolls and Hawaiian Coffee Ring… 146

Teresa’s Sourdough Doughnuts…………………………………………… 151
Egg Bagels……………………………………………………………………………. 155
Onion Bagels………………………………………………………………………… 158
Sourdough English Muffins………………………………………………….. 161
Focaccia 166………………………………………………………………………… 165
French Grilled Sourdough Bread…………………………………………. 168
Hawaiian Loaf………………………………………………………………………. 171
Jerky Rolls……………………………………………………………………………. 174
Kaiser Rolls…………………………………………………………………………… 176
Pistou Rolls…………………………………………………………………………… 179
Bleu Cheese Pull-Apart Loaf………………………………………………… 181
Walnut Fig Bread…………………………………………………………………. 184
Raisin Walnut Cranberry Loaf………………………………………………. 187

(a) Glossary Sourdough Terms

About the Author

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 Discovering Sourdough

My Sourdough Journey

In the summer of 2004, my 22 year old That was my challenge. I tried baking
daughter decided to try her hand at baking “real” sourdough before, but not seriously.
up a loaf of “real” sourdough. She found I have over 40 years of baking experience
advice on the internet on how to make and my large family provides me with
“real” San Francisco Sourdough, so she plenty of reasons to bake. I started out at
began several weeks of baking the age of ten, baking and selling cupcakes
experiments…and failures. After a month, to the neighbors. Later, while living in a
she gave up, saying, “No way can anyone mountainous area of Idaho, I kept a
make real sourdough, I bet you can’t either sourdough “pot.” This sourdough was
mom!” based on the Alaskan style of sourdough

9
where you were supposed to feed the couldn’t imagine how they could get those
starter whenever and whatever you felt large holes and great chewy texture, not to
like. This included feeding it flour, water, mention the flavor! Could a home baker
dough scraps, biscuits, leftover pancake bake up such a crackly crust bursting with
batter… whatever! Besides the flavor, this tiny bubbles all over the surface, with such
style of sourdough is used more for its rich color and wonderful smell?
acidity (needed to activate baking soda and
Anyone should be able to bake such
baking powder), than for baking artisan
wonderful bread at home… was it
style sourdough breads. It usually doesn’t
possible? I researched what I could on the
live long because of neglect and the
internet, and was a bit confused by the
unusual “leftover” feedings. I did try to
conflicting information. Several sites
bake sourdough bread at that time, but
claimed to show how to bake “real” San
only managed to come up with “soured”
Francisco Sourdough. However, I had to
dough, with a dense crumbly crumb (the
admit, the sparse pictures of their finished
crumb is the interior of the bread). It was
bread didn’t exactly remind me of the
basically regular bread left to ferment too
“real” thing. So I started researching
long.
everything I could find, not only on the
I wasn’t aware that there was a internet, but in books, or wherever I could
completely different way of fermenting find information. I decided to buy Nancy
dough to produce wonderful sourdough Silverton’s book Breads from the La Brea
bread. I grew up in California where we Bakery. Nancy had won the award for the
bought real sourdough from San Francisco best tasting sourdough, a contest put on by
& San Luis Obispo. In some secret way, the San Francisco Chronicle. I figured if she
they were able to produce bread that was won out against breads made right in San
leagues out of the ordinary… chewy, holey, Francisco, I could learn something from
tangy, crusty, and delicious! I wondered if her. After all, the San Francisco bakeries
they boiled the dough before baking it, weren’t sharing any information. So I
because the crust was reminiscent of chewy purchased her book and my “real”
bagels, but not exactly the same. I just sourdough journey began. With Nancy’s

10
book, along with many others, plus some of the structure of the dough, and contribute
the information I had gleaned on the to the flavor of the finished bread.
internet, I began to understand that “real” Fermentation takes time. The more patience
sourdough cookery was… “a whole new you have, the better your chances are that
world.” It was as different, or more so, than your bread will turn out great.
quick bread baking was from yeast bread
The key to great sourdough bread is a
baking. With quick breads (breads
vigorous, stable, great tasting, sourdough
leavened with chemicals like baking soda),
starter. Nancy Silverton’s book goes to
the dough is handled quickly and gently,
great lengths to teach you how to make a
there is no fermentation and if you handle
sourdough starter. After reading through
the dough too much, your baked item ends
the directions and explanation, I realized
up tough. With yeasted breads(breads
that when the stage came for the
leavened with commercial yeast), time is
sourdough starter to smell terrible, that it
allowed for fermentation and the dough is
was still okay and I did not throw it out, as
not handled gently and quickly.
many people do. I learned to feed the
If you used quick bread techniques to mature starter on a daily basis, instead of
bake yeast bread, your loaf would end up feeding it once a week or even every two
like a brick. This was the same thing my weeks when it was virtually dead and
daughter, I, and many others, were trying ready to throw away (you can feed your
to accomplish with sourdough baking (and starter once a week if kept in the
turning out bricks too). The techniques for refrigerator, but there are drawbacks to
sourdough baking are different than those keeping a starter in a refrigerator - more on
used for commercial yeasted breads. this later). I found out that you don’t feed
Sourdough is all about fermentation and starters leftover dough, uneaten biscuits, or
time. Fermentation is what happens when anything other than clean, fresh water and
yeasts, bacteria and enzymes go to work good fresh flour. The first starter I made
producing by-products which end up as using the directions in her book did not
gasses, alcohol and acids. These by- fare too well. I think it got contaminated
products fill the dough with bubbles, alter with bad bacteria. So I threw it out and

11
started again. I kept my new starter on top
of a freezer on a covered porch by the back
door. I knew the right thing was brewing
when family members would walk in
exclaiming “Whew! What is that smell?”
The starter really turned out terrific, it now
smells yeasty and tangy and is still one of
my favorite starters. I call it Northwest
Sourdough Starter.

I live along the coastal region of

Western Washington with Willapa Bay
outside my backyard. The air is humid
most of the time and it is cool year round,
the perfect climate for culturing a great
sourdough starter. When I tried out my
new starter for the first time, I made up a
I did not yet understand bulk fermentation
batch of sourdough pancakes; they came
(bulk fermentation means the first raising
out pretty good, so I thought I would try
of the dough after mixing) and proofing
basic white sourdough bread. The first
(proofing means the raising of the dough
sourdough bread I made was using the
after it is shaped). The dough for this bread
Basic White sourdough recipe in Nancy’s
was over fermented during bulk
book. I followed her directions as closely as
fermentation. The tendency to over ferment
I could and ended up making some
is strong when first attempting to bake
interesting bricks.
sourdough because of the mistaken idea

Here are some of my first tries and failures: that more fermentation will produce a
stronger sour flavor(which is avidly sought
after). Well, the right amount of
fermentation does help develop the sour
flavor, but there is a fine line, because when

12
fermentation goes on for too long, the keep an aquarium healthy. I did not even
gluten (protein strands that make up the know microorganisms were necessary to
support structure of bread) begins to break keep fish healthy and alive. Fish died and
down so that the dough doesn’t rise very my aquariums were not too healthy. When
well, and the dough gets very sticky. Also I researched aquarium culture and found
the sugars in the dough become used up so out about the symbiotic relationship
that the crust doesn’t brown correctly. The necessary between the fish, plants and
crust in the pictures has a white porcelain microorganisms, I began to care for the
look to it, indicating that the sugars were microorganisms in the tank, and the fish
used up and the bread had poor oven and plants thrived. In my opinion, this
spring (oven spring is what happens when applies to sourdough organisms as well.
the dough is hit by intense heat during the During my research on sourdough culture,
first minutes of baking and it springs up I learned about the symbiotic relationship
high in the oven). The poor oven spring is between the yeasts necessary to raise the
shown by the dense look to the loaf and the bread, the bacteria which help flavor the
dense crumb (crumb - the interior of the bread, and the enzymes which give
loaf of bread) of the sliced bread. However, character to the bread. The yeasts and
this bread was actually sour, which was bacteria work together to form a stable
one thing I was trying for. culture. I realized that this symbiotic
relationship in the sourdough culture, and
I wasn’t about to be defeated by my first
its care, was very important to making
failure because it was at least sour, so I
great bread. I also thought that if you
persevered. What I am about to tell you
studied your starter to see what it could do,
next might seem somewhat strange, but it
you would be able to work with it better
helped me to figure out what was going on
and coax it to do what you wanted. I wish I
with sourdough organisms.
could say that after my thinking and

I have always enjoyed having aquariums research, I made the best bread ever, but it

with freshwater fish. When I set up my first wasn’t so! I now had to learn the “feel” of

aquarium, I did not understand the the dough. I needed to know what it felt

microorganism environment necessary to and looked like during it’s different stages,

13
like when it was done mixing, the mistakes, I forged ahead and tried baking
development of dough during final some sour rye. It was also a flop. I was
proofing or was ready to bake. I found out getting a little frustrated. Why wouldn’t the
that sourdough doesn’t like to be handled bread just turn out as I envisioned it
in the same way that I was used to when I would?
had baked commercial yeasted breads. The Here are some Rye loaves that also turned
dough is often stickier when working with out dense:
sourdough. If I mixed it as long as
commercial yeasted dough, then bulk proof
it for four to six hours, the gluten was
broken down and the dough was just like
glue. At that point, if I tried to shape the
dough, it just oozed into a puddle. I didn’t
have all of the puzzle pieces yet.

Here is another early try at baking a

sourdough:

I was over proofing again. I did not know

that Rye dough proofs more quickly than
white dough and is easy to over-proof
because of its quicker fermentation.

Again I baked up some Basic White

Sourdough. I was taking good care of my
These loaves were underproofed (which
starter and still doing a lot of reading. I
means they were not allowed to raise long
decided to proof less time and I finally
enough before baking) so the crust split
came up with a loaf of sourdough that was
apart as the dough tried to push through
actually promising. The crust crackled all
the crust during baking. Learning by my
over when it was cooling, had the most

14
glorious smell and tasted great. The crumb didn’t have anyone to ask simple questions,
was also promising. It didn’t have the large such as, “How can you tell if the dough is
holes I was aiming for, but it was lighter ready to bake?” “How long do you wait
and soft with a good texture. before using a new starter?” or, “How long
should you mix the dough in a mixer?” I
First Passable Loaf and crumb:
had to find out most of the answers myself
as none of the sourdough books seemed to
have all of the answers a newbie wants to
ask! I wonder if that is even possible?

I kept working at it. I am lucky to have

many growing children who are more than
happy to gobble up mistakes. The birds got
their fair share too. The trash got a couple
of real disasters. No one knew about those.
I remember once being so disappointed
because, as I grabbed my spray bottle and
misted the loaf to provide humidity, there
was suddenly an awful smell. I had
inadvertently grabbed a different spray
bottle which was marked, Bleach Water.
The disappointment was great. That loaf
was mixed, bulk fermented, shaped,
refrigerated and proofed. There was a lot of
toil in that loaf just to spray it with bleach
water and dump it in the trash!

Sourdough baking would be addicting for In between getting some good loaves, I still
me from this point on. It wasn’t easy to got my share of flops. As I was putting
come up with a perfect loaf however, the together the puzzle pieces, I wasn’t willing
challenge really made it all worthwhile. I to stay with the same recipe or method (it

15
would have been better if I had stayed with as it cooled. The crust was so crispy that it
one recipe until I got it perfected). I kept shattered pieces of crust on the table as we
experimenting, trying different techniques, cut into it.
like changing the length of timing while
Here is my breakthrough loaf of
mixing the dough or proofing, adding the sourdough:
salt at different times as the dough
developed, freezing dough or the starter,
adjusting baking temperatures, using
different methods of getting a humid oven
(one of the difficulties for the home baker is
getting the oven to have a humid
environment during the first 10 – 20
minutes of baking), etc. I found a method
that works very well for getting a humid
baking environment, and will share that This loaf had a million blisters on the crust
later. and had a pretty good crumb. I still didn’t
know how to get a consistent holey crumb,
After a while of experimenting, I baked my
but I was determined to work on it. After
break-through sourdough loaf. It was just
this loaf, I was caught completely, hook,
the thing to keep me addicted to baking
line and sinker, as they say. If I could do
great sourdough. I was so hooked that I
this, I might be able to bake “real”
couldn’t keep from thinking about
sourdough!
sourdough baking, techniques, and
methods even while sleeping. My
breakthrough sourdough loaf was baked
using adjusted mixing, proofing and
spraying. I put together what was working
for me so far and I made an astonishing
loaf of sourdough. I remember we all
gathered around and listened to it crackle

16
Here is a close up of the crust on the break- this loaf. I learned later that in other parts
through sourdough loaf. Notice the incredible of the world, blisters on the crust and a real
blisters:
sour flavor are considered flaws in bread
baking. In the USA, we love those blisters,
large holes, and extraordinary sours!

After this loaf, I began to keep a photo

journal of the bread I baked and I also
began a journal of recipes, proofing times,
mixing times, etc. When I make a mistake, I
can go back and see what I might have
done differently. If the bread bakes up
really great, I can repeat it again. Keeping a
journal really helps me in my sourdough
experimenting.

Here is a picture of the crumb from the

After several years of experimenting and
breakthrough loaf:
baking, I finally arrived at being able to
bake bread like they do in San Francisco
and San Luis Obispo. I will share how in
this book….so yes, you can bake great
sourdough at home in your own oven!

The texture was somewhat open, there

were holes! It was chewy and tangy. I
cannot begin to tell you how proud I was of

17
I now know that, yes, you can bake great sourdough and Artisan breads right out of your own oven,
in your own home.

These kinds of loaves

can be baked in your
own oven.

18
 T HE S OURDOUGH grain is to bread as grapes are to wine.

S TARTER Try telling setting grapes not to ferment!

Producing your own sourdough culture
WHAT IS SOURDOUGH?
(starter) is easy…mix up some wet dough
and let it set, lightly covered, at room
temperature. In a couple of days you will
see bubbles in the flour/water mixture. A
stable sourdough starter is a medium
(flour and water) cultured with yeasts
and bacteria which have a symbiotic
relationship. The bacteria and the yeast
become mutually beneficial to each other,
helping each other to thrive. You can
easily make your own sourdough starter
right at home.
Sourdough is what happens when
you leave a mixture of water and flour M AKING YOUR OWN
out in the open for a while. Organisms S OURDOUGH S TARTER
present in the air and flour go to work You can try your hand at making your
feeding on starches and sugars, they own sourdough starter. You will need a
begin multiplying and produce gas as a clean 32–48 oz non-metallic container,
by product of their fermentation. This gas pineapple juice or apple cider, good
is what raises the dough. Sourdough is an water and flour. To optimize your
ancient method of raising dough and was chances of activating a vigorous starter,
thought to have occurred as far back as use either part freshly ground whole
ancient Egyptian times. However, any grain flour or rye flour in your mixture.
human civilization which had wheat or Whole grains have 200 times the amount
other whole grains as part of their diet, of organisms as white flours*(According
most likely also had sourdough. Fresh to Debra Wink).

19
 After the mixture has started to encourages undesirable bacteria in a new
ferment, begin to feed the mixture water starter that isn’t yet stable enough to fend
and white flour (either All Purpose or off invaders. Organic flours produced
Bread flour), if you desire a white without chemicals are more likely to get a
sourdough starter. Or keep feeding the good sourdough starter going.
mixture with whole grain flours to have a
The pineapple or apple cider is used for
wholegrain starter. You might try
the acid conditions they provide which
something like this
encourage the desired bacteria and
Day One: yeasts and discourage the undesired
bacteria/yeasts. This was researched by
Add:
Debra Wink and written about in her
article “The Pineapple Juice Solution”.
 ¼ cup organic rye or
wheat flour(freshly This article is available at BBGA.org for
ground works best)
registered members. This starter
 ¼ cup bread flour procedure was developed in
collaboration with Debra Wink and I am
 ½ cup pineapple or apple
cider (you can use pure grateful for her expertise.
water, but it takes a few
days longer to get going) Day Two: Stir, nothing else is needed on
Stir well to incorporate plenty of oxygen day two.
and let the container of the flour/juice
Day Three:
mixture set, lightly covered, at room
temperature. There is a tendency in those Whether you see bubbles or not, pour out
just starting out in sourdough baking to half of your starter mixture and feed the
keep their starters and doughs at very starter with:
warm temperatures to hurry things up.
 ½ cup of pineapple juice
This is not always desirable, especially for
or apple cider (or water)
a sourdough starter. Try to keep the new
 ¼ cup of rye or whole
starter in a place that is between 68-80F wheat flour
(20-26C) degrees. A higher temperature

20
  ¼ cup of bread flour example would be to possibly feed the

Pouring out half of the starter will give starter with 2 oz of water and 2 oz of rye

any yeasts or bacteria that are present, a flour (or wheat flour if you desire a whole

larger ratio of food and will dilute of any wheat starter). It takes about two weeks

undesirable bacteria. for your new sourdough starter to

become stable and have the power
Day Three and Four: necessary to bake up good bread. During
these two weeks, you will be working
Follow the same feeding as in Day One
towards a stable starter and encouraging
and Day Three.
the establishment of a symbiotic
Day Five through day Fourteen: relationship between desirable bacteria
(Lactobacilli) and yeasts. Some of the
Now each day for the next ten days, pour
things that can cause problems when
off half of your starter mixture and feed
trying to culture a new starter are:
with 1/2 cup water (juice is no longer
necessary after day four) and 1/2 cup Old Flour – obtain high quality,
flour mix. If you wish to have a white unbleached flours which are not too old
flour starter, now is the time to begin or rancid, preferably organic.
feeding the starter white flour instead of
Water – the chemicals in city water can be
rye or whole wheat flours (using more
a problem for starters, use fresh, filtered
white flour at each feeding and less
water or good well water.
wholegrain flour is easier on the starter,
as you are switching flours, after a couple Time and Temperature - be patient; do
of days, use only white flour). not try to hurry the process by keeping
the starter in a very warm place (over 80
If you wish to have a rye or whole wheat
F) because a culture which is too warm
starter, instead of feeding by
can encourage bad bacteria to take over.
volume(using cup measures), weigh the
water and rye or whole wheat flour and Contamination- Be careful about using a
use equal weights of each ingredient to clean spoon and a starting with a clean
produce a 100% hydration starter. An

21
container to avoid bad bacteria oz) of flour and one cup (8.3 oz) water to
contamination or cross contamination feed one cup of (166% hydration) starter.
with another starter. Or another example for a thicker starter
would be to add 5 oz of flour and 5 oz of
A word about hydration:
water (for a starter that is 100%

In bread baking, hydration means the hydration). Make sure you have enough

ratio of water to flour. More water starter for your recipe and enough

means a higher hydration or wetter leftover to keep the starter going. If you
dough. Less water means a lower want to mix up a large batch of dough
hydration or drier, stiffer dough. make sure you feed your starter more
Understanding hydration allows a baker flour and water. A good ratio of feed to
to know exactly how wet or dry the starter might be 1:1:1 or .5: 1: 1 with the
dough will be. A very wet starter is first number being the starter, the second,
around 166% hydration. A thicker starter the water and the third the flour.
is 100% hydration (which means that the
water is 100% the weight of the flour). The new sourdough starter will go

An average dough ready for baking through a range of smells as it becomes

might be at 62% hydration. Wet Ciabatta mature. Don’t be alarmed if it smells like

dough might be around 70 % hydration. wet cardboard, dirty socks, rotting

There will be more about hydration cheese, vinegar or other strange smells.

later in this chapter. By the time it reaches two weeks of age, it

should start smelling wonderful with a
You can try making some pancakes or
yeasty, tangy aroma. If a starter smells
waffles with your new starter before the
vinegary it means it needs to be fed.
two weeks are up and you might even be
Sometimes the starter will not work and
able to try some bread after ten days. If
you have to throw it out and start again.
you wish to try baking with the starter,
It can be infected by bad bacteria while it
feed it with a larger amount of food the
is maturing. It might be slimy, get
night before you are planning to use it.
covered with mold, have a bad color
An example might be to use one cup (5
(orangey or pink), or not ever produce

22
any fermentation.If the hooch goes to the possibly cross contaminate if you use
middle or bottom of the container and the more than one starter.
top is evil smelling foam, you can bet
If you don’t want to wait two weeks to
your starter got infected with a bad
see if you have a good starter or you have
bacteria. This can occur for several
already tried and cannot seem to get a
reasons. You might be using water that
good sourdough starter going, obtain an
contains chemicals or bacteria (like from a
established, stable sourdough starter
home well) or has other properties that
from a neighbor or a sourdough starter
the sourdough microorganisms don’t
through the internet and reactivate it.
like. Your flour might have a residue of
pesticides that affect the microorganisms, Water and Flour:
or the flour might be old or rancid. The
Use the best water and flour you can get.
starter might have gotten too warm or
There is no substitute for pure water and
you might not have started with a really
organic flour. Use filtered water if you don’t
clean container. Maybe you even forgot have a source of good water otherwise. Tap
to feed it for a day or two and because it water filtered with a good filter or reverse
was not mature enough to take the osmosis filtering is great. Tap water alone is

neglect, the good microorganisms might not good and can kill the starter outright or

have died. So make sure to get good pure over time. The wild yeasts and bacteria are
sensitive to chemicals. Don’t use bleach or
water, fresh flour and use a very clean
soap to clean a sourdough starter container,
non metallic container. Metals can react
use only hot water. Freshly ground flours
with the acids in the starter and kill the
are great for feeding a starter, but age the
starter or create bad flavors. You can use flour for one to two weeks before making
stainless bowls and spoons for mixing the dough if you grind it yourself. Freshly
dough etc, but don’t use a metal ground, organic flours have more enzyme

container for storing your sourdough activity and will make an active starter. Poor
quality, stale, or rancid flours will not make
starter. Plastic, glass and ceramics are
a good starter or bake up great bread.
good to use with sourdough. Wood may
hold the microorganisms in the fiber and

23
 starter, that is okay. Always stir well to

C ARE OF AN E STABLISHED incorporate plenty of oxygen. Sourdough

S OURDOUGH S TARTER starters need to be fed on a regular basis.

A feeding or refreshing schedule for Some bakers like to refresh their starters
an established starter might be as follows: several times a day. Others refrigerate

After using your starter, or in the their starters either as a dough or slurry
evening (if you haven’t used the starter, and don’t feed as often, maybe once or
pour maybe half of the starter out) then
feed: twice a week. You will find out how well
your starter works by observing it’s
For a 166% hydration starter:
ability to perform, based on the feeding
 1 cup of white flour - 5
oz/141g schedule you have. I like to feed my
starters that are kept at room temperature
 1 cup of tepid water – 8.3
oz/235g everyday, at least once a day, usually in
the evening. That is what I consider an
optimum time for the starter to be ready
for mixing dough by the next day in the
For a 100 % hydration starter: morning or afternoon. This is really just a
suggestion because starters have a lot of
 3/4 cup tepid water- 6
oz/170g play when it comes to timing. I have
found that the ratio of food to starter
 1&1/3 cup
(approximately) flour- 6 oz amount can be a factor in how sour the
/170g
bread turns out and how vigorous the
final dough is. A smaller, but still regular

Half the amounts of flour and water can feeding, will turn out bread that has a

be used if you are just maintaining your good sour tang. I believe that may be

starter and don’t plan to bake the next because the yeast is then kept in check

day. Don’t worry if you notice that all of and the bacteria that causes the flavor has

the flour hasn’t been stirred in well and more of a chance to multiply in the

there are lumps floating on top of the higher acid environment. It also allows
more bacteria to be present because you

24
have a higher ratio of older starter to the I like to keep my starters that are not in
feed mixture. Yeasts multiply faster than use, in a dedicated refrigerator which is
the bacteria, so if you wish milder kept at a higher than normal temperature
flavored bread with a faster rise, pour out for refrigeration, around 44 - 46 degrees. I
most of your starter and feed it a larger take the starters out and feed them once
ratio of flour/water mixture the night or twice a week. A starter that is fed a
before mixing your dough. If you want to large ratio of water/flour mixture will
use a starter for quick or one day breads, last a long time in the refrigerator, even if
like for a Vienna White Loaf or bagels, neglected. A vigorous, strong, healthy
English Muffins, etc, then pour out most starter will resist being taken over by the
of the starter and feed it a larger quantity local bacteria and yeasts. A culture that is
of food in the evening and use it for strong has its own method of fighting off
mixing dough early in the morning of the invading yeasts and bacteria. Some
next day. people think that any starter you buy or
get from somewhere else will end up
A Whole Wheat Starter and a Rye
becoming a “local” starter (becoming a
local starter means the starter which was
obtained from another area ends up being
the same as the starter yeasts/bacteria
indigenous to the region). There is still
much controversy over whether a foreign
starter can turn into a local starter. This
may happen if you don’t take care of the
starter with regular feeding, if you keep it
someplace too warm or your local
starter: kept at 100% hydration
bacteria (bacteria in your area) are more
vigorous than the starter bacteria you
obtained. It may be that the bacteria in
your starter which made it so flavorful
disappeared after prolonged refrigeration

25
at or below 40F. Just like a yogurt, kefir, starters. Long term refrigerated storage of
or cheese culture, the sourdough starters sourdough starters will be discussed later
should stay true to form, if taken care of in this chapter.
properly and kept healthy. I have read
In tests done with my starters, the
that tests have been done to see if
various fermentation times have stayed
sourdough starters changed over to the
the same, which seems to indicate that
indigenous microflora after being in a
many of the original yeasts/bacteria must
different place for a while. The tests
still be present.
concluded that the yeasts were the same
as the indigenous yeast. Although there
are many different kinds of yeast,
sourdough starters around the world are
known to contain similar yeasts.
However, the bacteria were not tested
and they also contribute much to the
flavor of the bread. Perhaps certain
combinations of yeasts and bacteria are
necessary for a stable starter to resist
being taken over by local yeast and
A white starter which is ready to be fed,
bacteria.
with a layer of hooch (starter liquid) on
It would be interesting to have the same the top.
experiments done with the bacteria
present in the sourdough cultures. Also
H YDRATION
the tests may have been performed on Hydration, in bread baking terms, means

starters which were kept at refrigerator how much water or liquid there is in a

temperatures for a while, in which case, given amount of flour. Hydration is

the starters may have lost their original figured out by the weight of the water as

bacteria and tasted or reacted the same as a percentage of the weight of the flour.

the rest of the tester’s refrigerated Both ingredients are weighed and then

26
the total amount of water by weight is constant and the water being the
divided by the total amount of flour by changeable percentage of the flour
weight. So if you have 4 oz of water and 5 weight.
oz of flour you divide 4/5 and get 80 %
I like to keep my white starters at around
hydration. 80% hydration is a very thick
166% hydration. That is, a one to one
batter, like what might be mixed up if
ratio, by volume, like one cup (8.3 oz) of
you make muffins or cornbread.
water to one cup (5 oz) of flour. Another
The lower hydration doughs are firmer popular hydration for starters is 100%
and drier in the 50 – 63 % range of hydration, which is a one to one ratio, by
hydration. The higher hydration doughs weight, of water to flour, like 5 ounces of
are stickier and wetter at around 64 % to water to 5 ounces of flour. This hydration
70% hydration and the very high will make a much thicker batter. I like to
hydration doughs are more like a batter keep my whole grain starters at 100%
and are extremely wet and sticky at 71% hydration, because they tend to ferment
and up. 100% hydration does not mean faster and can be slowed down somewhat
100% water with no flour. It does mean when they are kept thicker (a wetter
100% of the weight of the flour is also the batter ferments more quickly). I keep my
same weight of the water. So for instance, white starters at the more liquid batter of
8 oz of water and 8 oz of flour mixed 166% hydration for a couple of reasons.
together would make a 100% hydration In a more liquid state the gluten does not
mixture. You can have batters at more form binding strands which are harder to
than 100% hydration by having more incorporate into the final dough during
water by weight than flour. Many starters mixing. It ferments faster but the bubbles
are kept at a very wet 166% hydration escape so that you do not have to worry
which is 8.3 oz of water (usually one about the mixture crawling out of its
measuring cup) and 5 oz of flour (also an container, it is easier to measure if you
average measuring cupful) The use a measuring cup, and I believe it
percentage of hydration is based on the helps make the dough more exstensible
flour being 100% flour weight as a

27
and produces dough with an open tangy bread. Since living in Hawaii and
crumb. baking in a warm, humid environment, I
have found it much easier to get
Getting a good tangy sour flavor
consistently sour bread, so temperature
depends upon many factors, like your
seems to be important in obtaining a sour
technique, timing, temperature, starter,
flavor. There are as many techniques for
recipe etc. A wetter liquid batter favors
obtaining a great sour flavor as there are
lactic acid, which is where much of the
bakers.
complex flavor is obtained. Drier dough
favors acetic acid which contributes to the I find that working with sourdough is an
souring of the dough, however it takes evolving process and what I prefer now,
longer to ferment. So timing and often changes as my interests change. It is
temperature play an important factor in also a learning process and what I
obtaining a sour flavor. An interesting understand and like to do now, changes
combination is to use a wet starter and as time and experience shows me new or
drier starter in making the dough. This better techniques. I have always liked
should contribute both a great flavor and working with stickier, wetter dough, but
sourness to the finished loaf. Making up a have found a recent interest in working
batch of 60 – 80 % hydration dough using with the lower hydration, drier dough
a whole grain starter, and allowing it to which when baked, can be surprisingly
age for several days at cool airy, light and full of holes. So now I am
temperatures(this would be called a experimenting with drier dough which I
Motherdough, which is covered further bulk ferment at warm temperatures. I
on), then adding it to your final dough, have also been working with white
would be another way of adding more starters kept at 50 -60% hydration (a stiff
flavor to your bread. Using a mature Biga-like dough) and have found a whole
lower hydration Motherdough and then new range of possibilities. I have worked
bulk fermenting (bulk fermentation is the with refrigerated “Motherdoughs” at 50 -
first ferment after mixing the dough) at a 80% hydration and find them different to
warm temperature is another way to get a work with than either the 166% white

28
starter or the 100% whole grain starters. I the original starter and leave your
will cover this in the chapter on original starter alone. I personally prefer
“Motherdough”. starters fed with only flours and water
(juice can be used the first few days to get
KEEPING A STARTER HEALTHY
a starter going). The starters made with
The older sourdough books which
fruits, yogurts, kefir, etc seem to me to be
instruct you to add ingredients to your
already cultured with milk or fruit
starter, like leftover dough, old biscuits,
bacteria and not the grain bacteria that
milk, honey, etc, are out of date. If you
we are trying to encourage. I like to bring
add anything besides water and flour to
out the taste of wheat, rye and whole
your starter, you are asking for trouble.
grains.
Who knows what bacteria, yeasts or other
microorganisms from such additions will Not feeding the sourdough starter

do to the good starter you already have. frequently or using the starter when it

If you feed your starter with flour and isn’t adequately refreshed/fed is a very

water each time, it will be consistent in its common problem especially for those

output and fermenting times. You will new to sourdough baking. I have tried

not be introducing an unknown element several times to use a starter that smelled

to the starter which could potentially kill too vinegary and/or was too far past its

or contaminate it with something that prime. I thought that adding flour and

will slow it down or make it sick. If you water during mixing should be similar to

want to experiment with adding other feeding the starter. In every case the

things to your starter, just remove some dough failed to rise properly and

starter and put it into another container sometimes fell apart when I would add

to experiment with. I have read of the salt. I think the acid content is just too

experimenters adding sugar, fruit or great and may not only affect the gluten

feeding their starters with different kinds but may also affect the yeast’s ability to

of flours or ingredients. Experimentation multiply etc. Also you would be

can be fun, just make sure to remove the incorporating a large ratio of a mixture in

starter you are experimenting with from which the gluten was broken down

29
encouraging the dough to be weak. Feed low of an amount for too long of time, it
your sourdough starter everyday if it is at will eventually not be as active or
room temperature. If you have kept it in healthy.
the refrigerator, refresh it a few times
Starters can be affected by poor water
before using it to mix up dough. If the
quality. The bakery across the bay from
starter smells very acidic, pour most of it
me had problems for years with not being
out and build it back up by feeding it a
able to use the wild yeasts because of
larger ratio of flour/water before using it
poor water quality. I sent them some of
to make dough.
my Northwest starter and the first batch
A starter that is 166% hydration and fed died. I asked them some questions about
with a lower ratio of feed to starter will the starter care and found out they were
not always look bubbly when it is ready using city tap water to feed the starter
to use, sometimes it can look quite dead. and make dough. City water has chlorine
By a lower ratio of feed to starter, I mean and other chemicals in it that can be fatal
that the volume of the starter batter is to sourdough yeasts. The bakery has been
greater than the amount of feed it gets. successfully baking great sourdough
For instance, it you have 2 cups of ripe since filtering their water.
starter, and you feed it with one cup of
Besides chlorine, there may be other
water/flour mixture, it will not show as
chemicals in city tap water that can harm
much activity as if you had one cup of
sourdough yeasts. Find the best water
ripe starter and you feed it with two cups
you can and use it for both feeding the
of water/flour mixture. It will amaze
starter and for making up the dough.
you at how vigorous it actually is, even
Filtered water is usually good. Water
when it looks inactive. A very liquid
which has been distilled isn’t the best for
starter fed with a large amount of feed
sourdough baking as the salts and
may show a nice layer of thin bubbles the
minerals have been removed and they
morning after feeding, while the starter
not only help to feed the yeasts and
with a lower amount of feed may not
microorganisms, but also affect the flavor
show any activity. When you feed it too
of the water (and the bread). However,

30
distilled water is still preferable to Your sourdough starter can sometimes
unfiltered tap water. If tap water is all smell “bad”. Dirty rotten feet, vomit, bad
that is easily available to you, boil the cheese are some of the descriptions I have
water, cool it, and then pour it into a heard to describe a starter with a foul
container that you can keep loosely odor. This can happen especially in
covered. This way some of the volatile warmer weather as the starter needs to be
gasses have a chance to dissipate. Leave fed more frequently and often is not. A
the container, loosely covered for 24 – 48 bad odor can also happen when the ratio
hours, then cover and store it for use in of feed to starter is too low (like not
feeding your starter and the mixing of pouring out or using any starter and
your dough. The use of boiled tap water feeding just a small amount of
has been successful for those who only water/flour). Neglect, as well as poor
have tap water available to them or if water or flour quality can also cause an
they don’t know what might be in the unpleasant odor. Contamination by
water, as in small or private well water unfavorable bacteria or mold can also be
sources. I have heard that some people a cause. When reactivating a dry starter,
have had no problems using their tap there can be a “bad” odor for a few days
water with sourdough baking. Try a test as it gets started, the odor should
using your tap water and feeding a small disappear, replaced by a wonderful
amount of sourdough starter which you yeasty smell by day five or six with a
have set aside and monitor the results. reactivated starter.
The latest starter I have worked with in
To recover a starter that looks or smells
Hawaii would not thrive even after trying
suspicious, remove about ¼ cup of the
for two weeks. I was using city water. I
starter and it set aside in a clean bowl.
finally threw it out and started another
Discard the rest of the starter and clean
culture using filtered catchment water
the starter container really well, scraping
(rainwater), the starter is doing very well
down the sides and washing with hot
and will make a great addition to my
water. Don’t use bleach or soap, just hot
collection of sourdough starters from
water. Then add back the ¼ cup of
around the world.

31
reserved starter and start feeding again. very helpful in getting your starter going
Once you have the starter going well, and keeping it healthy.
keep it in the refrigerator (a dedicated
Note: It is not optimum to keep
small dorm refrigerator kept between 42
sourdough starters in a refrigerator
– 48 degrees is best) if the room
environment. Later in this chapter the
temperatures are too warm, then you
drawbacks of refrigerator storage, where
won’t have to feed it as often, especially if
the temperature is kept at or below 40
you don’t bake very often.
degrees Fahrenheit, are discussed.

If a starter is a terrible color like pink,

K NOWING YOUR STARTER ’ S
orange or something really strange, you
CAPABILITIES
should pour it all out and not take
If you know how long it takes your
chances. Most neglected starters, or a
starter to proof(to reach it’s optimum
starter that has been contaminated can be
level before falling back or collapsing), it
recovered using the method above.
will go a long way in helping you make

Don’t use a starter that is past its prime better bread. In my sourdough starter

and desperately needs a feeding. Always experiments, I mixed up batches of starter

use a vigorous starter which has been fed at 100% hydration and then marked the

properly. During warmer weather feed levels on the side of the jar each hour as

your starter more often if it is kept out at they rose. Starters are very variable as to

room temperature. You can also refresh how long they take to reach maximum

the starter twice a day, once in the potential. An average starter’s first rising

morning and once at night, if you will be is around six hours. I have a starter that

mixing up a milder flavored batch of takes 3.5 hours and a starter that takes 10

dough the following day. That way there hours at a room temperature of between

is plenty of active yeasts available for the 68-70 degrees.

dough. When you feed your starter, make

I also have a starter from New Zealand
sure to mix vigorously to help
which proofs in only 2.5 hours! I even
incorporate plenty of oxygen, which is
have one starter that took 21 hours but I

32
dried it and put it away as it was too long help a long starter be able to make a
for what I wanted at the time. A longer really long proof, if that is what you
proofing starter is used differently than a want. A regular six hour starter won’t be
shorter proofing starter. The San able to hold up under that kind of timing
Francisco starters are some of the longest and a short 3.5 hour starter will bite the
proofing starters. A very long bulk dust by then.
ferment or proof is possible with them,
You might use a shorter proofing
which contributes towards the tangy sour
starter for the recipes that require faster
flavor that they are famous for. Because
bulk ferments and proofing, like a
they have long staying power, longer
Shepherder’s bread, Vienna White Loaf,
proofing starters are not depleted right
Alaskan Bread or the many quick recipes
when you need them to be the most
for waffles, pancakes, muffins etc. Most
vigorous, during a long ferment.
recipes for sourdough are for the typical
If you do a shorter bulk ferment(first six hour starters. However, if you know
raising) and proof(second raising) with a what your starter can do, you can change
longer lasting starter, you won’t get the any recipe to suit your starter.
full potential sour, flavor, or oven spring.
I have found that in areas that are very
A typical home method for San Francisco
warm and humid, cutting fermentation
style bread would be mixing, a 6 - 8 hour
time in half and chilling the dough right
bulk ferment, then scaling(weighing),
away is beneficial. After chilling the
shaping and retarding(chilling the
dough overnight, warm the dough at
dough) overnight in a refrigerator for
room temperature for an hour and then
another 12 – 24 hours, then a final proof
shape the loaves before the final proofing.
for 1 - 2 hours at room temperature
Using a smaller amount of sourdough
before baking. Another technique for a
culture in the dough can also keep the
long proofing starter would be to bulk
dough from over-fermenting in hot
ferment a shorter time and then do a very
weather as can using a thicker, lower
long second proof. A smaller ratio of
hydration starter.
starter to the recipe ingredients will also

33
Motherdough starters are gaining in Motherdough starters will be explained
popularity. A Motherdough starter later in the chapter on Motherdough.
resembles a dough or very thick batter; it
is always refrigerated and kept cool to
L EAVEN &P RE - FERMENTS
ripen. A ripe Motherdough will bring a Leaven is something used to raise

new dimension of flavor to your dough. A Pre-ferment is a way of

sourdough baking. I like to keep a handling a leaven mixture.

refrigerated Motherdough starter at

There are many different words used
anywhere from 50 - 80 % hydration. A
to describe the different leavenings
Motherdough at 80% hydration will be a
available for raising dough. Leavening
ratio of 5 oz of flour to 4 oz of water (this
can include commercial yeast, wild yeast
is approximately 2:1 ratio volume
or chemical leavening like baking
measurement of flour to water or about 1
soda/powder. We will leave out the
cup of flour to ½ cup water). A
chemical leavening in these descriptions.
Motherdough starter is usually kept in
Confusion often happens when
addition to your regular starter and is
describing commercial and wild yeast
made using a regular starter.
leavens because of the similarities

A Motherdough starter kept at 80 % between them.

hydration:
The names of some of the
popular commercial baker’s
yeasts are:

 Cake yeast – fresh yeast

pressed into a small
cake.

 Quick yeast – a yeast that

was formulated to be twice
as fast as fresh cake yeast

 Instant yeast – yeast

formulated to be even
faster than quick yeast and

34
 have the ability to activate When the pre-ferment is done
directly in the dough.
fermenting, it is incorporated into the
The types of some of the popular final dough.
natural or wild leavenings are:

 Sourdough Starter or Pre-ferments are called by

culture – A stable different names and have different
water/flour mixture
cultured with wild yeast properties.
and lactobacilli.

 Levain – a French word for

leaven, usually a build in the Some of the names for pre-ferments
mixing process. are:

 Desem – a Flemish starter  Sponge – a mixture of

made with whole wheat flour. flour and water and/or other
ingredients, which can have a
 Barm – a starter made hydration of 70 - 100 % and is
from the foam from made using only a portion of
fermenting liquor. the recipe’s ingredients. It is
allowed to ferment overnight,
 Natural Leaven – this with the rest of the ingredients
sometimes means wild yeast being incorporated the next
culture or can mean old day, into the final dough.
dough.
 Poolish – A preferment
 Chef is a French word using flour and water, it
used to mean a piece of old usually does not contain salt
dough or starter used as a and uses a small amount of
culture for building the next commercial yeast. It is often
batch of dough or Levain. around 100% hydration

 Sauerteig – German for  Biga, which is an Italian

sourdough starter. type of preferment, uses
commercial yeast and is thick
A pre-ferment is a mixture of flour dough of around 50 – 60 %
and water, and sometimes cracked grains hydration, it also usually uses
a small amount of commercial
or other ingredients that are mixed with a yeast.
sourdough starter or commercial yeast,
 “Old Dough” also called
and left to ferment for several hours or Pate Fermente, is another kind
overnight, usually at room temperature. of preferment and is a piece of

35
 dough from a former batch of With the renewed interest and
dough saved and used for
experimentation in Sourdough and
subsequent batches of dough,
it usually contains salt and the Artisan breads, I hope that preferment
hydration is whatever the
names will come to include both wild
original dough was. It will
contain either commercial yeasts and commercial yeasts
yeast or wild yeast.
interchangeably. So a Biga may just
 “Motherdough” meaning mean a low hydration preferment with
the original cultured dough
which is used to produce all either commercial yeast or wild yeast
subsequent dough. I use it to used as the culture and a Poolish might
mean a cold fermented starter
at 50 - 80 % hydration and be the higher hydration preferment using
optimally kept refrigerated at either commercial yeast or wild yeast. It
around 42 – 48 degrees for
several days before use. It is already common for the terms to be
contains wild yeast. I took the used interchangeably and can cause
word “Motherdough” from a
San Francisco bakery’s use of confusion when done so. It seems to
the term “Mother Dough,” make more sense to call preferments by
describing their starter which
is a cold ferment. their hydration level or intended use and
have their meanings more universal.
 Levain is a French word
for a leaven or as a stage or
build of dough. It is
sometimes made from wild
yeast and sometimes
commercial yeast, it can be
any hydration.

36
 S ALT down gluten. A small amount of protease

For overnight preferments, sponges or activity can help dough be extensible

doughs, a small amount of salt can keep (stretchy and workable). That is why salt

the sponge from over fermenting, is often added after the dough is mixed

especially in a preferment containing rye and allowed to rest for a time. This

or whole grains. Using salt in a sponge resting period of the dough after mixing,

fermented overnight, slows down the is called Autolyse and was pioneered by

fermentation and keeps the sponge from Professor Raymond Calvel in his

collapsing or over souring, killing off the experiments with bread baking. He found

yeasts and bacteria you are trying to that using an autolyse period during

encourage. mixing of the dough, and adding the salt

after the autolyse period, helped to
Experiments with starters: develop superior dough with greater
extensibility.

Salt slows down fermentation,

strengthens the gluten of the dough,
not to mention contributing to the
flavor and longevity of the baked
bread. Salt, like sugar, is hygroscopic -
it binds with water. This helps dough

Salt also inhibits Protease, which is an hold moisture so it will not stale as
enzyme, present in flour that breaks quickly. Breads made without salt

37
stale more quickly. Salt also adding salt at different stages of the
contributes to the color of the crust dough fermentation can be
through its influence on the interesting. If you wait until after
fermentation of the dough. I did some bulk fermentation to add the salt, you
experiments on the effects of salt and might allow the Protease enzyme in
sugar on the sourdough starter(see the dough to break down the gluten
picture at the beginning of the too much and your dough might get
chapter). In the experiment, each of sticky and lose elasticity. If however,
the jars were filled with 8 oz of the you have a flour that is too high in
same active starter at 118% hydration. gluten and your dough is not stretchy
The first jar had .5 oz of Non Iodized enough (like a tight rubber band) you
salt added to it, the second one had .5 can add salt later in the fermentation
oz of Iodized salt added, the third process to allow the Protease time to
had Sea salt added at .5 oz, the fourth break down the gluten and help the
jar had .5 oz of sugar added, and the dough be more manageable.
last jar on the right had nothing
added to it. The jars of starter were at
room temperature. After eight hours R EACTIVATING A D RIED
you can see the difference the salt and S TARTER
sugar had on the starters. You can see To reactivate a dry starter, mix the dried

that the salt had a controlling effect on flakes/powder into 8 oz (approximately

one cup) tepid water ( or pineapple juice
the fermentation. With sourdough
or a mixture of juice and water) and stir.
baking, you want to prolong the
Then add 5 oz of either all purpose flour
dough’s ability to ferment, because
or bread flour (approximately one cup).
long fermentation is what makes
sourdough so great tasting. Salt helps If you are reactivating a wholegrain

this process. Experimenting with starter like a rye or whole wheat starter,

38
use 6 oz of water and 6 oz of the bacteria when reactivating a dried starter.
wholegrain flour. After four days, the acid level will be
high enough in the starter so that you will
Allow the mixture to set at room
only need to use water instead of the
temperature. The next day and each day
juice. It is also a good idea to keep the
for the next five days, pour off and
starter at room temperature and not try to
discard half of your starter mixture and
hurry it along by keeping it too warm.
then refresh or feed it again with half of
The temperature should be below 80
the original amounts – 4 oz of water and
degrees and is ideal in the 68 – 78 degree
2.5 oz of flour. Discarding might seem
range. Higher temperatures encourage
wasteful, but you need to reduce the
invasion by bad bacteria. A reconstituted
amount of starter so the feed ratio is
dry starter will build in strength and taste
enough to keep the starter healthy. After
for the first two weeks, after which time it
five days, instead of discarding the
should be stable. It is still necessary to use
starter, you can use it for making waffles,
only pure water and good fresh flour for
pancakes or biscuits etc. If you wish to
feeding the starter. Don’t worry if it takes
cook pancakes or waffles, remember to
several days for the starter to show some
feed your starter more water/flour
activity and smell yeasty. Remember that
mixture the night before. You need to
starters kept at 166% hydration often look
have enough starter to use in your recipe,
inactive. About a week after
with some left over to continue your
reconstituting the starter, you should be
starter. Always think ahead and feed
able to bake some bread. However the
your starter adequate amounts, so that
full flavor won’t be apparent until about
when you are done using it, there is still
two weeks, as it takes longer for the
enough left over to propagate your
Lactobacilli to recover than the yeasts,
starter.
and the Lactobacilli are a crucial element

As in making your own starter in flavor development. A dried starter

from scratch, you can use the pineapple can take as long as a home made starter

juice instead of water for the first four to stabilize. The advantage is that you

days of feeding, to help fight off bad have a known, tried culture that has

39
already shown itself to be successful as a S TORING T HE S TARTER
leavening for sourdough baking and you To store your starter for long time like a
know its properties. month or two, feed the starter and make
sure it is vigorous. Then about 8-12 hours
R EACTIVATING A F ROZEN
after feeding, remove about 1/3 cup of
S TARTER
your starter. Discard the rest. Stir flour
To reactivate a frozen starter, take the
into the 1/3 cup of starter and thicken it
starter out of the freezer and thaw it at
so it is like a piece of soft, thick dough.
room temperature. Make a mixture of
Then knead it with some more flour until
water and flour at whatever hydration it is smooth and not too sticky. It should
you are planning to keep your starter. be like a thick piece of dough. Place the
For instance maybe you might use a dough piece in a plastic zip bag and let it
cup of water and a cup of flour. Stir set out at room temperature for about

the water and flour together and then four hours. Expel any gas in the bag and

drop in the thawed ball of starter then place it in another freezer bag, mark
the date and contents on the bag and
dough. Let the dough set for ten
freeze it (using a frost free freezer will
minutes or so and then take your
shorten the life of a frozen starter, as the
fingers and break the dough ball into
alternate warming and freezing cycles is
smaller pieces and then stir the
harsh on the frozen culture). When you
mixture. Stir it a couple more times
get back from vacation, thaw it out, break
during the day to distribute the starter it apart into tepid water and begin to feed
dough. Next day continue feeding the it again. If you want to put your starter
starter as you usually would. You away for a very long time, take ¼ - ½ cup
could also take the thawed starter of your 166% hydration starter which has

dough and soak it in a cup of tepid been fed and is vigorous, and spread it

water for ten minutes, then break up out thinly with a pastry brush on a piece
of plastic wrap which has been spread
the starter dough with your fingers
over a baking sheet. Dry this overnight or
and add a cup of flour and stir.

40
until it is completely dry. Then crush the
dried starter into flakes and store in a zip
bag which is then placed into a sealed
container, like a mason jar, an old
mayonnaise jar or a plastic storage
container. The container will protect the
dried starter from rodents and insects.
Then store the container in a cool dark
place, like a pantry or dresser drawer.
Don’t store dried sourdough starter in the
refrigerator or freezer, as your dried
starter might absorb moisture, mold or go This is a stable 166 % hydration starter

bad, unless it is vacuum sealed. which has been refreshed with a large ratio
of feed to starter, it has been 12 hours since
You can also store your well fed wet feeding.

starter for a few days in the refrigerator

Long Term cold Storage of
and expect it to be fine once you return
and start feeding it again. Any more than Sourdough Starters
a few days and you risk the lactobacilli
A problem for many people who keep
dying off and a bland starter might be the
their sourdough starter in the refrigerator
result (Read further on about long term
over a period of time is that they find
refrigerator storage of sourdough
their starter doesn’t seem to have the
starters).
unique flavor it started out with or the
ability to produce good tangy sourdough
bread, like it did at first.

One reason may be that according to

Professor Raymond Calvel, in his book,
” The Taste of Bread” says, “To maintain
the viability of the culture, it is necessary

41
to ensure that the temperature of the need some time to regenerate the
refrigeration chamber stays between 8 – bacteria, once thawed.
10C (46.4 – 50 F) whenever the chef
For those that don’t bake often, not
(starter) is retarded for periods of 48
being able to use a refrigerator can be a
hours or more. At lower temperatures,
disadvantage. Keeping smaller quantities
part of the flora of the culture may be
of starter at room temperature and
destroyed, and consequently the taste of
feeding it smaller amounts might be the
the bread produced from this culture may
answer to this problem. Having a
be spoiled.” “Thus, bread made from a
dedicated refrigerator kept at a warmer
levain frequently no longer has the
than usual temperature would be the
dominant, lightly acidic taste that is the
ideal way to keep several starters. If you
basis of its originality.”
can keep your dedicated refrigerator at or
Therefore, over time, starters kept at around 44 – 48F degrees, that would be
average refrigerator temperatures may ideal. A dedicated refrigerator used only
have their flavor producing bacteria die for sourdough is best as it would be
off. Keeping a starter at room dangerous to keep other foods at such
temperature until you are done using it high temperatures. The dedicated
and then drying it and putting it away or refrigerator would also be ideal as a
freezing it for short periods of time retarding environment for proofing your
(weeks or months, not years) might be sourdough loaves. You could have a dual
some ways of preserving the bacteria. If purpose environment, a starter keeper
you wish to use another starter, these are and a dough retarder(retarding dough
better ways of storing your older starter. means to slow it down with cool
Freezing for short periods of time may temperatures). If you could have a
help keep the bacteria from dying off temperature controller to control the
completely compared to long term temperature accurately on your dedicated
refrigeration, but there is still a significant refrigerator, you would have an ideal
die off of the bacteria and the starter may setup for your sourdough baking.
Perhaps a small camper refrigerator or a

42
dorm fridge, would work for this
purpose. This of course, would be for
those who are serious sourdough bakers.
The drying of the starter or freezing
would be better for those who don’t bake
often. Refrigerating your starter for a
while and reverting to some saved dried
starter after you notice a loss in flavor or
vigor would also be an alternative.

Starters kept in a dedicated refrigerator.

43
44
 H OME B AKING OF Before you start, get a good oven

S OURDOUGH B READS thermometer and check your oven for

accuracy. Then obtain a good baking
stone. Get one as large as will
accommodate your oven size, but that
will still allow at least 2 inches all around
for hot air flow. Try to get one that is at
least ½ “ thick, if possible. A thicker one
might work better, but it will take longer
to heat the stone all the way through.
Measure the inside of your oven and the
stone, don’t guess. It is necessary to find a
large enough stone to accommodate the
Baking Sourdough Breads at home is easy
roasting pan lid method of baking which
and fun. To bake a crusty, shiny fully
is explained here. Some home bakers use
bloomed loaf of sourdough, you will
a large tile of Travertine cut to size or fire
need a plain electric/gas oven that heats
bricks pushed together. Use the middle
to at least 500F/260C degrees, a good
shelf of your oven or whichever shelf
baking stone, a water spray bottle and a
ends up working best to allow the bread
common turkey roasting pan lid (or
to bake without burning the bottom of
bottom). This is the basic equipment you
the loaf.
will need. You will also find it helpful to
have other equipment like cooling racks, When baking sourdough bread, steam
a timer, thermometer, heavy oven mitts, is necessary to produce a great crust. For
lame or sharp knife and some sort of peel the home baker this can present
or baking sheet for moving your dough problems. Some of the methods used to
around. I do not have experience with create steam are to spray the loaf or oven
gas ovens, but if that is what you have, sides with a water spray bottle several
use the instructions here and see if they times during the beginning of the baking
work for your gas oven as well. period. The drawbacks to this method are

45
that the oven loses heat quickly each time
you open the oven, and there really isn’t
much steam produced, the spray
evaporates almost immediately.

Also, if the loaf is sprayed too heavily,

it will produce an unsightly whitish cast
to the crust.
Another method is to use a clay baking
pot with a clay lid. The pot with lid is
preheated and then the dough is slipped
into the hot pot. The dough is either
sprayed with a mist of water once and the
lid placed on, or it isn’t sprayed at all.
The hot, heavy lid must be removed
during the baking to dry out the crust.
This actually works pretty well and turns
out a nice loaf with a shiny developed
crust. The disadvantages of this method
are that the pot is very hot and moving
the lid is dangerous and difficult. It can
be hard to get the dough into the pot just
right. Then removing the loaf and trying
to reheat the pot to bake another loaf is
also difficult and time consuming.

Other methods are to keep a small pan or

heavy skillet on the bottom of the oven
and add ice cubes or hot water for steam.
One ingenious baker, that I know, even

46
came up with a way of running a copper with steam injection. To get this effect
tube into his oven to drip hot water into a you need to hold steam around the
pan and produce steam. I have tried dough during the beginning of the
many of these methods and was always baking period. The roasting pan lid is
dissatisfied for one reason or another. I lightweight, easy to use and produces
was dissatisfied until I came up with a great results every time.
method of using a roasting pan lid to
hold the steam next to the loaf, during the
beginning part of the baking period. The
roasting pan lid which is used is just a lid
from the common turkey roasting pan. THE ROASTING PAN METHOD
OF BAKING WITH STEAM
The lid works to hold steam right next to
the dough so it can have the benefit of
steam during the baking. When you hold To use the Roasting Pan Method of
the steam right next to the loaf, the steaming, you will need a roasting pan
outside layer of the crust gelatinizes and lid which is at least 4 – 4.5 inches high
the starches turn to sugar. This effect and the length should fit on your baking
helps the crust to have a shiny finish with stone without hanging over the edge. The
great color. Steam also allows the dough bottom part of the roaster pan will also
to expand to its fullest because it keeps work, if it has handles on the sides. For
the outer skin moist while the dough is boules or round loaves, you can use a
expanding. Without adequate steam, the deep stainless steel bowl (attach a heat
dough will quickly form a crust because proof handle to the outside bottom) for a
of the high oven heat. This crust formed lid. In a pinch you can even use an
too soon will keep the dough from aluminum foil turkey pan turned upside
expanding, resulting in a denser loaf. down or make your own temporary lid
by shaping heavy aluminum foil into a
Only steam can produce a superior loaf
lid shape and using as a sort of tent over
with a crust that can be compared to a
the dough while steaming.
wood fired bread oven or a bakery oven

47
When your dough is proofing and you dough onto your peel or baking sheet,
think it might have another hour to go making sure to use plenty of semolina
before being ready to bake, put your flour or cornmeal to keep the dough from
baking stone on a rack in the middle of sticking, slash the dough, open the oven
the oven and turn your oven to 400-475F with a good thick oven mitt, slide out the
(204.4C–246C) degrees(depending on the oven rack, take the lid out and place it on
recipe). the oven door which is open. Next, slide
your dough quickly onto the hot baking
The oven should be really hot and the
stone. Then using a water spray bottle,
stone should be heated all the way
spritz the entire loaf with a mist of water.
through. Your oven might indicate after
You want to cover the dough with a nice
20 – 30 minutes that it is heated, but the
mist of water but not have so much water
stone takes longer to heat through to the
on the dough that it is running down the
center.
dough and puddling on the stone. I spray
my two pound batard (a batard is a loaf
shaped like a regular French bread loaf)
While preheating the oven to loaves about 6 – 8 sprays with the bottle
450F/232.2C degrees (or however hot the set to “medium mist”. Then quickly cover
recipe indicates) place the roasting lid the dough with the hot roasting lid, slide
into the hot oven on top of the baking the oven rack back into the oven and
stone and allow it to preheat with the close the door.
oven. It is best to put the lid into the
oven towards the end of the preheating Set your timer for 20 minutes. Don’t open

period so that the lid does not shield the the oven or take off the lid to check on

baking stone from the heat. I like to put it your loaf until the first 20 minutes is

in about five minutes before baking the up(do 15 minutes for a crisper loaf with a

first loaf. dried out crust and add the extra fie
minutes to the rest of the baking time).
When the first loaf is done proofing and After 20 minutes has passed, open the
is ready to go into the hot oven, place the oven door and using good, thick oven

48
mitts, take off the roasting lid and place it To get the oven ready for the next loaf,
on top of your oven to have handy for the turn the oven back up to the first
next loaf. Keeping the lid on top of the temperature of 450 – 475F (232.2-246.1C)
oven will keep the lid warm for the next put the lid back into the oven on top of
bake and keep it out of the way of the stone, and reheat the oven for 5 – 10
children who might touch it while it is minutes before putting in the next loaf.
still hot. Close the oven door quickly and Then follow the instructions all over from
turn the oven down to 425F/218.3C, the beginning.
400F/204.4C or even 375F/190.6C
Lean dough (dough without sugars, milk
depending upon the recipe you are
and oils) can be baked at higher
following (I often turn the oven down
temperatures in the beginning of the
after the first 20 minutes of baking). Bake
baking period. 450F/232.2C degrees
the loaf another 15 minutes or more,
would be a good temperature to start
turning the loaf at least once to promote
baking with. After the first 20 minutes,
even browning.
remove the roasting lid and turn down
I wait until there are about 5 - 8 minutes the oven to 425F/218.3C or even
left in the bake to turn the loaf. If you 400F/204.4C if the loaf is already very
have a convection oven, this might not be browned, to finish off the bake. Some
necessary because you won’t have hot loaves need a lower temperature because
spots in your oven. Take out the loaf of milk or sugars/malts in the dough.
when it is done. It should look nicely
If you would like a thicker crust in your
browned, sound hollow when you knock
lean dough breads, start your oven
it on the bottom with your knuckles, or
temperature at 400F/204.4C degrees and
the internal temperature measures
leave it at that temperature throughout
between 200–205F (93.3-96.1C) with your
the whole baking period. Bake the loaf
bread thermometer (sweet dough can be
longer. Start by baking 18 minutes with
done when 180-200F/82.2-93.3C). Place
the roasting lid then take off the lid and
the hot bread on a baking rack and cool.
bake 20 – 27 more minutes turning the
loaf a few times for even browning. You

49
can experiment with leaving the roasting consisting of soft, rich dough. The oven
lid on for less time, so that the crust is baking times and temperatures are
more crispy. variable and depend on your oven,
altitude, amount of steam, condition
Rye and whole grain breads often need
and/or ingredients of the dough etc.
the lower temperatures for longer periods
of baking time. The timing and When the loaf is finished, take it out
temperature for a whole wheat or rye loaf using thick oven mitts, and place the
might be to bake at 425F–450F (218.3- finished loaf on a cooling rack. Allow the
232.2C) degrees for the first 15 minutes bread to cool for at least an hour. Bread
with a roasting lid, then take off the lid should be completely cooled before
and turn down the oven to 400F/204.4C slicing. The flavor continues to develop
degrees for another 20 – 25 minutes. during cooling as the volatile gasses
Check the loaf to see if it is done. If it isn’t escape. The sour flavor in sourdough
bake it a little longer. Then increase or bread takes a few hours to be pronounced
decrease the temperature or timing for and will increase until the following day.
the next loaf. You might notice the next morning after
baking, that the sour flavor in your bread
If you have dough that has sugar, milk,
is more pronounced than on the day it
malt, syrup, or fats as part of the recipe, a
was baked. However, the crust and
suggested baking temperature is
crumb are at their best 2 – 6 hours after
400F/204.4C degrees for the whole
baking and then decline after that.
baking period. Or start out at
425F/218.3C and turn down to Some types of bread last a long time
400F/204.4C halfway through the baking before they stale. Whole grain breads and
period. Oven doughnuts and Rolls will breads with fats stay fresh longer. Lean
need less time. It might take 20–25 dough made with white flour and no fats
minutes total for a pan of rolls to bake. or oils will become stale much more
Cinnamon rolls, cakes, and muffins all do quickly. Enjoy lean dough loaves on the
well at around 375–400F (190.6-204.4C) first and second day, which is about their
degrees since they are sourdough batters limit. These lean breads will still make

50
great toast for a couple of days after they  Place hot lid over dough and close
turn stale. Bread made with quicker oven door.
proofing starters also tend to stale much
 Bake for 20 minutes.
more quickly than the longer proofing
starters. The quicker the dough  Use hot mitts. Open your oven and
technique the faster the staling sets in take the roasting lid off of the loaf.
(usually). A very long fermented bread Put roasting lid on top of oven. Close
like the salt fermented dough, discussed oven door.
later in this book, can keep its freshness
 Turn oven down to 425/218.3C
for several days.
degrees and bake another 10-15
minutes, turning the dough once
during this time to promote even
Here is the Roasting Pan method in browning of the crust.
short:
 When bread is finished baking or
 Preheat oven with baking stone to has an internal temperature of 200 –
450-475F (232.2-246.1C)-for about 1 205F (93.3-96.1C) degrees take out
hour (for a stone ½ “thick or more) the loaf and cool on a rack.
or heat for ½ hour (for a stone which
is 3/8” thick or less).  Place roasting lid back into oven and
turn oven back up to 450 - 475(232.2-
 5 minutes before baking put the 246.1C for 5 – 10 minutes to reheat.
roasting lid in to heat.
 Bake next loaf.
 Turn out proofed dough onto
semolina sprinkled peel, slash  These temperatures and times are

dough. variable for different styles of

loaves.
 Take out the hot lid and slide the
dough onto the hot stone.

 Spritz the dough all over with water.

51
A problem I had early on was not baking spray of water before putting the hot lid
at a high enough temperature, or the over the hot pot. I let it bake halfway
stone getting too hot because it was too before removing the lid so the crust could
low in the oven and burning the bottom brown. I still liked baking on a stone
of the loaf. I also couldn’t get enough better and wished I could have a lid over
steam to envelope the dough as it was the stone instead of a lid over a pot.
baking with the water spritzing method. I
tried many different things. I used a shelf
from a kiln to start with, it was a ceramic
stone that was about ½ inch thick and
Then I obtained a large roaster lid and
shaped like a crescent. I sprayed the
after spraying the dough directly, I put
dough a lot in the first five – ten minutes
the preheated lid over the dough. The lid
of baking, or sprayed around the dough. I
was left on for a little over half of the
got some firebrick, built up sides and put
baking time and then removed. A
another kiln shelf on top of the brick
shockingly beautiful crust with a fully
sides. The extra heat from the top, bottom
developed “grigne” (the name for the
and sides worked really nice to help
slashes in the dough), was the result. The
obtain a good crisp crust on the loaf. I still
dough just needed to brown after that.
wasn’t satisfied though, so I tried baking
The color was always amazing when the
bread was done.

I also ended up putting two layers of

stone down so the bottom of the loaf
didn’t get too dark, but was able to use
just one stone once I moved the stone up
one notch in my oven. After much
experimenting, I haven’t found any other
method that produces a better loaf for the
in a cast iron pot with a heavy lid. The
home baker with a standard oven, than
crust came out terrific with only one
the roasting pan method. Of course that

52
isn’t counting a real masonry oven, or an
oven with steam injection, which I have
yet to try! Because of the trouble early on
that I had with the concrete stone getting
too hot, or transferring the heat too
quickly, I experimented with different
stones. I used a large ceramic tile and a
porcelain tile. The tiles worked really
well, however they both broke with the
heat and humidity from the roasting lid.
They were the thinner ½ inch tiles. I also
broke my mom’s pizza baking stone
(another ½ inch thick tile) by using a
heavy ceramic bowl for a lid. I now use
the concrete stone with good results
because I finally placed it on the right
rack in the oven! I have also recently
started using a Travertine tile and have
had excellent results. More
experimentation is needed to see what
kinds of stone can take the high heat and
humidity under the roasting lid.

Another kind of “home made” roasting

lid for boules (round loaves), a stainless
steel bowl with a handle screwed to the
bottom of it:

53
 get an actual weight of 8.3 oz which is
what a regular cup of liquid measures.
A cup that is calibrated to measure
W HAT Y OU N EED TO liquid would give you 8 oz. So if you
K NOW A BOUT check your cup measures, some may
M EASURING
give you 8 oz and other may give you
8.3 oz. I have one cup that will hold 8.7
oz of water!

Measuring flour using a US standard

measuring cup has its own set of
problems. Since all flours weigh slightly
different, and everyone has a different
method of measuring their flour, you
can be off quite a bit when using
volume measurements.

If you fluff up the flour or sift it and

spoon it into the cup and then level it
Measuring can be a problem with
off, you may get 4.5 oz for a cup of
baking if you use volume
bread flour. If you don’t fluff the flour
measurements. In this book volume
and just scoop it up and then level it
measurements are provided for
off, it tends to compact into the cup and
convenience, however, they can cause
you may get 5.5 oz or more bread flour
trouble and are not accurate. For
per cup. Whole wheat flour, rye flour
accuracy and consistency weigh your
and all other flours have different
ingredients.
weights per cup. Medium rye flour has
Volume measurements are the use of a different weight per cup than dark
cups, ½ cups, teaspoons, tablespoons, rye flour. To confuse things even more,
etc. When using a cup to measure a there are also metric cup measures, and
liquid ingredient, like water, you may they have different volume

54
measurements than US standard cup The same is true with measuring water.
measures. So you see, if you mix up a If you use a measuring cup which
batch of dough using volumetric measures 8.3 oz of water and the recipe
measurements, you could end up with was calling for measurements which
different dough each time, or a different should have been 8 oz cups and you
dough than the recipe is calling for. use two or three cups of water in the
dough, you could have added ½ to 1
A batch of dough weighing around 4
ounce of extra liquid, which may not
pounds (used for baking two loaves of
seem like much, but it can change the
bread, at two pounds each), may have
wetness (hydration) of your dough
approximately 7.5 cups of flour in it. By
enough to cause problems, especially in
using volume measurements, you could
high hydration dough, like Ciabatta.
use as little as 30 oz of flour or maybe
as much as 37 oz of flour, you never Volume measurements are included in
really know and the dough will be the recipes in this book. However, they
different each time and the resulting are only approximate measurements for
bread will also be different. The the reasons stated above, they are not
difference in using 30 oz of flour or 37 accurate.
oz of flour can be as much as 1.5 whole
For accuracy in baking, purchase a
cups (or more) of flour! That might
kitchen scale. If you wish to pursue
make up a very dense loaf of bread if
serious baking, you will advance more
you are using 1.5 cups too much. If you
quickly in your ability to produce great
use less flour than the stated amount,
sourdough breads, if you weigh your
you could end up with very wet dough.
ingredients accurately. The outcome of
In either case you wouldn’t really know
your bread will also be more consistent.
if that was supposed to be the outcome,
because you might not have worked Get a Good Kitchen Scale
with that particular dough or recipe
A good kitchen scale should be able to
before.
weigh in standard units – pounds and

55
ounces as well as metric – grams and charges the battery. I also have a “My
kilograms. It should be able to weigh at Weigh” Bakers scale which has a
least 8 lbs of dough (less if you always programmable off function and weighs
bake smaller batches). A tare function is metric or standard plus it will scale(ratio
included with most kitchen scales. It will measurement) using the bakers
allow you to put a mixing bowl on the percentage function. Get a scale with a
scale and then bring the scale back to zero large enough platform so that it can hold
before adding any other ingredients. That a large bowl without completely covering
way you are not weighing the bowl as the display.
well as the ingredients. You can also add
Desirable functions in a Kitchen Scale:
each ingredient one by one and then use
the tare function to bring the scale back to  Weigh using both
zero each time so that you can weigh a Standard and Metric
new ingredient in the same bowl even  Programmable Auto Off
with all of the former ingredients left in function
the bowl. Try to get a scale without an  Will weigh up to 6 - 8
auto power turnoff or at least get one lbs
with a programmable turn off. You can
 Accuracy to 1g/0.1 oz
be really disappointed if you go to weigh
 AC adapter plus
the final ingredients, and find the scale
batteries
has shut down. You have to pour out
 Large Platform
what you weighed and tared, and then
start all over again. It is also a big help to  Tare function
have an AC adaptor so you don’t have to
replace batteries or worry about the scale
If however, you are placing an order for
suddenly dying on you. I have a Taylor
a scale and it hasn’t arrived yet, here
brand scale which has a built in
are some things that could help your
rechargeable battery along with an AC
baking efforts.
adapter so you have the luxury of both
power sources while the AC adapter also

56
To measure out flour, either sift, or fluff it weighs exactly 8 oz or if it weighs 8.3
up the flour and spoon it into the cup. oz. If your cup of water does weigh 8.3
Then level it off. That will give you a oz, take out 2 teaspoons of water from
more accurate measurement than each cup while measuring. You can see
scooping. For measuring water, see if what a hassle this would be if you
you can find a liquid measuring cup or baked often. I hope that scale arrives
ask a friend who has a scale if you soon!
could weigh one cup of water, to see if

57
 Especially when you are new at
baking and you aren’t sure why your

B EGINNING D OUGH bread won’t turn out great. Try to get

H ANDLING a good brand name bread flour like

King Arthur, Gold Medal Better for
Bread, Stone Buhr, Morbread etc
(there are many other good brands of
bread flour). Try to get unbleached
flour and if you can find organic
flour, that would be an added plus.

Sourdough Starter: Keep your

starter fed regularly to keep it healthy
and vigorous. Make sure it is fed and
at room temperature within 6 – 18
hours before mixing dough. Avoid
over mixing and rough handling
When baking, use the best ingredients
when working with sourdoughs. The
you can find. Bread flour is my
longer fermenting time, combined
preferred flour for bread, but All
with rough handling, may over
Purpose flour can be used as well.
develop or break down the gluten.
Very often combining the two flours
For the Beginning Sourdough
works well for bread baking,
chapter, the emphasis is on batter
especially for rolls, very holey bread,
breads. Batter bread is made from a
English muffins etc. All Purpose flour
mixture of flour and water, which can
is also used for quick breads, batters
be around 70% hydration or higher.
and soft sweet dough. Poor quality
That just means that for every 100
flour can give you much grief when it
parts flour, there will be 70 parts
produces poor quality bread.
water. Pancake batters are usually
over 100% hydration. So if you had a

58
pancake batter that was 119 % dry ingredients, they should be
hydration, it just means that for every handled gently without vigorous
100 parts of flour you would have 119 mixing or kneading.
parts of water. Hydration helps us to
Sourdough Bread: The beginning
understand what the ratio of water to
recipes will help you understand how
flour is.
to handle sourdough. Sourdoughs
There are also some easy one day needs many hours for fermentation.
breads as well as “First Loaf” to try During these hours, a protein called
out. Bake “First Loaf” and some of gluten (comprised of Gluetenine and
the beginning sourdough recipes Gliadine) develops into strong bonds
several times, until they become easy, which make a support structure that
before going on to the Intermediate holds up the dough as the trapped
Sourdough chapter. Keep in mind gas bubbles expand and grow. Yeasts,
that baking with sourdough isn’t the bacteria and enzymes go to work to
same as baking with commercial break down starches into sugars and
yeast. create gasses, alcohols, and acids
while doing so. These by products are
Sourdough Quick Breads: A quick
what give flavor and character to
bread is a batter or dough leavened
sourdough bread. Sourdough yeasts
with a chemical leavening like baking
and bacteria take a longer time to
soda or baking powder. With
ferment than do the commercial
sourdough quick breads, baking
yeasts.
powder and soda are used for
leavening and the starter is used, not With commercial yeasted dough the
only for flavor, but to provide the process is much quicker and the
acids necessary which react with the gluten in the dough is developed
soda to produce gas bubbles for during the initial mixing. When the
leavening. Quick breads are easy to dough is done mixing and the gluten
mix and bake. Once the wet has proper development, a test called
ingredients are incorporated into the “the windowpane test” is used to see

59
 the gluten development. A piece of together, or incorporated. At this
dough is taken in the hands and point the dough is a ragged lump. It
stretched four ways at once, if the is then allowed to rest for about 20
dough can stretch into a thin minutes or more. This is called
membrane that light can shine Autolyse and was pioneered by
through without tearing, it means the Professor Raymond Calvel. Autolysis
gluten is developed and the dough is is explained in his book, “The Taste of
done mixing. Bread.” During the Autolyse period,
the gluten and starches begin to form
However in sourdough baking, the
bonds and absorb the water. An
gluten will continue to develop
enzyme called Protease is activated
during the long fermentation. If the
and it helps the dough to relax and
gluten was brought to complete
become more manageable. The
development during mixing, it would
enzyme action during autolysis helps
begin to break down during the long
to produce superior dough. After the
fermentation period. The gluten
Autolyse period, salt and any other
would be overdeveloped, broken
ingredients are added. (In many
down and the dough would be sticky
recipes other ingredients are mixed
and unmanageable. So a windowpane
with the flour and water, the main
test shouldn’t be used after mixing
ingredient that affects Protease and
sourdough but after the bulk
other enzymes is the salt). Salt slows
fermentation is done
down the action of Protease, which if

Sourdough Method: In sourdough allowed to continue unchecked,

baking the following process is one would eventually liquefy the gluten.

that is generally followed: The The dough is then allowed to ferment

ingredients are weighed and then during the first period of

mixed together using a low speed fermentation which is called the bulk

dough mixer or hand mixing. Mixing ferment. During bulk fermentation,

should continue just until the starter, enzymes are activated, acids and

water and flour are completely mixed gasses (CO2) are produced by the

60
yeasts and bacteria, which are have as long to develop in batter
reproducing rapidly as they feed on bread and is harder to develop in a
sugars, and the dough becomes wet batter. In Intermediate
mature. Once mature, the dough Sourdough you will learn how to do a
becomes stretchy, soft and has great “Double Hydration” technique to
flavor potential. After bulk develop gluten in very wet bread
fermentation, the next step is the dough.
shaping of the loaves. Shaping helps
Summary:
to form a skin of dough around the
outside of the loaf which then holds For sourdough quickbreads using
the loaf together as it proofs and goes chemical leavenings, handle the
through oven spring. Oven spring dough gently without vigorous
happens in the first few minutes of mixing or kneading once the wet and
baking when the dough reacts to the dry ingredients are mixed together.
extreme heat and springs up in the For batter breads, use a longer mixing
oven. Without proper shaping, the time.
dough tends to spread and the loaves
turn out flat. Once the dough is
shaped, it is allowed to rise again one
last time before being baked. This
final raising is called proofing. Once
proofing is finished, the dough is
baked and you have produced a great
loaf of sourdough bread!
For breads using a sourdough starter
Batter Breads
you need to: weigh the ingredients,

Batter breads made with sourdough use gentle mixing, Autolyse, bulk

are mixed longer than bread dough ferment, shape your loaves and have

(and often fermented less time). This a final proofing before baking the

is to develop the gluten which won’t dough.

61
 into the cup instead of using the cup as
a scoop, and then level off your flour
F IRST L OAF with a straight edge. If you use the cup
as a scoop and do not fluff your flour,
your dough will most likely be too
dense because the flour will compact
into the cup and there will end up being
too much flour in your dough. Weighing
the flour is the most accurate, use 2.5
AN EASY WAY OF BAKING YOUR oz of flour and 4 oz of water for ½ cup
FIRST SOURDOUGH LOAF measurements or 5 oz of flour and 8.3
oz of water for 1 cup measurements.

For your first loaf of sourdough

bread the objective is to get a nice loaf
of bread. On later loaves we will try to
get the blistered crust and the sour
flavor. This will be a same day mix and
bake bread. So starting early in the
morning, mix together in your dough
mixer or in a bowl, if you will be
kneading by hand:

1 cup of vigorous starter at 166%

hydration(fed at 1 part flour to
1 part water) – 9 oz
1 cup of tepid water – 8 oz
2 teaspoons oil - .3 oz
2 level teaspoons salt - .4 oz (this
will be added after mixing the
dough)
This will be a step by step pictorial
on how to make an easy first loaf of
4 cups of bread flour – 18 oz
sourdough bread. Make sure your
sourdough starter is vigorous and has
been fed using 1 part water to 1 part If mixing by hand, mix just until
flour (by volume). If your starter is ingredients are well incorporated. If
refrigerated, take it out, feed it then mixing by dough mixer, mix ingredients
cover and let it set overnight until the just until they are incorporated, on low
next morning. If your starter is already
at room temperature feed it the night
before baking. For feeding use one part
water to one part flour, for instance: 1
cup water and 1 cup flour or 1½ cups
flour and 1½ cups water [your starter
will be at 166% hydration. Hydration
means how much water is in a dough or
batter]. Also, to measure more
correctly, fluff up your flour, spoon flour

62
 your hands in the bowl and mix.

After mixing, you can see that the

gluten is smoother and more
developed; the gluten will continue to
develop through the first stage of rising
which is called bulk fermentation. Leave
the dough in the bread machine (or
mixing bowl if doing by hand) and put a
cover over it. Let the dough set in the
or medium speed. This will take about bowl for 5 hours at room temperature
two or three minutes. (Notice in the which should be around 70 -75 degrees.
picture how undeveloped the gluten is
at this point, it is tacky and clumped).
Our next step is to let the dough rest
for twenty minutes. This is called
Autolyse. This resting gives the gluten
strands time to absorb the water and
start to bond together. It is a very
important step for the right consistency
of your dough.

After the twenty minutes is up, it is

time to sprinkle in the salt. The salt is
added after autolyse because salt
toughens the gluten and makes it
harder for the water to be absorbed. So
sprinkle in your salt and then turn on
your mixer and mix for two more
minutes on low speed. If mixing by
hand, stir the dough with a wooden
spoon for a couple of minutes, or get

63
 Pour the dough out onto a lightly
floured surface.

After five hours the dough has about

doubled and is wet and sticky. Stir the
dough down with a couple of turns of

Fold the edges to the middle all around.

This helps get the dough into a rough
shape of a ball.

Dust the dough with flour and using the

fingertips of both hands, start folding
the outer parts of the dough to the
middle. Turn the dough around and do
this all around the piece of dough until
your mixer, or if mixing by hand stir the you get it into a ball shape. Don't use
dough down with your heavy spoon. large amounts of flour to do this but
The gluten is pretty well developed now keep enough flour on the dough to
and the dough is stretchy. prevent it from sticking to your hands.

64
 Do this just a little bit like three or
four turns. It doesn't matter if you get
it exact, just twist the loaf and you will

Then turn your loaf over and place it on

the surface without any flour under it.
We need it to slightly stick to the see the dough ball jump up higher. If
surface so it can be shaped once more. your dough ball isn't stuck somewhat to
Let the dough ball rest for ten minutes. the table this won't work.
This will relax the gluten and allow you
to give the ball (called a boule) it's final
shaping. The boule is sort of flattish at
this point. When you are done with the twisting,
you will see that the dough ball sits up
higher and is ready to be put into an

approximately 8 " diameter

glass/ceramic baking dish or bowl
To mound it up higher, take your which is ovenproof and is greased and
hands and place them on both sides of sprinkled with Cornmeal or Semolina
the boule, making sure you have some flour
flour on the surface so your hands don't
stick to the dough. Then turn the boule
in a counterclockwise direction, shaking
it gently from side to side in a push pull
motion to encourage the dough ball up
off of it's flat condition and into a more
tightly rounded dough ball.

65
 of cuts and you will get the idea.

Put the baking pan or dish

containing the proofed dough into the
preheated oven (450 degrees) for the
first ten minutes. During the ten
minutes spray water into the oven and
Place the dough into your baking around the sides of the dough (not
dish for its final proofing (raising). For directly on the dough) several times,
later loaves we will try baking with the about once every two minutes.
loaf directly on the baking stone, but for
this first try, just use a nice baking
container to make it easier. Sprinkle a
little cornmeal or Semolina flour over
the surface of your dough, so the cloth
won't stick to the dough, and then put a
damp cloth over the dough and bowl.

Then allow the dough to proof for

approximately 2 hours or when the loaf
looks about 1 ½ times its original size.
Make sure your oven is well preheated
to 450 degrees when the dough is ready
to go in at the end of the 2 hours. You Spray quickly and get the oven door
don't need a baking stone when your closed so you won't lose too much heat.
bread is baked in a pan or dish. As an alternate to spraying, see the
chapter on “Home Baking of
Sourdough-Roasting Pan Method of
Baking”. After the ten minutes is up,
When the 2 hours is up and your turn the oven down to 425 degrees and
oven is preheated, slash the top of the bake the bread for another 20 minutes,
dough with a sharp knife or lame. You turning the loaf halfway for even
usually slice at an angle of about 30 browning. If you notice that the dough
degrees. Think of slicing "flaps" instead is getting too brown during the halfway
point, turn your oven down to 400
degrees. No spraying is needed after
the first ten minutes. The spraying
helps keep the dough in a humid, moist
atmosphere so it can expand.

When the baking is done and your

bread looks nice and brown, take the
bread from the oven and turn out the
loaf from the pan or dish. Be careful-
the dish is hot!

66
 Put the bread back into the oven for
3 -5 more minutes to brown the bottom
of the loaf, which was shielded by the
dish and needs browning. When the five
minutes is up, you should have a nicely
browned loaf. Put it on a cooling grate,
so it can cool without getting soggy. If
you wait until it is cooled, it will slice
nicer and show you a better crumb.

Now you have a finished loaf! It should

weigh approximately 2 lbs.

When you feel comfortable with making

the sourdough bread this way, obtain a
baking stone and try baking with your
dough directly on the baking stone
instead of a dish. You can also try
working with two day sourdoughs and
higher hydration dough.

A variation of the roasting pan method

for steaming your bread while it is
baking, is to form an aluminum foil
baking cover. Get a large piece of heavy
aluminum foil and before you place your
dough into the baking dish or bowl, turn
the bowl upside down and form a cover
with the aluminum foil using the bowl
as a mold. Take the formed foil lid off of
the overturned bowl and then turn your
bowl back up right and use it for
holding the dough (don’t forget to
grease and sprinkle cornmeal on the
inside of the bowl before placing the
dough inside. Once you are ready to
bake, spray the dough once and then
place the foil over the dough in the
bowl and bake the same as above. The
foil helps hold in the steam so you only
have to spray the dough once.

67
 BEGINNING RECIPES

68
 SOURDOUGH ABLESKIVERS

Delicious Ableskivers!
Makes approximately 20 Ableskivers.

Add together in first bowl:

 1 cup sourdough starter @ 166 % hydration – 9 oz

 ½ cup water - 4 oz
 ½ cup canned milk - 4 oz
 2 large beaten eggs – 3.5 oz
 Honey – 2 oz (or ¼ cup sugar) – 1.8 oz
 2 teaspoons vanilla flavoring – .30 oz
 1/2 cup oil or melted butter – 4 oz

In second bowl mix together:

 1&1/2 cups of all purpose flour – 6.6 oz

 1 teaspoons salt - .21 oz
 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - .08 oz
 2 teaspoons baking powder - .32 oz

69
 Stir the dry ingredients of the second bowl into the wet ingredients of the first bowl.
Heat your Ableskiver pan on a medium-low heat till sizzling hot, grease the pan and
then fill depressions with batter. As the Ableskivers brown and cook, turn them using
a sharp bladed knife or a skewer stick.

Sourdough Ableskivers:

Ingredient Volume Standard Metric Bakers %

Starter @ 166% 1 cup 9 oz 255 g 90.1 %

Water ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 40.1 %

evaporated milk ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 40.1 %

Honey 2 TBSP 2 oz 56 g 20 %

Vanilla Extract 2 teasp .3 oz 8g 3.0 %

Oil or Melted Butter ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 40.1 %

2 large beaten eggs 2 3.5 oz 99 g 35.1 %

All Purpose Flour 1½ cups 6.6 oz 187 g 66.1 %

Baking Soda ½ teasp .08 2.3 g .8 %

Baking Powder 2 teasp .32 9.1 3.2 %

Salt 1 teasp .21 oz 5g 2.1 %

Total Dough Weight 2 lb 2 oz 2 lb 2 oz 964 g 340.7%

Total Flour Weight 10 oz 10 oz 283 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight
1 lb 1.1 oz 1 lb 1.1 oz 485 g 171.4%
(hydration)

Bring out your Ableskiver pan and make up some Ableskivers. They are such a nice
treat instead of the usual pancakes or waffles. If you ever find a good cast iron
Ableskiver pan…buy it! Mine is old and well seasoned, the bottom has some surface
rust which won’t come off unless I get a metal scrubber in there, which I won’t as it
will be back in no time in my climate.

Here is what a good Ableskiver pan looks like :

70
 It has seven little depressions to fill with batter. The pan has to be hot like a griddle
where a drop of water sizzles and jumps. Grease the little bowls. Then fill each
depression with batter and wait until the Ableskiver sets a little.

Then you take a skinny sharp pointed knife or a stainless knitting needle and
shove it into the batter to the bottom of the little bowl, you use the knife and pull
the Ableskiver around so that it is setting halfway up and the batter in the middle
pours out and starts cooking on the bottom of the bowl. As you continue to turn the
Ableskiver while it is cooking, you create a ball with a hollow middle.

Abelskivers are just right for stuffing something into, like blackberry or blueberry
preserves , jams, dried fruit, etc. Then you sprinkle with powdered sugar
and…yummmy!!

Enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee for a great breakfast treat. In case you are
wondering, the Ableskivers pictured are filled with Blackberry preserves made from
berries gathered from my backyard.

71
 HONEY BUTTER CORNBREAD

To your mixer add:

 3 cups of sourdough starter (at 166% hydration) – 27oz/765g

 1 cup evaporated milk (or 1/2 & ½ milk) – 8oz/226g
 1/2 cup of melted butter cooled to lukewarm – 4 oz/113g
 3 large eggs (beaten slightly before putting in mixer) – 5.2
oz/147g
 1/4 cup of honey or malt syrup – 3oz/85g

Mix these ingredients together just enough to incorporate them.

In a separate bowl mix together:

 2. 5 cups of freshly ground cornmeal – 10 .7oz/303g

 2 cups of all purpose flour – 8.8 oz/249g
 1 Tablespoon salt - .6 oz/17g
 1 Tablespoon baking powder -.5 oz/14g
 1 teaspoon baking soda -.16 oz/4.5g

Stir all of these dry ingredients together with a spoon until well mixed and then add
the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients which are in the mixer. Turn on the mixer
and stir just long enough to mix all ingredients together. Then pour your cornbread
batter into a large 17 cup bundt or cake pan which has been sprayed with pan oil or
greased.

72
Honey Butter Cornbread:

Ingredient Volume Standard Metric Bakers %

Starter @ 166% 3 cups 27 oz 765 g 91.1 %

evaporated milk 1 cup 8 oz 226 g 27.0 %

Honey ¼ cup 3 oz 85 g 10.1 %

Melted Butter ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 13.5 %

2 large beaten eggs 3 5.2 oz 147 g 17.5 %

Cornmeal 2 ½ cups 10.7 oz 303 g 36.1 %

All Purpose Flour 2 cups 8.8 oz 249 g 29.7 %

Baking Soda 1 teasp .16 4.5 g .5 %

Baking Powder 1 TBSP .5 14 g 1.7 %

Salt 1 TBSP .6 oz 17 g 2.0 %

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 4 oz 2 lb 2 oz 1926 g 229.2%

Total Flour Weight 1 lb 13.7 oz 1 lb 13.7 oz 840 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight
1 lb 14.4 oz 1 lb 14.4 oz 862 g 102.6%
(hydration)

73
 The batter will come up to 3/4 of the pan sides. I let the batter set for one hour to
allow the cornmeal to absorb the liquid. Then I baked the bread in a preheated
400F/204C degree oven for 50 minutes, turning the pan a few times for even
browning.This recipe will make a large 4 lb 4 oz loaf of cornbread, cut the amounts
in half for a smaller bundt pan.

This cornbread is wonderfully moist and crumbly. I serve it with Poquito Beans
which are a great complement to Honey Butter Sourdough Cornbread!

The Poquito Beans are native to Santa Maria California and are a hidden treasure.
We get them special ordered from the coast of California in large bags. I came from
that area and I make up the beans with my own special recipe which is oohed and
aahhed by anyone who tries them. They have bacon and lots of garlic in them. You
have never had a terrific coastal meal until you have had Poquito Beans, fresh baked
sourdough and barbequed rib steaks or barbequed fresh tuna. Life is good!

74
 CRANBERRY APPLESAUCE MUFFINS

To help use up that extra sourdough starter, bake up some of these wonderful
muffins!

This batter can be made into Cranberry Tea Bread also.

Before you start the muffins, make the crumb topping:

In first small bowl mix together:

 ¾ cup all purpose flour – 3.3 oz/93g

 1/4 cup white sugar – 1.7 oz/48g
 Cut in 1/3 cup butter until crumbly, set crumbs aside – 2 .6
oz/73g

Cut in butter and mix until it forms crumbly lumps. Set bowl aside.

75
 In second larger mixing bowl combine:

 1 ½ cups active sourdough starter(166%) – 13.5 oz/382g

 3/4 cup applesauce – 6.5 oz/184g
 1/3 cup Oil – 2.6 oz/73g
 ¾ cup evaporated milk – 6 oz/170g
 1/2 cup sugar – 3.5 oz/99g
 1 large egg – 1.7 oz/48g

Beat all together with a wire whisk. Set bowl aside.

In a third medium sized bowl stir together:

 1.5 cups all purpose flour – 6.6 oz/187g

 1 1/3 cups whole wheat flour – 5.6 oz/158g
 1 ½ teaspoon salt – .3 oz/8.5g
 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon - .12 oz/3.4g
 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - .04 oz/1.1g
 1 teaspoon baking soda - .16 oz/4.5g
 1 Tablespoon baking powder - .5 oz/14g

Add the dry ingredients of the third bowl to the wet ingredients of the second bowl
and gently stir until just combined. Add 2 cups chopped cranberries – 7.7oz/218g and
mix in gently. Do not over mix. Oil or grease muffins tins and fill the batter to the
top of each cup. Sprinkle some of the crumb mixture on top of the batter for each
muffin and press in lightly. Bake on the center rack in a preheated 375F/190C degree
oven for 25 -30 minutes or toothpick comes out clean. This recipe makes 1 dozen
muffins.
Instead of or besides cranberries, add raisins and chopped walnuts.

76
 SOURDOUGH DANISH RYE PUMPKIN MUFFINS

This is a moist, tender muffin. The low gluten rye flour in the starter helps make a
tender muffin.

In the first bowl add the wet ingredients:

 2 cups vigorous Danish Rye or (other wholegrain) sourdough

starter at 100 % hydration – 18 oz/510g
 3 large eggs – 5.2 oz/147g
 2 cups of pumpkin puree – 17 oz/482g
 ½ cup oil – 4 oz/113g
 1.5 cups packed dark brown sugar packed – 11.6 oz/328g
 1 Tablespoon Vanilla – 0.5 oz/14g

77
 Mix the ingredients well. Set aside.

In a second bowl stir the dry ingredients together:

 2 cups all purpose flour – 8.8 oz/249g (If you don’t have a
rye starter try substituting 1 cup of rye flour for the AP
flour)
 2 Tablespoons cinnamon – 0.6 oz/17g
 ½ cup toasted wheat germ – 1.5 oz/42g
 1 teaspoons salt – .21 oz/6g
 2 Tablespoons baking powder – 1 oz/28g
 1 teaspoon baking soda – 0.16 oz/4.5g

In a third bowl make the topping:

 1/3 cup toasted wheat germ – 1.3 oz/36g

 1/3 cup whole wheat flour – 1.4 oz/39g
 1/3 cup brown sugar – 2.3 oz/65g
 1/3 cup soft butter – 2.6 oz/73g

Stir ingredients well until crumbly.

Add the bowl of dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients and stir only until
just combined. Too much stirring will make a tough muffin. Optionally you can
add raisins, nuts, etc to the batter. Fill the greased muffin tins to the top and press
some of the topping into the top of each muffin. Bake in a preheated 400F/204C
degree oven for 20 - 25 minutes. Enjoy! Will make 12 large muffins.

Substitute applesauce for the pumpkin puree for a slightly different treat
Add raisins or walnuts

78
 PUMPKIN CRANBERRY QUICK BREAD

This is a variation of the Cranberry Applesauce muffins.

In a large mixing bowl or to your mixer combine the wet ingredients. Beat all of
the wet ingredients together with a wire whisk or on medium speed in your
mixer.
Then in a separate medium sized bowl add together the dry ingredients. Stir all
of the dry ingredients together well.

79
 Volume Standard Metric
Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves
Wet Ingredients:
Bowl One
Sourdough Starter -
2 cups 18 oz 510 g 74.8 %
166% hydration

Evaporated Milk 1 cup 8.0 oz 226 g 33.2 %

Pumpkin Puree 3/4 cup 6.4 oz 181 g 26.6 %

Sugar 1 cup 7.0 oz 198 g 29.1 %

Oil 1/2 cup 4.0 oz 113 g 16.6 %

Large Eggs 2 3.5 99 g 14.5 %

Dry Ingredients: Bowl

Two

Whole Wheat Flour 1 ½ cups 6.3 oz 178 g 26.2 %

All Purpose Flour 2½ cups 11 oz 311 g 45.7 %

Salt 2.5 teasp .5 oz 14 g 2.1 %

Cinnamon 2 teasp NA NA NA

Allspice ½ teasp NA NA NA

Baking soda 2 teasp NA NA NA

Baking Powder 1 TBSP NA NA NA

Chopped frozen
2.5 cups 9.6 272 g 39.9 %
Cranberries

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 10.3 oz 4 lb 10.3 oz 2106 g 308.7%

Total Flour Weight 1lb 8.1 oz 1lb 8.1 oz 682 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 11.5 oz 1 lb 11.5 oz 780 g 114.4%
(hydration)

Add the dry ingredients of the second bowl to the wet ingredients of the first bowl
and gently stir until just combined(or stir on low speed in your mixer). Add 2.5
cups chopped frozen cranberries and stir in gently. Oil or grease two 9”x 5” x 2.5”
bread pans and fill the batter not quite to the top.Bake on the center rack in a
preheated 350F/C degree oven for about 1 hour or done (when a toothpick inserted
in the middle comes out clean). Cover the top with foil for the last 20 minutes or so
if the bread is getting too brown. This recipe will make up two large loaves. As an
option you could leave out one cup of frozen cranberries and add walnuts and/or
raisins to the batter just before spooning out.

80
Banana Bread Variation:
For a delicious sourdough Banana Bread, make up the Pumpkin Cranberry Bread with
the following changes:
Use 11 oz of banana puree instead of pumpkin puree. Leave out the chopped cranberries
and the allspice. Use only 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and add one Tablespoon of Vanilla
extract.

To make a sugar crumbly topping for the Banana Bread:

In a bowl add ½ cup of sugar, ½ cup of All Purpose flour and ¼ cup of butter. Rub all
ingredients together until crumbly and place half of the crumbs on top of each pan of
Banana Bread batter before baking.

81
 Old Fashioned Sourdough Flapjacks

Here are some Old Fashioned Flapjacks like you might have enjoyed in the
“Olden Days”. This makes a large batch of pancakes for when you need to feed
a crowd.

In a large bowl beat together FOUR LARGE EGGS and then add:

 ½ cup melted, cooled butter – 4 oz/113g

 1 cup evaporated milk – 8 oz/226g
 ½ cup water – 4 oz/113g
 2 cups vigorous sourdough starter at 166% hydration - 18
oz/510g

82
  1 generous Tablespoon of Malt syrup (or Honey) – 1 oz/28g

In a smaller bowl mix together:

 3 Cups All Purpose flour (or substitute ½ cup Whole Wheat

flour for ½ cup of AP flour, if using Honey instead of Malt
syrup, then you can have Honey Whole Wheat Flapjacks). –
13.2 oz/374g
 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder - .5 oz/14g
 1 teaspoon Baking Soda - .16 oz/4.5g
 1 teaspoon salt – .2 oz/5.7g

Now add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir together gently. Let
batter set for about 10 – 15 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the liquids, and get
your griddle good and hot, about 375F/190C degrees. Lightly grease the griddle.
Griddle your flapjacks until one side is bubbly and the edges are slightly dry, then
flip once and griddle on the other side. Serve with lots of fresh butter and Maple
syrup (we add Malt syrup to our Maple syrup for extra flavor). Get ready to be asked
for more! This recipe makes a batch of about 20 pancakes for a large family or plenty
of second helpings. So cut the amounts in half for a smaller batch.

83
 OVERNIGHT JACKS

This batter is fermented overnight and then griddled up next morning. It is a honey
whole wheat kind of flapjack.

In the evening:
In a large container add together:

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
12 Jacks 12 Jacks 12 Jacks

Sourdough Starter ¼ cup 2.2 oz 63 g 18.9 %

1&½
Water 12 oz 340 g 103.2 %
cups

Evaporated milk ¼ cup 2 oz 56 g 17.2 %

Melted Butter 3 TBSP 1.5 oz 43 g 12.9 %

Honey 1 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 8.6 %

84
 Whole Wheat Flour ¾ cup 3.1 oz 87 g 26.7 %

All Purpose Flour 1¾ cups 7.7 oz 218 g 66.2 %

Salt 1 ¼ teasp .25 oz 7g 1.7 %

Stir the ingredients together well and cover the container and let it set, covered
overnight at room temperature.

Next morning:
First add two teaspoons of water to a small bowl and then dissolve the baking soda
and baking powder in it. Then add the three large eggs to the same bowl and whip
the eggs until bubbly. Add this small bowl of egg/soda mixture to the overnight
flapjack batter and fold the two together gently so you don’t collapse the bubbles
in the flapjack batter.

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
12 Jacks 12 Jacks 12 Jacks

Pancake Batter All All All

Eggs 2 Large 3.4 oz 96 g 29.2 %

Water 2 teasp .3 oz 8g 2.6 %

Baking Soda ½ teasp

Baking Powder 1 teasp

Total Dough Weight 2 lb 1.4 oz 2 lb 1.4 oz 946 g 287.3 %

Total Flour Weight 11.6 oz 11.6 oz 329 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 2.9 oz 1 lb 2.9 oz 535g 162.5 %
(hydration)

Have your griddle heated to 375F/190C and spray or oil the griddle when it is
heated. Ladle out batter in circles on griddle and let cook until there are
bubbles all over and the edges look dry. Then flip and cook on the other side
for about one more minute or when the flapjack looks done. This recipe will
make about 20 large Flapjacks. Eat immediately with butter and syrup.

85
 SOURDOUGH PANCAKES

Quick Method:

Bowl 1:
Mix together:
 Beat 2 large eggs with whip first and then add:(or see Extra
Fluffy method below)
 1 ¼ Cups Sourdough Starter – 11.2 oz/317g
 1 Cups water – 8oz/226g
 ¼ cup oil or melted butter – 2oz/56g
 ¼ cup powdered milk – .6 oz/17g

86
 Bowl 2:
Stir together:
 1 ¾ cups all purpose flour – 7.7 oz/218g
 1 Tablespoons sugar - .5 oz/14g
 ¾ teaspoons salt – .15 oz/4.3g
 1 teaspoons baking powder - .16 oz/4.5g
 ½ teaspoons baking soda - .08 oz/2.3g
 2 teaspoons soy flour - .13 oz/3.7g (optional)

Pour the second bowl of ingredients into the first bowl. Gently stir together (Add
more water if too thick).Heat griddle until hot 375F/190C then grease griddle and
cook pancakes. Serve with butter and syrup.
(For some added whole wheat- take out 1/2 cup of the flour and substitute 1/2 cup
whole wheat flour freshly ground)

Extra Fluffy method:

Instead of adding the eggs to bowl- 1, use another bowl:
Bowl 3:
Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Beat the 2 eggs whites until soft peaks form.
Then with beater on low speed, beat in the egg yolks, one at a time. Add this fluffy
mixture to the final batter after bowl 1 & 2 have been mixed together and a batter has
been formed. Make sure to fold egg mixture in gently. This recipe makes about one
dozen pancakes.

87
 PUMPKIN PANCAKES

These Pumpkin Pancakes can be made with any winter squash with great
results; Use your blender to smooth any stringiness from the squash.

In your blender add:

 1 cup baked pumpkin or squash – 8.2 oz/232g

 3 large eggs – 5.2 oz/147g
 1 cup milk – 8 oz/226g
 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
 ½ teaspoon nutmeg
 2 teaspoons vanilla extract- .3 oz/8.5g
 2 Tablespoons sugar- .8 oz/22 .7g

88
Blend on medium for one minute to a smooth consistency.
Pour contents of blender into a large bowl and then add:

 ½ cup water – 4 oz/113g

 1 cup vigorous sourdough starter at 166% hydration– 9
oz/255g
 ½ cup melted, cooled butter – 4 oz/113g

Whip the ingredients together well.

In a smaller bowl mix together:

 2.5 Cups All Purpose flour – 11 oz/311g

 1 teaspoon Baking Powder - .16 oz/4.5g
 1 teaspoon Baking Soda - .16 oz/4.5g
 1 teaspoon salt – .2 oz/5.7g

Now add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir together gently. Let
batter set for about 10 – 15 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the liquids, and
get your griddle hot, about 375F/190C degrees. Lightly grease the griddle. Griddle
your flapjacks until one side is bubbly and the edges are slightly dry, then flip
once and griddle on the other side. Serve with lots of fresh butter and Maple
syrup (we add Malt syrup to our Maple syrup for extra flavor). Another topping
to try for Pumpkin pancakes is to sprinkle a cinnamon/sugar mixture over the
buttered pancakes. These pancakes are tender and delicious! Makes about 20 4-5
inch pancakes.

89
 SOURDOUGH WAFFLES

Here is an incredibly crisp, delicious Sourdough Waffle recipe.

Makes approximately 7 - 8 inch round waffles.

Add together in first bowl:

 1 cup sourdough starter @ 166%– 9 oz/255g

 ½ cup water – 4 oz/113g
 ½ cup milk –4 oz/113g (or instead, use ½ cup warm water
+ 1/4 cup dry milk)
 2 large beaten eggs -3.5 oz/99g
 1 Tablespoon of malt syrup – .8 oz/22.7g
 ½ cube butter melted, cooled slightly or ¼ cup of oil –
2oz/56g

90
 In second bowl mix together:

 1 & 1/3 cups of all purpose flour – 5.9 oz/155g

 1 teaspoons salt – .2 oz/5.7g
 ½ teaspoon baking soda - .08 oz/2.3g
 2 teaspoons baking powder - .32 oz/9g

Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients; add more water if batter is too thick
(waffle batter needs to be on the thin side but not too thin!). Heat your waffle iron to its
hottest setting, because sourdough needs really hot temperatures, cook, enjoy!

91
 KILLER SOUR CREAM WAFFLES

I was going to make up some sourdough waffles using my regular recipe, but my
son asked me to add more eggs to the batter. So I decided to not only add an extra
egg, but to add some sourcream as well. When I baked (waffled, griddled?) up the
waffles, my son was really happy (how can you NOT make a 17 year old boy happy
with waffles?) then my daughter said, “These are KILLER waffles, mom!” So I will
pass on the changes to the recipe to you and see what you think.

Bowl -1 Whisk together:

 1 cup vigorous sourdough starter at 166% hydration -9
oz/255g
 ¾ cups warm water (about 90 degrees) – 6 oz/170g

Bowl -2 Add each following ingredient and then beat with whisk after
each addition:

92
  ½ stick of melted butter -2 oz/56g (real butter, no
substitutes)
 1 generous Tablespoon Malt Syrup –about 1 oz/28g
 3 large eggs –5.2 oz/147g
 1/4 cup of sour cream (no low fat or no fat stuff!) – 2 oz/56g

Bowl-3 Add following ingredients and mix thoroughly:

 1 ½ cups all purpose flour -6.6 oz/187g

 1 teaspoons salt - .2 oz/5.7g
 ½ teaspoon baking soda - .08/2.3g
 1 Tablespoon baking powder -.5/14.2g

Now add the contents of bowl one and bowl two together and using your whisk,
mix thoroughly. Then add the contents of bowl three to the bowl of wet ingredients
and whisk all together until blended.

Let the mixture set for ten minutes while your waffle iron is heating to a high heat.
The batter is a bit thin, but if it is too thick the waffles will be heavy, not light and
crispy with a fluffy, soft interior. I spray my waffle iron when it is heated, with pan
spray, and then I use one ladle of batter for my waffle iron and cook on high until it
is as brown as I like. These waffles are so good that the taste of smooth, rich butter
continues as you swallow each bite.

The outside is crisp, but not crunchy, the interior like I mentioned, is soft, rich,
smooth and buttery. Try some and see if you don’t think so as well! This recipe
makes 12 eight inch waffles.

93
 EASY SOURDOUGH BISCUITS

Easy Sourdough Biscuits

The night before you are planning to bake biscuits for breakfast, add together in a
large bowl:

 1 cup sourdough starter – 9 oz/255g at 166% hydration

 2 cups milk (1/2 & 1/2 is best) – 16 oz/453g (or you can use 1
cup canned milk and 1 cup water)
 1/4 cup melted butter(cooled) or oil – 2 oz/56g
 2 cups all purpose flour – 8.8/249g
 Stir well and cover lightly, leave overnight at room
temperature. Next morning add together in another bowl :
 2.5 cups all purpose flour – 11 oz/311g

94
  1 Tablespoon sugar - .5 oz/14g
 2 teaspoons salt - .42/11.9g
 1 Tablespoon baking powder -.5 oz/14g
 1 teaspoon baking soda - .16 oz/4.5g

Stir all of the dry ingredients together and then add the dry ingredients all at once to
the large bowl of starter mixture. Mix together and pour out onto a well floured
surface. Knead enough times to make the dough workable and keep the dough ball
covered in flour on the outside but don’t knead in too much flour because you want
the dough to be sticky in the middle. The dough is supposed to be wet. Gather up
the dough making sure there is enough flour on the top and bottom and roll out ¾
inch thick dough. Using a 3 inch biscuit cutter, cut out the biscuits and flatten them
slightly when you place them on a greased baking sheet. Pop into a 400F oven and
bake for 15-18 minutes, turning the pan halfway for even browning. Tear one biscuit
in half to make sure they're done- butter, enjoy! When finished you can brush butter
on the tops. This makes about 18 large biscuits.

95
 FLUFFY SOURDOUGH BISCUITS

For this recipe, have everything ready in each bowl and be prepared to work quickly
once you add the baking powder and soda to the liquid. It will foam up as you stir in
the baking powder/soda and you need to add the dry ingredients at once before all
of the bubbles are gone. If you work quickly, the bubbles are trapped in the dough
and help make a light, fluffy biscuit. The dough is sticky and wet, and needs plenty
of flour on the work surface to keep from sticking.

Bowl 1:
Wisk together:

 1 Cup Active Sourdough Starter - 9 oz/255g at 166%

hydration
 1 cup milk – 8 oz/226g (rich milk is better)

96
  4 Tablespoons oil or melted butter – 2 oz/56g

In bowl 2 mix :

 3 cups all purpose flour – 13.5 oz/382g

 1.5 teaspoons salt – .3 oz/8.5g

Add all at once to bowl 1:

 2 teaspoons baking powder - .3 oz/8.5g

 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - .08 oz/2.3g

It will bubble up and foam immediately. Stir gently, and as it bubbles, VERY
QUICKLY add the contents of bowl 2 to this bubbly mixture. With large spoon stir
until ingredients come together and still working quickly:

Pour out on a floured surface and knead in any extra flour you require, but keep
this dough sticky, this dough will be very sticky: Knead approximately 15 times.

Roll out with rolling pin very thick for biscuits, cut with biscuit cutter or knife. The
dough will be coated on the outside with flour, but sticky on the inside, so dip your
cutter into flour each time to keep it from sticking to the dough.

On a greased baking sheet, bake biscuits in a preheated oven at 425F/218C degrees

for 12-15 minutes. Serve with lots of fresh butter. These biscuits must be handled
quickly and gently so as not to degas the dough. They are a little bit challenging to
make, but the taste is worth it! This recipe makes approximately 12 - 15 biscuits.

97
 RUSTIC BISCUITS

Instead of just white flour, I added a small amount of cornmeal and whole wheat to
give the biscuits a more rustic flavor. This is a large batch of biscuits for when the
whole clan arrives for Sunday morning breakfast. Cut the amounts in half for one
dozen biscuits.

Rustic Sourdough Biscuits

In a medium bowl mix:

 2 cups vigorous Sourdough Starter – 18 oz/510g 166%

hydration
 1.5 cups Milk – 12 oz/340g
 1/2 cup oil or melted Butter – 4 oz/113g
 1 rounded Tablespoon Malt Syrup/or substitute 1
Tablespoon Brown Sugar – 1 oz/28g

In a medium large bowl mix the dry ingredients:

 4 1/3 cups all purpose flour – 19 oz/538g

98
  1/4 cup Whole Wheat flour - 1 oz/28g
 2 Tablespoons of Cornmeal - .5 oz/14g
 2.5 teaspoons Salt - .5 oz/14g
 1 teaspoon Baking Soda - .16 oz/4.5g
 4 teaspoons Baking Powder - .65 oz/18.4g

Stir dry ingredients together and then add the first bowl of wet ingredients to the
second bowl of dry ingredients, stir gently with a fork until a soft sticky dough is
formed. Pour out on a well floured surface and knead just enough to have the dough
gather into a ball and be smooth and pliable. This dough will still be somewhat
sticky on the inside, just keep the outside covered with flour as you roll it out and
cut biscuits with a biscuit cutter.

If the dough is kneaded too much or you add so much flour while kneading that it is
no longer sticky inside, it will be a tougher biscuit. So handle the dough gently and
quickly and get the cut biscuits onto a baking sheet lightly greased or sprayed with
pan spray. Pop the biscuits into a preheated oven at 400F/204C degrees for 12 - 15
minutes. Eat while hot with dripping butter/honey/jam etc. Enjoy! This makes about
2 dozen large biscuits.

99
 Sourdough Scones

These sourdough scones are very rich and delicious. They are cooked on a griddle.
This recipe will make 14 – 16 large scones. If you are not cooking for a large crowd,
cut the ingredients in half.

Bowl 1:
Whisk together:

 2 Cup Active Sourdough Starter - 18 oz/510g at 166%

hydration
 ¼ cup evaporated milk – 2 oz/56g
 Two sticks of melted butter – 8 oz/226g

In bowl 2
Stir well:

 6 cups all purpose flour – 1 lb 10.4 oz/748g

100
  3 teaspoons salt – .6 oz/17g
 3 teaspoons baking powder - .5 oz/14g
 1 teaspoon baking soda - .16 oz/4.5g

Add the dry ingredients of bowl 2 to the wet ingredients of bowl 1. Stir together with a
fork and bring the dough into a ball. Place on floured surface and knead the dough ball
10 times. Then using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to about 5/8 inch thick. Now
using your pastry cutter or dough scraper, cut the dough into wedges, about 14 - 16
pieces.

Wedges cooking on their sides:

Place the wedges on a preheated griddle at 300F/148C degrees. Cook on the top
for 10 minutes then flip over onto the bottom for another 10 minutes. Finally
cook on each of the sides for 5 minutes on each side. Take off the griddle and
serve immediately.

101
 ONION CHEESE BATTER BREAD

This bread smells so good when it is baking, that you will have family members
hanging around the kitchen. This is an easy to bake batter bread. Check the options
below before mixing. This recipe makes approximately 3 lbs 13.6 oz of a batter like
dough. Enough to bake 2 loaves.

Early in the day, add to your mixer:

 2 cups vigorous starter at 166% hydration – 18 oz/510g
 2 cups lukewarm water – 16 oz/453g
 1/4 cup powdered milk – 1 oz/28g
 1 Tablespoons Oil - .5 oz/14g
 1 rounded Tablespoon Malt syrup – 1 oz/28g
 5 &1/3 cups mixture of ½ bread and ½ all purpose flour – 1
lb 8 oz/ 680g
 1 Tablespoon salt - .6 oz/17g (Add after Autolyse)

Don't add next ingredients until later:

 2 - large sweet onions, chopped and fried until browned
(use more or less depending on how oniony you want your bread)
 1 lb/453g of chunked Cheddar cheese

Process the dough on medium speed for about 3 minutes. Let the dough rest for 20
minutes (Autolyse) and then add the salt and mix for about 7 more minutes on low
speed. Cover and let dough bulk ferment until doubled, 4 - 6 hours. While waiting
for the dough to ferment, chop the onions and fry in oil on medium heat until nicely

102
browned, cool. Cut the cheese into large chunks approximately 1/2 inch square.
When dough is proofed, add your onions (cooled) and cheese chunks. Stir in the
cheese and onions on low speed until the chunks are mixed into the dough. Then fill
two large (9” x 5” x 2.5”) greased bread pans halfway with the batter (1 lb 14.8 oz
each). I pushed in some extra cheese chunks on the top of the loaves. Let dough rise
to the top of the pan (about two - three hours). When the dough is almost to the top,
preheat oven to 400F/204C degrees. Bake both loaves for 35 - 40 minutes turning
loaves halfway. Cool bread for a short time, and while still warm, turn out loaves so
they don't get stuck in the pan. Then cool completely.

Options:
 Substitute ½ cup of evaporated milk for ½ cup of the water
instead of the powder milk or in addition to it.
 Add ½ teaspoon of onion powder to the batter during
mixing.
 Add chopped canned chili peppers
 Sprinkle in some cracked black pepper or some red chili
flakes.
 Use Swiss cheese chunks

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves
Sourdough
2 cups 18 oz 510 g 58.5 %
Starter @166%

Water 2 cups 16 oz 453 g 52.0 %

Powdered Milk ¼ cup 1 oz 28 g 3.3 %

Malt Syrup or
1 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 3.3 %
Honey

Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 3.3 %

5 & 1/3
AP & Bread Flour 1 lb 8 oz 680 g 78.0 %
cups
Salt (add after
1 TBSP .6 oz 17 g 2.0 %
autolyse)
Total Dough 3 lb 13.6
3 lb 13.6 oz 1746 g 200.2%
Weight oz
Total Flour 1 lb 14.8
1 lb 14.8 oz 872 g 100.0 %
Weight oz

103
 SOFT WHITE PAN SOURDOUGH

Soft White Pan Sourdough is started in the evening as a preferment (sponge).

Soft White Pan Sourdough:

This dough is a moist dough made up to be a soft sandwich bread baked in a loaf
pan.
For the preferment mix up the evening before bake day:

Preferment Volume Standard Metric Bakers %

Sourdough Starter 166%

1 cup 9 oz 255 g 68.3 %
hydration

Water 1 cup 8 oz 226 g 60.7 %

Rye Flour 1/4 cup .9 oz 25 g 6.8 %

Whole Wheat Flour ½ cup 2.1 oz 59 g 15.9 %

Bread Flour 1 ½ cups 6.8 oz 192 g 51.6%

104
 1 lb 10.8 1 lb 10.8
Total Weight 759 g 203.3 %
oz oz

Hydration 103.3 %

This will be a stiff sponge, mix with a strong wooden spoon. Cover and let the
preferment/sponge ferment overnight at room temperature.

Next morning early, pour the sponge mixture into your dough mixer and add:

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Preferment All All All 70.6 %

Water ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 10.5 %

Evaporated Milk ¾ cup 6 oz 170 g 15.8 %

Melted Butter 4 TBSP 2 oz 56 g 5.3 %

Malt Syrup or Honey 1 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.6 %

Bread Flour 5½ cups 1 lbs 8.8 oz 703 g 65.3 %

Salt (add after

3 ½ teasp .7 oz 19 g 1.8 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 1.3 oz 4 lb 1.3 oz 1851 g 171.9%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 6.0 oz 2 lb 6.0 oz 1076 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 8.3 oz 1 lb 8.3 oz 689 g 64.0%
(hydration)

Mix the ingredients well in your mixer for about 2 – 3 minutes or just until mixed.
Then allow the dough to autolyse (rest) for 20 minutes.
After autolysis, mix dough on low speed for about 4 minutes. Then let the dough
bulk ferment (which just means the first rise) for about 4 hours or until doubled.

Stir the dough down with just two turns of the dough hook twice during the bulk
fermentation. This is to strengthen the gluten strands and line them up, much like
folding would do plus it helps to keep the dough from over fermenting. After bulk
fermentation, pour out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead a couple
of times then gather into a ball. Divide the dough into two pieces weighing around
2 lbs each.

105
 Shape loaves into the general shape you wish and then allow the dough to rest for 5
– 10 minutes (bench rest). After benching (resting) shape loaves into their final
shapes and put them into large loaf pans. Then allow the dough to rise until
proofing is done. Proofing is the second raising of the dough. This can take
anywhere from 1 – 3 hours.
When the dough is ready and feels bubbly and springy but not saggy, slash the
bread down the middle, not too deep, about 3/8 inch or so, spread melted butter
over the top of the loaf and bake all three in a preheated 400F/204C degree oven for
30 – 40 minutes, turning halfway for even browning.

You don’t need your baking stone for this recipe. If when you take out the bread,
you want it a little browner on the bottom, turn out the loaf and put it back into the
oven for a few more minutes. Cool the bread and eat with fresh butter. This bread
slices up nicely and makes great sandwiches or toast.

106
 Oat & Honey Soft Sourdough
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This bread is a one day bread. It is mixed, proofed and baked on the same day.

In the morning:
In your dough mixing bowl combine all of the following ingredients in the order on
the list, except the salt, which will be added after autolyse.

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves
SourdoughStarter
2 cups 18 oz 510 g 46.9 %
@166%

Water 1 cup 8 oz 226 g 20.9 %

Evaporated milk 2/3 cup 5.3 oz 147 g 13.8 %

Oil 1.5 TBSP 1.5 oz 42 g 3.9 %

Honey 1 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.6 %

Quick Oats 2/3 cup 3.6 oz 102 g 9.4 %

Whole Wheat Flour ¼ cup 1 oz 28 g 2.6 %

Bread Flour 6 cups 1 lbs 11 oz 765 g 70.4 %

107
 Salt (add after autolyse) 3.5 teasp .7 oz 19 g 1.8 %

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 2.1oz 4 lb 2.1 oz 1874 g 172.3 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 6.4 oz 2 lb 6.4 oz 1087 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 8.7 oz 1 lb 8.7 oz 701 g 64.5%
(hydration)

Mix until ingredients are well incorporated (about 2 -3 minutes) on medium speed
and then let the dough rest (autolysis) for about 20 minutes.
After autolysis is done, add the salt and mix the dough for 5 minutes in your mixer
on low speed. Allow the dough to bulk ferment, covered, for 4 - 6 hours (or until
doubled).
Pour dough out on work surface and knead just enough to gather the dough into a
ball. Divide the dough into two pieces. Shape each piece of dough by pulling it
into a rectangular shape as long as the bread pan, and then rolling it up into a tight
tube.
Rolling the dough over some oats sprinkled on the work surface gives the bread a
nice touch or lightly sprinkle oats to coat the inside of the greased pan before
placing the dough in. Now place the dough into the greased 9”x 5”x 2.5”bread pan.
Cover the dough lightly with a damp cloth or spray with pan spray to keep the
dough from drying out. This dough can also be made up as a free form loaf and
proofed in a banneton. If made as a free form loaf, use the roasting pan method of
baking.
Allow the dough to proof in a warm place for about 2 - 3 hours (it usually takes 2
hours). When the dough is done proofing, (push the tip of your finger into the side
of the dough, if it feels bubbly, soft and the dent fills in slowly, it is ready).
Slash the top of the dough (if you want a long vertical slash to fill with melted
butter) or leave plain and don’t slash at all, if you prefer a nice rounded top. Brush
melted butter on the top of the loaves or spray the top with pan oil (to keep the
dough from drying out while baking).
Then bake in a well preheated 400F/204C degree oven for 30 – 35 minutes, turning
the loaf when halfway done to evenly brown the crust. Cool, slice and enjoy!

108
109
 Sourdough Tortillas

Making up some Sourdough Tortillas is a great way to use up that sourdough starter.

To make 3 lbs of dough, add together in a medium mixing bowl:

 Sourdough starter – 9 oz/ 255g @ 166% hydration

 Water hot from the tap or about 130F–11 oz/314g
 Oil – 1 oz/ 28g
 Salt – .4 oz/11g
 All Purpose Flour - 1 lb 11 oz/765g

First weigh your starter into the bowl, then your oil and salt. Next add the hot water and
flour. Get your hands into the bowl and mix the dough real well with your hands. The dough
has an interesting feel to it and seems more wet than it’s 54.7% hydration. Once the mixture is
well incorporated, cover the bowl and let the dough set for 20 minutes.

Now divide the dough into 12 pieces which weigh around 4 oz each. Roll the dough into little
balls. Cover the dough pieces with a slightly damp cloth. Heat a heavy bottom 12″ skillet on
medium heat, don’t let it smoke. Now take each ball one at a time and with great timing,
sprinkle your surface with flour and roll the ball out to about 5 inches.

110
Then let it rest while you roll one or two more balls to the 5 inch size . Now go back to the first
ball which has had a chance to rest and roll it out (sprinkle flour as necessary to keep the
dough from sticking) to about a 10 inch diameter circle.

Roll out to 10"

Once you accomplish this, flip the dough into your hot skillet and let the dough bubble up on
one side then flip it again and let it bubble on the other side. The tortillas shouldn’t be cooked
too long or they get like a cracker or cardboard. Once your beautiful tortilla is done place it on
a plate and cover it with a kitchen towl to keep warm and stay soft.

111
Then get your next tortilla into the pan. I roll out a few tortillas and have them waiting in line
to cook, it takes a bit of timing to keep everything going. The reason you roll out the dough in
two stages is because if you try to roll the dough out to 10 inches right away it will resist your
efforts, so the rest period helps the gluten to relax again for the final stretch! 4 oz dough balls
make a thick tortilla.

If you wish a thinner tortilla, use 3.5 oz of dough and roll it out to the 10 inch diameter circle,
the dough should be almost see through. After you are done cooking up your lovely stack of
tortillas, serve them with fresh butter, beans and whatever else makes your meal complete.

Fresh Homemade Tortillas

112
 SYRIAN FLATBREAD

To your mixer add:

 1 cup starter very vigorous at 166% hydration – 9 oz/255g

 1 cup water – 8 oz/226g
 3/4 cup evaporated milk – 6 oz/170g
 3 Tablespoons melted butter or oil – 1.5 oz/42g
 3 tsp salt (1 Tablespoon) - .6 oz/17g
 4 cups all purpose flour – 17.6 oz/499g
 2 cups whole wheat flour -8.4 oz/238g

Mix up the ingredients in your mixer or by hand and let autolyse. Then mix again
for 3 - 5 minutes. Bulk ferment for 4 - 6 hours or until doubled. Then divide the
dough into 7 pieces of about 7 oz each, roll into balls and let rest for 5 - 10 minutes.

After resting, roll out the pieces of dough about 1/4 inch thick. You can roll the
dough in sesame seeds for flavor and looks. Then let the dough proof again for
about two hours. In a preheated oven (500 degrees), on a hot stone, gently stretch
the dough out slightly and throw the dough onto the top of the hot stone.

113
 Bake for 4 minutes on each side. The dough puffs up into a balloon after the first 4
minutes. If the flatbreads aren’t soft enough bake on each side for less time. Serve
cut in half for pita sandwiches or warm with butter.

These are very delicious! These Syrian Flatbreads were about 8 inches in diameter
when done baking, if you want them smaller cut the dough into 4 or 5 ounce pieces.
Here are the results:

This recipe makes approximately 3 lbs 3 oz of dough.

114
 WALNUT RAISIN SURPRISE

Walnut Raisin Surprise uses an overnight preferment. The All Purpose flour helps
produce tender dough. The surprise is Cinnamon syrup, used in layers and poured
over the dough.

Preferment: mix together the night before:

With a sturdy spoon, mix together in a medium sized container:

 1 Cup Active Sourdough Starter - 9 oz at 166% hydration

 1 cup water – 8 oz
 2 cups All Purpose flour – 8.8 oz

Lightly cover the container and let it set at room temperature overnight. This
preferment dough equals 1 lb 10 oz at 110% hydration.

Preferment Volume Standard Metric Bakers %

Sourdough Starter
1 cup 9 oz 255 g 73.9 %
166% hydration

Water 1 cup 8 oz 266 g 65.7 %

All Purpose Flour 2 cups 8.8 oz 249 g 72.2 %

Total Weight 1 lb 9.8 oz 1 lb 9.8 oz 731 g 211.8%

Hydration 111.8%

115
 Next morning before finishing the final dough, make up the Cinnamon syrup so it can
cool:

Cinnamon Syrup:

To prepare syrup, add all of the following ingredients to a medium sized

saucepan and just bring to a boil, remove pan and cool syrup until just warm.

 1.5 cups brown sugar – 10.6

 6 Tablespoons butter – 3 oz
 1 Tablespoon Vanilla extract - .5 oz
 1/3 cup evaporated milk or cream - 2.6 oz
 4 teaspoons Cinnamon - .3 oz

Finish the dough:

Now pour the preferment into your mixing bowl and add:

 4 oz evaporated milk or ½ and ½ milk – 4 oz

 ¼ cup melted, cooled butter – 2 oz
 2 beaten large eggs – 3.5 oz
 2 Tablespoon Vanilla extract - 1 oz
 1/3 cup sugar – 2.4 oz
 ½ teaspoon Cinnamon - .04 oz
 2.5 teaspoons salt – .5 oz
 3 & ¼ cups All Purpose flour – 14.6 oz

116
Don’t be tempted to add more Cinnamon to the dough, Cinnamon can make the
dough sluggish and take longer to raise.

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Rolls 2 Rolls 2 Rolls

Preferment All All All 96.3 %

Canned or ½ & ½
½ cup 4 oz 113 g 14.9 %
milk

Sugar 1/3 cup 2.4 oz 68 g 9.0 %

Vanilla Extract 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 3.7 %

Melted Butter ¼ cup 2 oz 56 g 7.5 %

Large Eggs 2 3.5 oz 99 g 13.1 %

All Purpose Flour 3¼ cups 14.6 oz 413 g 54.5 %

Cinnamon ½ teasp

Salt (add after

2 ½ teasp .5 oz 14 g 1.9 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 3 lb 5.8 oz 3 lb 5.8 oz 1525 g 200.9 %

Total Flour Weight 1 lb 10.8 oz 1 lb 10.8 oz 759 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 1.8 oz 1 lb 1.8 oz 505 g 66.5%
(hydration)

Mix all ingredients together on low speed for 5 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes.

Add some of the raisins and walnuts to the dough now stirring in:

 ¾ cup coarsely chopped walnuts

 ¾ cup raisins

Also, when layering the dough into the pan with the Cinnamon syrup add
another.

 ¾ cup coarsely chopped walnuts

 ¾ cup raisins

117
 In a large well greased 17 cup bundt pan, cover the bottom of the pan with some of
the cinnamon syrup, about ½ cup, and then sprinkle raisins and walnuts over the
syrup. Next layer about half of the dough over the raisin/walnut/syrup mixture.
Then add more syrup, raisins and walnuts on top of the dough layer. Add remaining
dough mixture, keeping some raisins/walnuts/and syrup to add over the top layer of
dough. Make about two layers of dough with layers of Cinnamon
syrup/raisins/walnuts/layered in between. Pour the rest of the Cinnamon
syrup/raisins/walnuts over the top. Take a butter knife and poke the batter around
somewhat to mix the layers up somewhat, but not too much.

Allow the mixture to proof around 3 – 4 hours or until it is about 7/8 up the sides of
the pan. Then bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees for one hour, covering the pan
with aluminum foil about half way through the bake, so it doesn’t get too dark. Test
the inner temperature to make sure it is around 200 degrees F, before removing from
oven. Right away, turn out bread on platter, so it doesn’t get stuck in the pan while
cooling. Eat while still warm, with pats of butter.

118
 S OURDOUGH G LOSSARY

Acetic acid An organic acid produced by a lactobacilli bacteria

All purpose flour A blend of wheat flours with protein level around 9–11
%
Amylase Enzyme Amylase enzymes present in dough break down starch
into sugars. Amylase is present in larger amounts in
sprouted grains and whole grains
Artisan Bread Handcrafted bread made by an skilled baker
Baguette A French style loaf which originated in Austria it has a
long shape with an optimum amount of crust to crumb
ratio
Bakers Blade A dough scraper with a blade usually around 6” x 4”
same as a bench scraper or pasry blade.
Bakers percentage A method of measurement where the ingredients are
figured as a percentage of the flour weight
Baking sheets Flat sheets for baking, like a cookie pan or a flat pan
with no sides. Common sizes are full size, 18” x 26”and
half size 18” x 13”pans sized to fit a full sized bakery
oven
Baking stone A flat stone used on the bottom of the oven to simulate
a masonry oven, usually for baking bread or pizza
Banneton Willow or cane basket used for proofing dough
Barm A starter made from brewers grain by-products or foam
Batard A bread shaped like a regular French bread, shorter
than a baguette and much wider
Bench scraper A tool in a rectangular shape with one edge used as a
scraper or divider and the other edge as a handle,
usually 4” x 6” with a handle on one side. Same as a
bakers blade or a pastry blade.
Biga A lower hydration dough cultured with commercial
yeast and used as a seed for building dough

119
Boule A loaf of bread shaped as a ball or in the round
Bread flour A flour made with higher protein levels of 10 – 12 % ,
used for making bread. It usually is enriched and has
malt and dough enhancers added. Can be bleached or
unbleached.
Bread thermometer A thermometer which has a long point which is thrust
into a loaf of bread to measure the interior temperature,
usually reads at least to 220 degrees F
Brotform Same as Banneton , German variation of word Banneton
A cane or rush basket used for proofing dough.
Bulk ferment First rising or fermentation of dough after mixing
Carbon dioxide – CO2 Gas by-product of fermenting yeasts and bacteria
Chef (when used for a leaven) French word for a culture used as a seed for the first
stage of dough building
Cob A rustic round shaped loaf
Commercial or Bakers yeast A modern variation of yeasts derived from brewers
yeast, which is fast acting and has a long shelf life
Couche A long, heavy linen or canvas cloth used to hold dough
while it is proofing, with folds to separate the loaves
Crumb The interior structure of a baked item is called it’s
crumb
Crust washes or glazes Finishes for bread crust, egg glaze, sugar glaze,
cornstarch wash, are some of the finishes for a
particular look and texture for the crust. Glazes may be
applied before, after or during baking.
Culture A stable mixture of yeast and bacteria propagated in a
water/flour mixture
Desem Flemish sourdough starter made with whole wheat
flour
Diastatic malt Usually made from sprouted, barley which is dried at a
low temperature to keep the enzymes active.
Docking Poking holes in dough to control over rising or bubbling
up of dough
Dough A mixture of liquid, flour and often some type of leaven
Dough Scraper Same as a bench scraper
Exstensible A dough is extensible when it has the ability to stretch

120
 easily
Fermentation When carbohydrates are converted into alcohol, acids
and gasses as a result of yeasts, bacteria and enzyme
activity
Foccacia A type of flat bread usually with toppings
Gluten A protein including gliadin and glutenin which form
the weblike structure of bread which traps the gasses
formed during fermentation
Grain Ferment Method Pre-ferment method of treating wholegrains to break
down and soften the indigestible portions before
making dough
Hooch The liquid that rises to the top of a high hydration
culture
Hydration The amount of water to flour ratio by weight
Instant read thermometer A digital thermometer used for instant readout of
temperature usually with a probe and digital readout
Lactic Acid An organic acid tolerant to lower Ph levels which
contributes to the flavor of bread
Lactobacilli A bacteria present in sourdough cultures which
produces organic acids
Lame A French word for a tool with an attached razor used
for slashing dough
Leaven A substance used to produce carbon dioxide for raising
dough
Levain A French type of pre-ferment used to make bread
Masonry oven A baking oven made with stone, brick or concrete and
heated by fire, electricity or gas
Motherdough Cool fermented sourdough starter from 50-80%
hydration
Natural Leaven The wild yeasts and bacteria present in fruits and grains
used to raise dough
Non diastatic malt A malted grain powder or syrup in which the enzymes
are no longer active
Old dough A piece of fermented dough saved to be used in a
subsequent batch of dough
Pastry blade Same as a dough scraper or baker’s blade

121
Pate Fermente Same as Old dough
Poolish A Polish wet preferment usually made with a small
amount of commercial yeast
Pre-ferment A mixture of flours/grains and liquids fermented
before adding to the main dough
Proofing Second raising of dough after shaping
Proofing Cloth A cloth used to line baskets or bread molds for holding
dough while it proofs
Proofing test A test used to see if a leaven is still viable
Protease An enzyme in dough activated by the addition of water
to flour, which helps to degrade or break down the
strands of gluten making the dough more extensible
Rack Cooling racks are used to cool baked goods.
Refresh To feed a sourdough starter/culture water and flour
Retard To cool down a dough and slow it’s fermentation
Retarder A temperature controlled environment for cooling
dough
Roasting Pan Method A method of baking that keeps steam next to the loaf
Sauerteig A German term for sourdough
Scoring Decorative and useful slashing or slicing in the dough
before baking, used so the dough can expand in an
expected manner
Slashing Cutting or slicing dough to allow dough to expand
while baking
Sourdough A natural leavening or wild yeast fermented dough
Sourdough starter A stable culture of yeasts and bacteria in a water/flour
mixture used to leaven dough.
Sponge A type of pre-ferment usually around 100% hydration
Starter Same as Sourdough Starter
Straight mix A method of mixing dough with the minimum amount
of stages.
Stretch and fold method A hand stretching and folding method of developing
dough
Torpedo A loaf shaped somewhat like a skinny football with
pointed ends.

122
Vigorous or active starter A healthy stable culture of wild yeasts and bacteria
Wild yeast Yeasts found in the natural environment
Yeast A fungi which reproduces by budding, it’s fermentation
causes CO2 as a by-product which raises dough

123
 About the Author

I have been baking for 40 years. At the age of ten, I was baking and selling cupcakes to the
neighbors.
I became the mother of ten children and so I had plenty of reasons to bake.

My interest in real sourdough began in the Summer of 2004 when my daughter challenged
me to bake “real” sourdough, because “Nobody can bake real sourdough at home.”
Taking up her challenge, I had no idea that it would lead me to my own sourdough
business, called Northwest Sourdough, a blog and a forum all about sourdough.
Northwest sourdough bread was featured on KNOE TV’s What’s Cooking with Diane Cage in April
of 2006.
It’s been fun, Teresa

124
End of Part 1

“Discovering Sourdough” is comprised of three parts. The first section is Part 1-

Beginning Sourdough. The second section is Part 2- Intermediate Sourdough.
The final section is Part 3 - Advanced Sourdough.

Contact me at: northwestsourdough@gmail.com

Follow my blog at: http://www.northwestsourdough.com/discover

Join other bakers on the forum at: http://teresal.proboards.com/index.cgi?

Visit my site to download this book at: http://www.northwestsourdough.com

If you wish to help support my efforts you can use this email:
northwestsourdough@gmail.com and donate using https://www.paypal.com/

Have fun baking!

125
Discovering Sourdough

By Teresa L. Hosier Greenway

P ROFESSIONAL S OURDOUGH B READS B AKED A T H OME

U SING O NLY T HE W ILD Y EAST

Part II

1
 Discovering Sourdough

By Teresa L. Hosier Greenway

PROFESSIONAL SOURDOUGH BREADS BAKED AT HOME

U S IN G O N L Y T H E W I L D Y E A S T

Part II

Copyright 2010 All rights reserved worldwide- Recipes in this book may be
featured as web content with a link back to the author’s website:
http://www.northwestsourdough.com
This book may not be resold in any part in any media, except by the author.

Use this link from your site or blog to help others find “Discovering Sourdough”:
http://www.northwestsourdough.com/discovering/

2
 PART 2

INTERMEDIATE SOURDOUGH

3
Contents Part 2

Intermediate Sourdough

Intermediate Dough Handling

Ingredients and Techniques……………………………………………………………….5

Mixing, Folding and Handling Dough………………………………………………….23

Basic White Loaf………………………………………………………………………………….29

The Intermediate Recipes:

Extra Sour Sourdough………………………………………………………….38

Wheat Potato Loaf…………………………………………………………………41
Western Wheat Sourdough…………………………………………………. 44
Sour Rye………………………………………………………………………………. 47
Dark Beer Rye……………………………………………………………………….49
Sesame Honey Wheat…………………………………………………………..51
Molasses Wheat Sourdough………………………………………………….54
Italian Sourdough………………………………………………………………… 56
Danish Rye Pumpernickel……………………………………………………. 58
Cracked Wheat San Francisco Sourdough……………………………60
Cracked Grain Mill Loaf………………………………………………………… 63
Spicy Jalepeno Loaf……………………………………………………………… 67
Garlic Onion Rye Sourdough…………………………………………………70
Desem Rye Malted Sourdough……………………………………………. 73
Saltzburg Sourdough…………………………………………………………… 76
Two Night Sourdough…………………………………………………………… 79
Honey Sunflower Loaf…………………………………………………………..82
San Francisco Sunrise…………………………………………………………. 86
Buckwheat Sourdough………………………………………………………….89
Austrian Farm Bread……………………………………………………………. 92

4
 I NTERMEDIATE D OUGH bulk or health food store to see if you can

H ANDLING buy 25 – 50 lb bags of flour with a good

quality name brand. Generic flours are
INGREDIENTS &
more likely produce generic bread and
TECHNIQUES
flopped bread isn’t fun. When you start
baking with wholegrain flour, it is really
essential to use fresh flours that are
preferably organic. I grind my own and
age them a week or two. If you buy flour
that is ground at the bulk food store, you
can at least find out how old it is. Store
flour in a cool, dry place away from
strong odors.

The wild yeast and bacteria present in

When baking, use the best, highest
the sourdough starter, are sensitive and
quality ingredients you can find. If you
may not perform well with poor quality,
want to have terrific bread, you need to
old, rancid, flour. Organic flours are great
start with terrific ingredients. Here are
for sourdough baking, although regular
some of the ingredients used in
store bought flour should produce
sourdough baking:
acceptable results as well. If you grind

Flour: your own wholegrain flour, try to grind it

at least ten days before baking. Then store
Use high quality unbleached bread flour,
it in a cool place in non airtight
preferably organic, if you can get it. Bread
containers, then it won’t be “green” when
flour is higher in protein and will form
you are ready to use it. If you mix the
the gluten strands necessary for a great
flour once in a while it will oxygenate
loaf of sourdough. A mix of All Purpose
and age more quickly. After the ten days,
flour and Bread flour is sometimes used
store it in airtight container. Green
in Artisan breads. Check at your local
(freshly ground) flour can cause problems

5
in dough. A dough made with “green flour is enzyme balanced and is good for
flour” can be wettish when it shouldn’t’ baking bread. Bread flour is usually
be. This is because the gluten fibers do enzyme balanced and often has vitamin C
not bond well and cannot absorb water as added to strengthen the dough.
well as aged flour. The flour will initially
Whole grain and rye flour need to be
take up the water but then later it releases
stored in a cool, dry environment as they
the water and the dough can feel slimy or
go rancid quickly in warm/humid
wet. This can happen with freshly ground
environments. All flour can pick up
or “green” flours. Dough made from
odors, so don’t store onions next to the
“green” flour can be difficult to handle.
flour bag.
However, if only a small amount of
freshly ground flour is used in the dough, Water: Water quality was discussed in
you shouldn’t have much trouble. White “Caring for Your Starter”. It is very
flour that is not enzyme balanced can important to the quality of the dough.
cause problems as well. Amylase is an Some city tap water is so laden with
enzyme present in flour. It helps break chemicals that the sourdough starter
down the starch present in the flour into cannot survive. However, there are those
sugars which are then available for who find that their city tap water is
fermentation. However, once flour is compatible with sourdough culture. If
sifted and becomes white flour, there is you are not sure about your water
less Amylase present, since most of it is quality, and have a dried starter, divide
found in the germ portion of the wheat the contents in half. Using one half of the
berry. If the amount of Amylase is too dried starter flakes, make up one
low, it will produce dough that doesn’t container of starter using your city water,
ferment well and bread with crust then in a different container, mix up
deficient in color and flavor. Look at the another batch, using either your tap
ingredient list on your bag of flour, if it water which has been boiled, cooled and
states: “added enzymes”, “fungal left uncovered for 24 hours (to outgas) or
enzymes”, “fungal amylase”, or lists malt bottled water. Feed the one starter each
or malted flour as an additive, then the day with city water and flour and the

6
other one with the boiled or bottled water mistake to use a starter that isn’t
and flour. After one week, see what the vigorous.
outcome is. If both starters are doing well
Sourdough Starter:
and showing signs of life, then you could
use your own tap water. If the starter fed If you have been feeding your starter
with tap water is dead looking or smells about one cup of flour (5 oz) and one cup
bad, then continue to use either the boiled of water (8.3 oz), you have a hydration of
water or the bottled water. Realize that 166%. This amount (or more) of feed is
the dough would be affected the same. If used when you are baking the next day,
your tap water kills the starter, it won’t otherwise you would be feeding more
be good for making up dough either. like ½ cup flour and ½ cup water to
Make sure you feed your starter regularly maintain it. This is a thin batter which
to have it healthy and vigorous for will not crawl out of the container. It will
baking with. Feed it the day before you often form a layer of liquid on the top
will be mixing dough. A starter should be called hooch because it is so thin, that it is
used within 6 – 18 hours of feeding. If it difficult for the flour to remain in
has been longer, feed your starter and suspension. If you have been feeding
wait to use it until it is vigorous again. A your starter each day, and it doesn’t look
starter kept in the refrigerator, should be bubbly or very active, don’t worry, it
taken out the day before mixing, fed and most likely is very active and will bake
allowed to get bubbly and vigorous up a great loaf of bread. When the starter
before use. However, if you haven’t been is kept very thin, the bubbles escape, so
feeding your refrigerated starter at least you cannot really tell by looking that the
once a week or so (maybe up to two starter is really active. It can look quite
weeks with thicker starters), then bring it uninspiring, and yet be very vigorous.
up to room temperature, discard most of
A thin batter ferments more quickly than
it and then feed the part you have saved
a thicker batter and has vigorous enzyme
for at least two days before using. Or feed
activity. It is easier to add a liquid starter
it for however many days it takes to
when mixing.
regain it’s vigor. It would be a real

7
Another common hydration that If available, use salt which has no
sourdough starters are kept at is 100% additives. Kosher salt, sea salt and
hydration. 100% hydration is equal Morton’s canning salt are all good to use.
weight of water and flour mixed together. Regular table salt can be used, but I have
A 100% hydration starter will last longer had several batches of dough turn gooey
between feedings. It is better to keep right after adding salt, so I started
whole grain starters at 100% hydration looking for salt without additives. Since
rather than 166% hydration because they sourdough cultures are sensitive to
already have a tendency to ferment so chemicals, maybe some of the chemicals
quickly. added to salt caused the problems I
experienced. Some types of salt need to
To turn a 100% starter into a 166% starter
be measured differently. Kosher salt is
transfer 6.77 ounces of starter at 100%
made up of flakes instead of grains, so a
hydration to a new container and add
smaller amount of it takes up more space
2.23 oz of water to the 6.77 oz of starter.
in your measuring spoon, but doesn’t
This will give you one cup or 9 oz of
weigh as much as table salt when
starter at 166% hydration.
measured with the same spoon. You
would need almost double the amount of
kosher salt compared to regular table salt,
Salt: Protease is an enzyme present in
when using volume measurements. This
dough that breaks down and softens
of course depends upon the brand of
gluten. Salt inhibits the Protease action in
kosher salt. Approximately 1 tablespoon
dough. It slows down fermentation and
of table salt is equal to about 1.75
strengthens dough. The affect of salt on
tablespoons of kosher salt. Many brands
dough contributes to the color in the
of kosher salt have the conversion
crust. It is also hygroscopic which means
amounts available on their label. Some
it holds onto water. Salt can be used as a
table, kosher and sea salts have added
tool in bread baking because of these
chemicals, so make sure to read the label.
characteristics.

8
It is best to weigh salt. It is more accurate degrees while stirring, then take it off the
and you don’t have to mess with leveling burner and cool before using. When dry
off teaspoons or tablespoons. Don’t use milk is used in a recipe there is no
kosher salt in very low hydration (dry) substitute, unless you use part liquid
dough unless you add it while you are milk instead of water in the recipe.
adding liquids. This is because the flakes
Sugars: Sugars, syrups, honey, molasses
of salt are large enough, that they might
and malt (powder and syrup) are some of
not dissolve completely in dry dough
the sweeteners that you might use in
after the autolyse period.
bread baking. A small amount of
Oil: The oils used in most of the recipes sweetener can enhance fermentation. A
in this book are regular vegetable oils or larger amount of sweeteners, especially in
olive oil; however in most cases melted breakfast and dessert dough, can inhibit
butter can be substituted. the yeasts and it may take significantly
longer for your dough to bulk ferment
Milk: Milk powder and canned
and proof. Sugars enhance the color of
evaporated milk (not to be confused with
the crust and are also hygroscopic.
condensed milk) are sometimes used in
bread. Milk adds color to the bread crust Dried Fruits and Spices: Dried fruit and
and softens the crumb, making it tender spices can also inhibit dough
with a finer crumb. Dry milk or fermentation. Whenever possible, layer
evaporated milk are used because they the spices or fruits in the dough, instead
don’t need to be scalded to neutralize any of adding them to the bulk dough during
live enzymes that might ruin the dough. mixing. Seeds and hard ingredients can
Sometimes ½ & ½ is used. ½ & ½ is a cut apart the gluten strands of the dough.
mixture of cream and milk and is used Add these at the end of mixing or after
because of its high fat content. ½ & ½ or the autolyse period or even wait until
any other milk can be substituted for shaping the loaves to work in these types
evaporated milk, but they would need to of ingredients.
be scalded first and then cooled before
Other Ingredients:
using. To scald milk, bring it to 180F/82C

9
Any other ingredients used should be  Proofing cloths
fresh and of the best quality.  Roasting lid for steaming
dough
Equipment:
 Baking stone
This is some of the equipment you may
 Plastic bags for covering
find handy for baking sourdough breads. proofing dough
Substitute and improvise whenever  Long, sharp serrated bread
necessary: knife

 Dough folding trough

 Dedicated refrigerator
 Dough Mixer
 Proofing cabinet /dishwasher
 Scale
 Dough and oven thermometer
 Spray bottle
Baking stone: For sourdough baking, a
 Large containers for
fermenting dough - 4 & 8 hot baking stone will give the dough a
quart sizes work well high initial transfer of heat which it needs
 Peel or flat baking sheet for for good oven spring and a great crust.
moving dough, cooling racks
Get a good baking stone. A baking stone
 Pastry brush should hold up under the high heat and

 Measuring cups, spoons etc steam used in sourdough baking. If the

stone cracks, it isn’t a very good quality
 Spatulas, dough scrapers,
mixing spoons stone. An inch or two of clearance around
the stone is necessary for heat circulation.
 Semolina, rice flour, or
cornmeal for dusting It is good to get the largest stone that will
fit your oven with this clearance. Some of
 Lame, sharp knife or blade for
slashing, bread cutting knife the stones that people have used are

 Container for sourdough firebricks lined up on a baking sheet (it

starter storage can be hard to move the dough around

 Bannetons, baskets, bowls, on a lot of cracks), Travertine tiles and

couche, or dough molds

10
other kinds of stone tiles, pizza stones, http://www.bakingstone.com/ I also
unused kiln shelves, bought from a kiln have a Travertine tile and it works really
supply. Also, you could try a cast iron nice too.
griddle, or cast iron skillet, but you have
to be prepared for the fact that they could
crack. If you have a tile and stone supply Oven Temperature
store nearby, you might talk to the owner
Most Sourdough breads need high
about what you need. They might cut a
baking temperatures. Lean dough breads
large tile to fit your size oven and maybe
(dough made without added sugar, milk,
you could get a good deal on it, especially
and oils) are usually baked at
if you promise a future loaf of bread!
450F/232.2C degrees. Sometimes I even
Whatever stone you use, make sure to
start out at 475F/246.1C degrees.
season the stone before using it.
However during the baking period I will

To season a stone that has not been turn the oven down part way through the

baked at high oven temperatures, you bake. Sweet breads or bread with milk

need to make sure it is dry and then be need slightly lower temperatures. Sweet

prepared to bake it for a long time. Start breads would be baked at around

at a low temperature (200F/93.3C) for 400F/204.4C degrees and breads made

one hour and then raise the temperature with milk are often baked at 425F/218.3C

50 degrees each hour, until the highest degrees. See the “Home Baking of

heat you will probably bake at Sourdough Breads” chapter for more

(475F/246.1C) is reached. This should be information on baking with steam.

done over several hours and will help

drive out any moisture caught in the
interior of the stone, that could
potentially cause cracks. I have a
Dough Temperature: The desired
Fibrament stone which works really great
temperature for dough is called the DDT.
for my sourdough baking. You can find
In bakeries the DDT is critical because
them online at:
when you have a very large mass of

11
dough, the temperature better be accurate If a higher temperature is used for
otherwise you will have your dough fermenting dough, you would have to
fermenting too fast or too slow and when make sure the humidity was also high or
you have hundreds of loaves of bread in your dough would dry out. Some ways to
line waiting to be baked, they better be keep dough from drying out would be to
ready on time. For home bakers the oil the top of the dough, another way
temperature isn’t as critical and there can would be to drape a damp cloth over the
be a lot more flexibility. A good average dough or put the dough into a plastic
temperature for fermenting dough is bag. I have a way of proofing dough in a
between 74–78F /23-25C degrees. That warm, humid environment that actually
can differ depending on the recipe and works pretty well. I use my dishwasher. I
your technique. Also you might want the spin the dial around until it is at the
initial dough temperature to be around heat/dry cycle. I add a cup of water to
75F/23C degrees but you might want it the bottom of the dishwasher, put a
to reach in the upper 80’s/26+C at the thermometer in the dishwasher and then
end of the proofing period. With cold let it heat 5 – 10 minutes. When the
fermented dough, the dough starts out thermometer indicates that it is as warm
very cold; it is kept in the refrigerator and as I need, I turn the dial off, put in the
then only warmed up toward the end of dough that needs proofing and keep the
the proofing period. For Desem dough, door shut. Periodically I check the
you might want the final proofing to be temperature and turn the heat back on. I
around 90F/32C. Desem dough is whole always put a timer on for five minutes to
wheat dough made with a Flemish remind me to turn it back off so I don’t
Desem starter. You can find out more cook my dough prematurely! I also load
about Desem from the book “The Laurel’s the top rack with a few coffee cups; they
Kitchen Bread Book” by Laurel help hold the heat longer. Think about it,
Robertson. There is also a few Desem a dishwasher is a little box that is humid
recipes in the Recipe section of this book. and warm, exactly what you need for a
proofing box!

12
 When I proof dough this way, I use Mixing and Dough Development
bannetons or baskets to hold the dough This book is geared toward the home
and cover them with plastic bags. This is baker with a dough mixer. Some
just to make sure the dough stays moist, generally available mixers for the home
it helps hold in the warmth too. You can baker are manufactured by: Blendtec,
try it without the plastic bags; if it is Kitchen Aid, Bosch, Anvil, Globe,
humid enough it should work fine. Varimixer, Electrolux, Berkel, etc. They
Another place for keeping dough warm is range in price from hundreds of dollars
in the oven with the light on; it can to thousands of dollars and come in
average 80F/26C degrees (If I use my many sizes from 5 qt to 20 qt capacity
oven, I need to keep the door cracked (restaurants and small bakeries use even
open so it doesn’t get too warm, even larger mixers). The recipes in this book
with just the light bulb on). The real make enough dough for the smaller home
drawback to this of course is that when mixer to work properly. This is usually
you need the dough to be kept warm around four pounds of dough, which will
while in its last stage of proofing, you bake up two - 2 lb loaves of bread. The
will have to take it out of the oven to recipes can be cut down to make smaller
preheat the oven for baking. If you have amounts of dough suitable for either
two ovens, you could use one oven for a hand mixing or dough folding. Any of
proofer and one for baking. Many people these recipes are also suitable for hand
make their own proofing boxes at home. mixing. Just use a bowl for combining
Some have used ice chests with a and mixing ingredients, and instead of
warming pad inside, or a styrofoam chest kneading the dough on a surface covered
with a night light used for warmth. I with flour, use the bowl to knead the
don’t know how safe or how well these dough in, without adding extra flour.
home proofing boxes work, but if you Ferment per instructions and continue
have an experienced electrician for a the recipe the same as the mixer
neighbor maybe they could help you set instructions.
up a home proofing box.

13
There are different methods of mixing mix the dough just until the ingredients
dough and each method has its own use. are incorporated. Then allow it to rest or
A common way to mix dough, using autolyse for 15 – 20 minutes to
commercial yeast, is to add all of the completely hydrate the gluten strands.
ingredients together, mix and then let the Letting the dough rest right after mixing
dough bulk ferment; this is called the but before kneading allows the gluten
Straight Dough method of mixing. For strands to absorb the water and the
commercial yeast dough, you need to Protease enzymes to go to work on the
develop the gluten during the mixing gluten. After the rest (autolyse) period,
period because commercial yeasted you mix/knead the dough gently for just
dough doesn’t have time during its short a few minutes. The dough will not look
fermentation to develop the gluten fully. completely developed nor will it pass the
windowpane test. The windowpane test
With sourdough baking this is different
consists of stretching out a piece of dough
because of the longer fermentation
to see if it will get thin enough to let light
needed. Once sourdough is mixed, it will
through. This is a test which helps you to
develop gluten just sitting in a bowl on
know if the dough is developed. You do
the counter, without even kneading (so
not want the dough well developed at
will commercial yeasted dough). This is
this stage as it will continue to develop
the basis of some of the “No Knead”
the gluten’s strength on it’s own during
methods that are popular (including Jim
the long bulk fermentation period. You
Leahy’s no knead method). However,
would want your dough to pass the
you need time to allow the gluten to
windowpane test after it has bulk
develop. If you used the Straight Dough
fermented.
method of mixing until the dough is fully
developed, you would still have the If you observe the condition of the dough
gluten continuing to develop and then during the whole process you will see
begin to break down during the long how the gluten develops. Right after
fermentation period. That is why, when mixing you have ragged looking dough
working with sourdough, you need to which will pull apart and not stretch

14
much; it will be clumpy and sticky. After dough in the mixer, give the hook a few
the autolyse period, the dough has a turns every couple of hours. This will line
shine, is more stretchy and you can up the gluten strands and strengthen the
already see the gluten strands dough. You will get used to the “feel” of
developing. After a couple of hours, the dough and adjust the water or flour
during bulk fermentation, the dough is by experience after you bake for awhile.
even more elastic, like a rubber band. That is why I would suggest you feel the
When the dough is done bulk fermenting, dough at all of the stages each time you
it is very stretchy and when you try to bake so you can learn by feel what is
pull it off the dough hook, it is actually necessary to make the dough just right.
easier to slide it around the hook than
pull to it off. With a high hydration
dough which is very wet, this gluten Another method of mixing and
development is harder to see, but is still fermenting is the Pre-ferment method
present. which consists of pre-fermenting part of
the ingredients for some hours or
High hydration dough and one day mix
overnight and then mixing up the rest of
and bake dough need a bit more mixing
the dough the next day and baking. This
to develop the gluten (see the Double
method is covered in the Advanced
Hydration technique in the Advanced
chapter. Another method of mixing and
section). This is because they are not
fermenting which is covered in the
fermented as long as other sourdough
Advanced chapter is the Motherdough
methods and so don’t have as much time
method. Motherdough is a cold dough
to develop gluten. Sourdough should be
which is fermented at low temperatures
handled gently. No punching down, no
for several days before being used in a
high speed mixing. No mixing for long
dough formula or recipe.
periods of time. However, during bulk
fermentation, it is good to take the dough Folding and Shaping Dough
and fold it over on itself at regular
periods, or if you are bulk fermenting

15
Folding the dough is a really nice way of difficult to manage after it has been
strengthening dough. It helps to worked with. If you allow the dough to
strengthen the dough and it also rest so the gluten can relax after being
incorporates oxygen, which helps worked, it is easier to shape. Some bakers
develop the flavor. To fold dough you let the dough rest after scaling and after
need to bulk ferment your dough in a the first general shaping. Once you have
large flat container or bowl with a lid. the dough divided and scaled into the
Once you have placed the dough into the sizes you wish and your bench rest is
container, let it ferment, and fold the done, take each piece of dough and shape
dough at regular intervals (see chapter on it into its final shape. If it is going to be a
Dough Folding). You will notice with round loaf (a boule) or a long loaf (oval or
wetter dough, at the beginning of the torpedo), shape it and place it in a
folding process, that it is sticky and banneton, basket or couche (a couche is a
somewhat unmanageable. Once the bulk heavy fabric of either linen or canvas that
ferment is done, the dough is setting up is used to hold proofing bread). After the
higher after being folded; it is stronger, shaping of the dough, the next period of
more manageable and less sticky. fermentation is called “proofing”. This is
the final rising of the dough before
The stage when the dough is fermented
baking.
after it is done mixing, is called “bulk
fermentation”. After the dough is bulk Couche:
fermented, it is ready for shaping into
loaves. Then comes “scaling” which
means to divide and/or weigh the dough
on a scale into the size you wish. After
scaling, shape the dough into the general
shape you wish and then allow the dough
to rest for 5 – 10 minutes. This is called
“bench rest.” The dough always has a
tendency to “contract” and become more

16
Bannetons and Baskets: When the dough minutes and the critters won’t give you
is shaped, place it upside down, with the trouble, at least not for a while.
seam upwards, into a banneton or basket
If you are working with higher hydration
which has been sprinkled with Semolina
dough or the dough is sticky, use cloth
Flour, rye flour, rice flour or fine
liners for your bannetons, baskets or
cornmeal. You can use bannetons or
bowls. These are called proofing cloths
baskets without a liner if you make sure
and are usually made of linen or cotton.
to flour the basket enough. It is good to
Before using the cloth for the first time,
pack the holes and ridges in a bannetons
lay it flat on the table and work some rye
or basket with rye flour first and then
flour into the weave of the cloth, then lay
sprinkle some Semolina flour over that.
it flat over the top of the bannetons,
The rye flour is low in gluten so it won’t
sprinkle the cloth with semolina flour,
“glue” the dough to the basket like white
then allow the weight of the dough to
flour would, the rye flour also stays put
shape the cloth to the banneton as it sets
in the cracks because it is finely ground.
down into the banneton. This will keep
The semolina flour or cornmeal releases
the semolina from falling into the bottom
the dough and is easier to brush off of the
of the banneton which would happen if
dough if you don’t wish it to show.
you laid the cloth into the bannetons and
Bannetons and baskets used this way are
pushed it down to form to the sides first.
air dried and the flour is left in the cracks.
Liners are also best if not washed after
With each use, the basket releases the
each use. Air dry the cloth so the flour
dough more easily. If the basket gets too
dries onto the cloth. Then fold the cloth
much of a build up of flour, just get a stiff
and put it away in a dry place until the
brush and brush it out. Do not wash the
next use. Cloths kept this way get better
bannetons or baskets, don’t get them wet.
with each use, releasing the dough with
Sometimes, little flour bugs or moths try
very little added semolina flour. Don’t
to get into the baskets. Clean out what
wash the cloths unless you really need to.
you can and then put the baskets in a low
Then if the cloth is bug infested or too
temperature oven, 250F degrees for a few
caked on or the flour is rancid, soak the

17
cloths in cold water until you can hand don’t want all loaves proofed and ready
scrub off most of the flour, and wash in a to bake at the same time. Shaped dough,
washing machine as usual following refrigerated overnight, is usually covered
washing directions for the type of cloth with plastic to keep it from drying out. In
used. Even though the cloth most the morning when you take out the
commonly used for liners is linen or dough to warm up, remove the plastic
cotton, other cloths can be used as well. unless you are using a proofing box or
dishwasher in which case you would
The advantage of using bannetons or
want to keep the plastic on. The dough
baskets instead of bowls or pans, is that
will take anywhere from 1 hour to 3
the material of the banneton or basket
hours to finish proofing. Dough that is
wicks moisture from the outside of the
very active may even be done proofing
dough forming a skin which holds the
when you take it out of the refrigerator.
dough together and allows a nice slash.
To determine if the dough is ready to

Proofing: The proofing of the dough is bake, feel the dough. It should feel

the last stage just before baking. It can be spongy, bubbly, and alive. When you

difficult for a new baker to decide when press your finger into the side of the

the dough is done proofing. Proofing can dough, it should make an indentation

be done in a cool environment, like a that fills in slowly; this indicates it is

refrigerator, or it can be done in a warm ready to bake. If the pressure of your

environment like a proofing box, oven or finger makes no real indentation or

your dishwasher. Most commonly, home bounces back instantly, it isn’t done

bakers proof at room temperature. There proofing yet. If the pressure of your

are many different techniques for finger makes a dent very easily, the

different breads. For dough that is cool indentation doesn’t bounce back at all,

proofed in a refrigerator, take out the and the dough seems baggy, saggy, is

proofing dough, one at a time, staggering way too soft and filled with air, or it sighs

them at least 30 minutes apart. This will and slumps down once you press it, the

allow each loaf to be done proofing and dough is overproofed and must be

ready to bake at a different time. You reshaped and proofed again. Knowing

18
when a loaf is ready to bake is one of the makes it capable of exceptional
most difficult skills for a new baker to expansion. You can have low hydration
learn and there is no substitute for dough that bakes up into an airy loaf
experience. So to gain experience quickly, with an open, holey crumb by using a
feel the dough carefully as it is proofing, warm proofing temperature. You don’t
check each loaf many times, and soon have to have wet, high hydration dough
you will know when the dough is ready to achieve a holy, airy crumb. There are
to bake. It is better to err on the side of different techniques for proofing. You can
baking an underproofed loaf rather than take the dough out of the refrigerator,
an overproofed loaf. If you suspect the have a warm up time and then bake. You
loaf might be underproofed but you are can pop the dough right into a proofer
just not sure, just slash a little more and proof it for an hour or several hours
deeply than you usually do, it will help if necessary before baking, you can also
the dough to expand more if it is proof at room temperature for several
underproofed. If you slash proofed hours. Dough that is warm when ready to
dough and it sighs and slumps, it is bake is capable of greater expansion than
overproofed, if it sighs slightly and barely cold dough.
slumps, that means it is just barely
Slashing: Dough slashing is usually done
overproofed. In this case if you don’t
just before baking. However, some bakers
wish to knock the dough down, reshape
prefer to slash before proofing. Whenever
and reproof it, just slash the dough very
you slash, make sure your slashing blade
shallow and bake it anyway, the slashes
is sharp. A dull blade will drag the
will not open very well and the loaf won’t
dough, making an unsightly ragged
be optimum, but it will still taste good
slash. The acid in the dough will dull
and may even be an acceptable loaf.
blades quickly, so wash the blade after
If the dough is proofed at room each use.
temperature it will take longer to proof
Slash boldly, with confidence. Slash at an
than if you use a proofing box. A
angle of about 30 degrees and make a
proofing box warms up the dough and
slash that is more like a flap than a cut.

19
This is for a regular slash. For special
fancy slashing, used for decoration more
than expansion, like when slashing
diamonds, slash very shallow and don’t
hold the blade at an angle or hold it at a
less acute angle. Very wet dough like a
Ciabatta loaf isn’t slashed at all because
the dough is just too wet to slash. Some
dough is poked with holes, stippled or
docked to keep air bubbles from forming,
especially on flat dough. You can also use
scissors to make a deep slashing scissor
cut. There are many different kinds of
decorative or functional slashes that can
be used, such as:

20
21
 direction the dough expands while it is
baking.

With a proper slash, and the right

hydration, your dough will open up
along the slash into a beautiful “grigne”
or grin, which will really set off the
“perfect loaf.” You may have heard that
the slashes are called the “ears” of the
loaf. Slashing takes practice, the more
mistakes you make, the faster you will
gain confidence to make bold slashes. So
take heart when those slashes don’t come
out quite right, next time they are more
likely to.

When slashing, keep in mind that the

direction of the slash will influence the

22
 the dough. A good example of this would
be the way cinnamon is sprinkled and
M IXING , F OLDING AND then rolled up in layers for Cinnamon
H ANDLING D OUGH Rolls. Honey, malt syrup, sugar and other
sweeteners can also retard (slow down)
For mixing the ingredients I often the dough and should be used sparingly
follow this order: or the dough should be given extra time
for bulk fermentation and proofing.
Add the starter or preferment to the
Technically, for Autolyse, nothing is
mixing bowl first, followed by the liquids
supposed to be added except the starter,
(water, milk etc), then add any other wet
flour and water before adding the salt.
ingredients like malt syrup, honey, oils or
But since the salt is really added to inhibit
fats, eggs, mashed potatoes, flavorings,
the Protease action on the gluten, other
etc. Next add dry ingredients like dry
ingredients can be added before the salt
sugars, spices, wheat germ etc. Then add
without having the quality of the dough
the flours. The salt is usually added last
suffer.
after the autolysis period. If I have any
seeds, nuts, raisins, or ingredients which During the mixing of the dough, the
might cut the gluten strands, add them at speed of the mixer should be at the
the end of the bulk fermentation or when lowest setting that can get the job done,
shaping the dough into loaves. usually the lowest or medium speed.
Ingredients like cracked grains, bran and Long fermented dough needs gentle
some of the seeds or spices do better in a handling and the least amount of mixing
preferment. In a preferment grains are that you can get away with. Time itself
soaked and broken down by fermentation will develop the gluten and over mixing
so that they are more digestible, this way will cause the gluten structure to break
they don’t rob the final dough of water. down later on during the fermentation.
Some spices retard or slow down the With one day sourdough breads, like
dough and are better added in layers in pizza, Focaccia, Vienna, and French
the dough, instead of being mixed into bread, you need to mix longer to develop

23
the gluten during the mixing stage. This is low and you need to keep the dough
kind of dough doesn’t have as long of a from drying out. Use a lid to help keep
bulk ferment so the dough will need the dough moist and hold in the dough’s
more gluten development with the mixer. warmth.
This is also true of some doughs that use
With hand kneading on a floured surface,
a preferment. During the second stage of
an excessive amount of flour is usually
the dough, you add the rest of the
mixed into the dough, making hand
ingredients that were not added to the
kneading impractical for higher
preferment the night before. The flour
hydration (wet) dough. Instead, hand
which is added the next day during the
mixing of the ingredients in a container
second stage needs a bit longer mixing to
or trough and then turning (folding) the
develop its gluten because it will not have
dough at regular intervals, will not only
a long bulk ferment time. However, since
produce great results but will avoid
the preferment already has a mature
incorporating too much flour into the
gluten structure, you still don’t want to
dough. Some bakeries still use these
mix too long with a preferment dough.
methods of hand mixing and folding of

D OUGH F OLDING the dough, instead of using large mixers.

You can use a mixer to mix the dough In these bakeries, large troughs are used

and then use a trough to fold the dough for mixing the ingredients by hand. After

during bulk fermentation. First mix the mixing, the dough is left in the trough

dough, allow it to rest a few minutes, and and then folded at intervals to develop

then pour it into the dough trough the gluten. This folding of the dough

without adding any flour to keep the strengthens the dough structure. This

dough from sticking to the sides. It won’t method can also be used by the home

matter if the dough sticks to the trough, baker, if there is no mixer available or

as you can just scrape it off with your even because it is the preferred choice.

spatula or hands. You can use a light

coating of oil if you wish, but it isn’t
necessary, unless your dough hydration

24
A dough folding trough: To fold dough, take the edge of one side
of the dough and fold it over the top of
the dough in thirds.

To use a dough folding trough, weigh out

and place the ingredients into the trough.
Then mix all of the ingredients together Then take the opposite side and fold that
side of the dough over in the opposite
by hand or use a large spoon (it is better direction so that the dough is lying on top
to just get your hands in the mix). When of the dough you just folded the first
time.
the dough is all mixed together, allow it
to bulk ferment. Fold the dough at spaced
intervals of every one or two hours
depending on how much you wish to
strengthen the dough. There are many
different timing methods used for dough
folding. You can experiment to find out
what works best for the dough you are
making.
Next take the other sides of the dough
and do the same thing.

Fold over one side:

25
 mixing, keep your dough in the mixer
during bulk fermentation, then at regular
intervals, turn the mixer on low and let
the mixing arm spin a few turns, just
enough to knock the dough down a bit
and twist it around the hook. I usually do
this once every hour or so.

And then the other side:

When you are done, you have folded

over all of the four sides. After folding
the dough, cover it to keep the dough
moist. Repeat this process at regular
intervals during bulk fermentation. You
can see and feel the dough getting
stronger with each fold, becoming easier
to handle. This is especially true with
high hydration dough.

There is a similar way of strengthening

the dough using your mixer. After

26
When the dough is done bulk fermenting, When dough has been overworked and
it is time to pour it onto a work surface becomes hard to handle, or if you are
and shape it. High hydration dough can trying to shape a loaf and the dough
be difficult to handle at this stage. When looks worse the more you work with it,
handling wet dough, use the least just walk away and let it rest for ten
amount of flour on the work surface that minutes or so. That will give the gluten in
you can get away with. With some dough the dough time to relax, making the
that means a lot of flour though. Use a dough more extensible (able to be
dough scraper, and expect to wash your stretched) and easier to manipulate.
hands often. Professional bakers might be
Keeping your dough warm during the
able to shape one hundred loaves of very
bulk ferment will help the dough ferment
sticky dough without washing the dough
faster, be easier to handle, and encourage
off their hands, but I need to wash it off
more tang in the flavor. To keep your
often or the dough sticks to the dough
dough warmer during the bulk ferment,
already on my hands. Work with the
turn on the light in your electric oven, do
dough using quick, deft movements and
not turn on any heat, just use the bulb,
get it shaped quickly. The longer the
and put the whole dough trough into the
dough is in contact with your hands, the
oven. I need to prop the door of my oven
more it will stick.
open to keep the oven from getting too
Tip: A baker told me that at his bakery warm. It is good to keep the temperature
they use water instead of oil or flour to of the dough below 86 degrees. If you use
keep the dough from sticking. the oven to keep your dough warm, you
really should get a thermometer to let
Try this, press your hand quickly against
you know what the temperature is. I have
wet dough, and then pull away quickly.
ruined a couple of batches of dough that
Next, press your hand slowly into the
got too warm. They produced bread
dough. You will see that quick handling
crumb that was a grayish color and
is more effective when working with wet
somewhat dense. The best way to keep
dough.
your dough warmer than the room

27
temperature is a proofing box, with a the racks and close the door. For extra
temperature controller. You can rig up humidity, you can pour a cup of water
proofing boxes with picnic coolers into the bottom of the dishwasher when it
(Styrofoam or plastic), by using a heating is heating. Make sure the dial or lever is
pad or a low watt light bulb for the heat in the off position, once you have your
source. It is usually a good idea to have dishwasher as warm as you want it. You
some kind of venting so the heat does not don’t need someone to come by and turn
build up too high. A thermometer is a it on! If you are doing a final proof of
necessity. For this kind of home rigged your shaped loaves in a warmed
proofing box, keep safety in mind and dishwasher, you can place the
use common sense or ask your bannetons/baskets inside plastic bags
neighborhood electrician for help. before placing them in the dishwasher,
that will help hold the heat next to the
You can use your microwave as a
loaf, keep the dough moist, and you
proofing box as well. Heat a cup of hot
might be able to salvage your dough if
water in the microwave and then put in
someone (horrors!) turns on the
your dough and close the door, leaving
dishwasher!
the hot cup of water in with the dough
(always use caution when moving hot
items in your microwave, use kitchen
gloves).

I have also used my dishwasher for a

proofing box. I turn the dial until it gets
to the heated drying stage. I leave the
drying stage on for just a few minutes,
turn it off, test the temperature with a
thermometer, and if the temperature is
around 80- 90 degrees, I put my folding
trough full of dough or the proofing
loaves into the dishwasher right on top of

28
 THE BASIC WHITE  2 cups sourdough starter at 166%
SOURDOUGH RECIPE: hydration - 18 ounces (510g)
 1 ¾ cups water - 14 ounces (397g)
 ¼ cup of evaporated milk – 2 oz
(56g)
 1 Tablespoon of oil – .5 ounce
(14g)
 Bread Flour (about 8 cups) - 2 lbs
4 ounces (1020g) (if using a cup
measure, make sure to fluff up
your flour and spoon it into the
cup, then level off).
 4 teaspoons salt - .8 oz (22g)(add
salt AFTER autolyse)

Baking the Basic White Sourdough Loaf

This will make approximately 4 lbs 7.3
will help you to learn the intermediate
techniques in this section. oz of dough at 63.7 % hydration,
which will make two large loaves, or
The Basic White Sourdough Loaf is the
three smaller loaves. Making enough
loaf to practice your new techniques on. It
dough for at least two loaves is
is an easy, tasty loaf with a crisp crust
necessary for the mixer to develop the
and a light crumb. It can be used for
dough properly.
many other recipes as well such as pizza,
Focaccia, bread sticks, crusty rolls etc
Add the starter to the mixer.

For correct timing, start this dough at

Then add the water and milk.
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Next add the oil or melted cooled butter.
The Ingredients for Basic White
Sourdough: Now add eight cups of flour (weigh it if
possible - 2lb 4 oz) and mix all of the

29
ingredients at medium speed. Using your rest. After the autolyse is over, feel the
spatula, push dough down if it tries to dough again and pull it again. You will
crawl out of the bowl, being careful to already see a change in the dough. It has
turn off the mixer each time you need to a smoother, stretchier feel and you can
do this. If you have weighed the see the gluten strands already bonding to
ingredients, the dough should be at 63.7% each other and developing.
hydration. (64% rounded off) If you have
After Autolyse is done, add the salt. Turn
not weighed, you must feel the dough to
the mixer back onto low speed and
see if you have added enough flour or too
sprinkle the salt on the dough as you
much, it is easier to hold back the flour
continue to mix the dough. Mix the
and add a little at a time until the dough
dough for about two more minute after
“feels” right than to have to add water to
adding the salt.
bring it back, but it can be done both
ways. The dough should feel sticky, but The salt is added after the dough has
not stick to your finger when you push it autolysed to give the gluten strands a
against the sides of the dough. chance to absorb water and allows a
certain enzyme called Protease to act on
The dough should have pulled away
the gluten to soften it enough to help it
from the sides of the bowl somewhat but
stretch and handle more easily
not completely and feel nice and springy.
(exstensibility). That is why once you
It should take 2 – 3 minutes to mix the
add salt, you notice that the dough seems
dough. At this point, turn off the mixer
to toughen up. Salt acts to strengthen
and allow the dough to autolyse (or rest)
dough and inhibit the Protease enzyme.
for about 20 minutes. This is to allow the
However, for many beginning sourdough
gluten time to absorb the liquid - the bakers, it is easier to add the salt during
process of gluten development has mixing, before Autolyse. Try both ways
begun! Pull the dough at this stage and see which way you prefer.
(beginning of autolyse) and you will see
almost no gluten development. It is sticky Now allow the dough to bulk ferment

and pulls apart easily. Now let the dough (this is the term used for the first raising

30
of the dough). Bulk fermentation time is controlled proofing box can help you
variable depending on what your keep your dough at the temperature you
sourdough starter’s proofing ability is, desire. An optimum temperature is
how warm the dough is and what between 74–77F (23.3-25C) degrees).
ingredients you have used. However, a little cooler or warmer
doesn’t affect the home baker too much.
If your sourdough starter takes 6 hours
Don’t allow your dough to get too warm.
to peak when you test it at 100%
When it gets over 90 degrees, it can start
hydration, then your starter has a 6 hour
fermenting too fast and you can get some
proofing time. Some starters take only
off flavors and the crumb can even turn a
three hours others can take 6 , 8 or 11
hours. It is very variable. However, if you
know what your starter is capable of, you
can adjust the bulk ferment to exactly
what you need. The average starter takes
around 4 – 6 hours. If all of this is
confusing, just watch the dough and see
about how long it takes to double in the
bowl or container. Move the dough to a
large graduated, clear or translucent
container so you can easily see when the
dough has doubled (this isn’t always the
starters proofing point, starters will often
continue to proof after the dough has
doubled, but you will have a pretty
mature dough once it doubles). The
grayish color. A warm bulk ferment at a
dough can be fermented at room
steady temperature between 75–80F (23.9-
temperature (for consistency, it is good to
26.7C) degrees with an overnight proof at
have dough ferment in an environment
cooler temperatures between 43–50F (6.1-
you can control. Using a temperature
10.0C)

31
degrees, once the dough is shaped, can least doubled), pour the dough out on a
help produce a nice sour bread with lots lightly floured surface. Using your hands
of bubbles and blisters on the crust. or the dough scraper blade, scoop up the
sides of the dough and shape it into a
During fermentation, turn the dough ball. Take your scraper blade again and
every couple of hours. You can fold divide the dough into two portions or
the dough with your hands right in however many portions you wish to
the translucent container, or if you make. Dividing the dough into halves

left the dough in the mixer to bulk would give you approximately two- 2

ferment, process the mixer on slow pound 3 oz pieces of dough for a couple
of nice sized loaves. If you want three
speed and turn the hook about three
loaves just divide it and weigh it out on
spins, once an hour or every two
your scale at a little over 1 pound 7 oz
hours. This helps line up the gluten
each. After dividing the dough, shape it
strands and makes the dough
into the general shape you wish each
stronger. Folding is usually done at
piece to be, and let it rest five to ten
regular intervals; however, the timing minutes. This is called bench rest.
is not critical. For folding dough, you
“Shaping it into the general shape”
can also purchase a rectangular plastic
means that if you wish to make round
container which enables you to fold
loaves (boules) then shape the dough
the dough more easily right in the
generally into the shape of a ball. You
container, and then cover it with the
don’t have to be picky at this stage, just
lid when you are done folding. This is
get it into the general shape. If you wish
called a dough folding trough. Every to make a batard(a French bread shaped
time the dough is folded, it is loaf) or a baguette loaf then form it into a
strengthened. longer shape and let it rest.

After bulk fermentation is over for your While the dough is resting, get your

Basic White Sourdough (the dough has at bannetons ready by sprinkling them with
semolina flour. If you use a proofing

32
cloth, lay the cloth on a flat surface and resting, push it down and reshape your
work some rye flour into the weave of the loaves and go ahead and refrigerate it
proofing cloth then lay the cloth flat over without waiting for a rest period again.
the bowl or banneton and sprinkle with a
Refrigerate overnight. Next morning, take
little bit more semolina flour.
out one loaf at the time spaced about 30
After the bench rest, take each piece, minutes apart, remove the plastic bags.
which has been generally shaped and The spacing allows the dough to be ready
now shape it into the final loaf and then for the oven at different times. If you took
place the dough into a banneton, basket, them all out at the same time, they would
cloth lined bowl, or pan for its final all be ready to bake at the same time,
proofing (raising). When you are doing which is great if you have a bakery and a
the final shaping, you are molding the large enough oven to hold them all at the
dough so the outer layer is formed into a same time. Now allow the dough to
kind of a skin enveloping the dough to warm up to room temperature and finish
help it keep it’s shape and to help the proofing. This will usually take from one
dough with oven spring. Shaping is an and one half to three hours (2 hours is
art in itself and needs practice. Once your average) depending upon how active
shaping is done and you have placed the your dough is, how warm the dough is,
dough into the bannetons/bowls, allow and how warm your room temperature is
the dough about 30 minutes to rest. If the (a warm, humid, proofing cabinet is a
dough has been very active all during great help at this stage).
mixing and proofing, allow it to rest only
Knowing when the dough is proofed and
15 minutes. If it has seemed somewhat
ready to bake is one of the hardest skills
sluggish or slow, allow it to rest for one
in bread baking. The dough should be
hour. Once the resting time is up, place
springy, spongy and bubbly and when
the dough, banneton and all into a plastic
you push into the side of the dough, it
bag and refrigerate overnight. If you
should leave a slight imprint that fills in
forget about your dough and it goes well
slowly. If the dough feels stiff and
over the 30 minutes to one hour of
pressing doesn’t leave an imprint, or the

33
imprint fills in almost immediately, it is When the dough is ready to put into the
not done proofing. If it feels very bubbly oven, sprinkle the top (which is the actual
and soft, and the imprint stays without bottom of the loaf) with semolina flour to
filling in plus the dough seems a bit make sure there are no sticky spots on the
saggy, it is overdone and should be dough which would make it stick to the
reshaped and re-proofed. Feel every loaf peel, sprinkle some semolina on the peel
and soon you will get a good idea when too and then using your hand to support
your dough is done proofing. the dough, turn it upside down and onto
your flat baking sheet or peel. Brush off
When the dough is final proofing, and
any excess semolina- if you used an
you think there is about an hour until it is
unlined banneton, or peel off the proofing
done proofing, place your baking stone in
cloth carefully- if you have used a lined
the oven and heat it to 450F/232.2C
banneton. If your proofing cloth sticks to
degrees. Sometimes when I am not sure
the dough, spray a little water on the
how long it will take the dough to proof, I
cloth and it should come away from the
turn my oven on to 350F/176.7C degrees
dough. Now slash the dough. Using a
and then turn it up as I see it is getting
very sharp lame razor or knife, slash the
closer to baking time. I put a roaster pan
dough in a swift motion holding the lame
lid into the oven to preheat for about 5 –
at an angle of about 30 degrees. You
10 minutes just before actual baking.
should be thinking “flap” not trench.
Using the roasting pan lid for steaming is
Now open your oven and working
the is the only way I have found to
quickly, take the roasting lid off of the
eliminate opening your oven every few
stone, then with a quick forward jerk of
minutes and spraying water to get steam
your peel, slide the dough onto the
in the first minutes of baking. This
middle of the stone, spray the loaf all
technique requires a hot baking stone and
over with water, cover the dough with
a hot roasting lid to place over your
the hot roasting lid and shut the oven
dough, which holds in the steam. Finally,
door. Now set your timer for 20 minutes.
no more hassle with constant spraying.
After the 20 minutes are up, open the
oven door and with thick oven mitts, take

34
the roasting lid off of the dough. You 10 minutes. Bake the rest of your loaves
need to be careful of steam when you do the same way as the first loaf. Allow your
this. Put the roasting lid on top of the loaves to cool to room temperature once
oven to keep it handy, and then turn baked. This will set the crumb and allow
down your oven to 425F/218.3C degrees. the volatile compounds to finish
Put your timer on for 10 minutes and dissipating. If you try to slice the loaf
continue to bake the loaf. When this 10 while it is still hot, the crumb will look
minute time period is about half over, shredded and be gummy. The flavor and
turn the loaf in the oven once to allow texture of white bread is at its best in the
even browning of the loaf. In some 2 – 6 hours after baking. Some bread, like
convection ovens with fans, this step may rye breads, are better the next day.
not be necessary. Once your 10 minutes is
There are many different things you
over with, check to see if your bread is
done by using a thermometer to take the
can do with Basic White dough. You

internal temperature. The thermometer can make small rolls, hot dog and

should read between 200–205F (93.3-

96.1C). Or just observe the loaf. Knock on
the bottom of it with your knuckles, does
it sound hollow? Is the crust a nice deep
color? If not bake for 5 more minutes and
then check again. Once it is done, take out
your very beautiful loaf with oven mitts
or using your peel. Place the hot loaf on a
cooling grate.

Now turn your oven back up to hamburger buns, bread sticks,

450F/232.2C degrees and put the roasting baguettes, stretch bread- which is a
lid back into the oven to preheat also. piece of dough cooked on the griddle,
Reheating the oven will take around 5 – pizza squares, pita bread, etc.

35
36
INTERMEDIATE RECIPES

37
 EXTRA SOUR SOURDOUGH

This sourdough bread has some rye and whole wheat flour to help bring out the sour.
The diastatic malt helps the dough ferment and increases the sour flavor. The night
before mixing, make sure to feed your starter and have it at 166% hydration which is
one/one volume of flour/water. Then the next day around noon:

 2 cups vigorous sourdough starter @ 166% – 18 oz

 1 ¾ cups water tepid water– 14.0 oz
 1 Tablespoon oil – .5 oz
 ½ cup Rye Flour – 1.8 – oz
 ½ cup Whole Wheat flour – 2.1 oz
 6 ¼ cups Bread flour –1 lb 12 oz
 1 teaspoon diastatic malt powder - .1oz
 3.5 teaspoons salt - .7 oz (add after autolyse)

Mix the ingredients well in your mixer for about 2 – 3 minutes or just until mixed. Then allow
the dough to autolyse (rest) for 20 minutes.
After autolysis, add salt and mix dough on low speed for about 1 minute. Then let the dough
bulk ferment (which just means the first rise) for 6-8 hours in a warm 80F/26.7C place. Stir the
dough down with just three turns of the dough hook four times during the 6 -8 hour bulk
fermentation or fold the dough in a folding trough. This is to strengthen the gluten strands and
line them up plus it helps to keep the dough from over fermenting.

After bulk fermentation, pour the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead a couple of
times then gather into a ball. Divide the dough into two pieces. Shape loaves into the general
shape you wish and then allow the dough to rest for 5 – 10 minutes (bench rest). After benching
shape loaves into their final shapes and put them into the proofing baskets, or pans which are
lined with proofing cloths (Bannetons do not have to be lined). Allow the dough to set out for ½

38
hour and then refrigerate, covered with plastic bags, overnight. You can skip the ½ hour wait if
the dough has been very vigorous during the day.

Next morning take out the loaves 30 minutes apart (so you don’t have to bake them at the same
time) then allow the dough to rise until it is done proofing. This can take anywhere from 1 – 3
hours and is when the dough increases in size about 1 ½ times. When the dough is ready and
feels bubbly and springy but not saggy, then taking the first loaf sprinkle the top (actually the
bottom) with semolina or whole grain flour and turn out onto a peel or flat baking sheet.

Then slash the dough while it is still on the peel, slide the dough into the hot preheated
450F/232.2C degree oven onto a hot baking stone, spray the dough once with water quickly, and
then cover with a roasting lid which has also been preheated in the oven.

Bake for 20 minutes. After 20minutes, take off the roasting lid and turn down the oven to
400F/204.4C degrees. Continue baking for 18 - 25 more minutes or until your bread thermometer
reads 200-205F/93-96C. Turn the loaf halfway through the last baking period for even browning.
Cool. For the next loaf, turn the oven back up and put the roasting lid back in to preheat for five
- ten minutes or until the loaf is ready to go in.
Slicing is difficult and can make the bread gummy if you slice while still hot. Cool the bread and
eat with fresh butter. (edited to mention that the diastatic malt is used at 1 teaspoon-
.1 oz/3%bakers)

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Starter 2 cups 18 oz 510 g 46.6 %

Water 1 ¾ cups 14 oz 397 g 36.2 %

Oil 1 TBSP .5 oz 14 g 1.3 %

Rye Flour ½ cup 1.8 51 g 4.7 %

Whole Wheat Flour ½ cup 2.1 59 g 5.4 %

Bread Flour 6 ¼ cups 1 lb 12 oz 793 g 72.4 %

Salt 3 ½ teasp .7 oz 19.8 g 1.8 %

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 1.2 oz 4 lb 1.2 oz 1848 g 168.6 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 6.7 oz 2 lb 6.7 oz 1096 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 9.2 oz 1 lb 9.2 oz 715 g 65.3 %
(hydration)

39
40
 WHEAT POTATO LOAF

Around 1:00 pm add to your mixer:

Volume Standard Metric
Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Sourdough Starter 2 cups 18 oz 510 g 46.1 %

Water 1 cup 8 oz 226 g 20.5 %

Evaporated Milk ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 10.2 %

Brown Sugar 3 TBSP 1.5 oz 42 g 3.7 %

Mashed Potatoes ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 10.2 %

Melted Butter 3 TBSP 1.5 oz 42 g 3.8 %

Whole Wheat Flour 1¼ cups 5.3 oz 150 g 13.6 %

Bread Flour 6 cups 27 oz 765 g 69.1 %

Salt (add after

4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 2.0 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 6.1 oz 4 lb 6.1 oz 1987 g 179.4%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 7.1 oz 2 lb 7.1 oz 1107 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 9.1 oz 1 lb 9.1 oz 711 g 64.3%
(hydration)

41
 Mix together on a medium speed, all ingredients except salt, just until incorporated,
this takes about three to four minutes. Then allow the dough to autolyse (rest) for 20
minutes.
After autolysis, add the salt and mix dough on low speed for one more minute. Now
let the dough bulk ferment (which means the first rise after mixing) for about 6 hours.
After bulk fermentation, pour out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead
a couple of times, then gather into a ball.

Divide the dough into approximately 2 pieces weighing a little over 2 lbs each. Shape
and place in bannetons and cover with plastic bags. Refrigerate the dough overnight.
In the morning take out the dough one by one 30 minutes apart. Allow the dough to
proof for one to two hours or when the dough increases in size about 1 ½ times.
Preheat oven (and roasting lid) to 450F/232C degrees. When ready to bake, turn dough
out onto peel, glaze and/or sprinkle with sifted flour and slash.

Place dough onto hot baking stone and cover with preheated roasting lid (you don’t
need to spray if you have glazed or floured the top of the bread). Bake at450F/232C
degrees for 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes, take off the roasting lid and set the lid on
top of your oven.

Turn down your oven to 400F/204C Continue to bake for another 10-15 minutes. When
bread is nicely browned with a hollow sound when you thump the bottom or registers
200-205F/93-96C on an instant read thermometer, take out the bread and place on
cooling rack. Put the roasting lid back into the oven and heat the oven to 450F/232C
before baking next loaf. Cool Potato Bread completely before slicing.

Glaze- add one Tablespoon of dried potato flakes to ¼ cup of boiling water, stir, take
off heat and cool. Use this glaze for brushing on your loaf before slashing. You can
also sift flour over the glaze before slashing for a pretty loaf.

42
43
 WESTERN WHEAT SOURDOUGH

Western Wheat is a light wheat sourdough bread with a tangy sour flavor. The night before
mixing, make sure to feed your starter and have it at 166% hydration which is one/one
volume of flour/water. Then next day around noon:
To your mixer add:
 2 cup vigorous sourdough starter –18 oz
 1 ¾ cups water tepid water– 14 oz
 ½ cup dry milk – .8 oz
 2 TBSP oil –1 oz
 1 Tablespoon malt syrup - .8 oz
 1 Tablespoon dark Molasses - .7 oz
 1/3 cup rye flour – 1.8 oz
 2 1/3 cups Whole Wheat flour – 9.7 oz
 4 ½ cups Bread flour –1 lb 4.3 oz
 3 ½ teaspoons salt - .7 oz (add after autolyse)

Mix the ingredients well in your mixer for about 2 – 3 minutes just until mixed. Then allow
the dough to autolyse (rest) for 20 minutes.

44
After autolysis, add salt and mix dough on low speed for about 2 minutes. Then let the
dough bulk ferment for 6-8 hours.
Stir the dough down with just three turns of the dough hook four times during the 6 -8 hour
bulk fermentation or fold dough in a dough trough. This is to strengthen the gluten strands
and line them up, plus it helps to keep the dough from over fermenting.

After bulk fermentation, pour the dough onto a lightly floured (Whole Wheat flour) surface
and knead a couple of times then gather into a ball.
Divide the dough into two pieces. Shape loaves into the general shape you wish and then
allow the dough to rest for 5 – 10 minutes (bench rest). After benching shape loaves into
their final shapes and put them into the proofing baskets (Bannetons do not have to be
lined). Allow the dough to set out for ½ hour and then refrigerate overnight. You can skip
the ½ hour wait if the dough has been very vigorous during the day.

Next morning take out the loaves staggered 30 minutes apart (so you don’t have to bake
them at the same time) then allow the dough to rise until proofing is done. This can take
anywhere from 1 – 3 hours and is when the dough increases in size about 1 ½ times.

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Starter 2 cups 18 oz 510 g 46.9 %

Water 1 ¾ cups 14 oz 397 g 36.5 %

Milk Powder 1/3 cup .8 oz 22 g 2.1 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.6 %

Malt Syrup 1 TBSP .8 oz 22 g 2.1 %

Dark Molasses 1 TBSP .7 oz 19.8 g 1.8 %

Rye Flour 1/3 cup 1.2 34 g 3.1 %

Whole Wheat Flour 2 1/3 cups 9.7 275 g 25.3 %

Bread Flour 4.5 cups 1 lb 4.3 oz 575 g 52.9 %

Salt 3 ½ teasp .7 oz 19.8 g 1.8 %

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 3.2 oz 4 lb 3.2 oz 1905 g 175.2 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 6.4 oz 2 lb 6.4 oz 1087 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 9.6 oz 1 lb 9.6 oz 726 g 66.8 %
(hydration)

When the dough is ready and feels bubbly and springy but not saggy, then taking the first
loaf sprinkle the top (actually the bottom) with semolina or whole grain flour and turn out
onto a peel or flat baking sheet. Then slash the dough while it is still on the peel, slide the

45
 dough into the hot preheated 400F/204.4C degree oven onto a hot baking stone, spray the
dough once with water quickly, and then cover with a roasting lid which has also been
preheated in the oven.

Bake for 20 minutes. After 20minutes, take off the roasting lid. Turn the loaf around in the
oven and continue baking for 20 - 25 more minutes or until your bread thermometer reads
200-205F/93-96C. Turn the loaf halfway once more through the last baking period for even
browning. Cool. For the next loaf, turn the oven back up and put the roasting lid back in to
preheat for five - ten minutes or until the loaf is ready to go in.
This dough does well baked in a regular bread loaf pan and is great as toast.

46
 SOUR RYE

This is a wonderful Rye Bread with terrific flavor and is an easy dough to
handle. This recipe makes one large three pound loaf.
Around 2:00 pm add to your mixer:

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
1 Loaf 1 Loaf 1 Loaf

Sourdough Starter 1 ½ cups 13.5 oz 382 g 46.7 %

Water 3/4 cup 6 oz 170 g 20.7 %

Strong Coffee ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 13.8 %

Molasses 2 TBSP 1.5 oz 42 g 5.2 %

Oil 1 ½ TBSP .7 oz 21 g 2.6 %

Rye Flour 1 cup 3.6 oz 102 g 12.4 %

Bread Flour 4.5 cups 1 lbs 4.2 oz 574 g 70 %

47
 Onion Powder 1.5 teasp

Onion Flakes 1 TBSP

Caraway Seeds 1 TBSP

Salt (add after autolyse) 1 TBSP .6 oz 17 g 2.0 %

Total Dough Weight 3 lb 2.2 oz 3 lb 2.2 oz 1423 g 173.6%

Total Flour Weight 1 lb 12.9 oz 1 lb 12.9 oz 820 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 2.7 oz 1 lb 2.7 oz 530 g 64.7%
(hydration)

Mix together on medium speed all ingredients except salt, just until incorporated,
this takes about three to four minutes. Then allow the dough to autolyse (rest) for 20
minutes. After autolysis, add the salt and mix dough on low speed for one more
minute. Now let the dough bulk ferment (which means the first rise) for about 4
hours. After bulk fermentation, pour the dough onto a lightly floured surface and
knead a couple of times, then gather into a ball. Let the dough rest for five minutes.

Shape into a boule and place in round Semolina or Rye floured banneton and cover
with a plastic bag. Refrigerate the dough overnight. In the morning take out the
dough. Allow the dough to proof for one to two hours or until the dough increases in
size about 1 ½ times.
Preheat oven to 450F/232.2C degrees. When ready, turn your dough out onto a peel.
Then slash the dough while still on the peel, slide into the hot preheated 450F/232.2C
degree oven onto a hot baking stone, spray the dough once with water quickly, and
then cover with a roasting lid which has also been preheated in the oven.

Bake for 20 minutes. After

20minutes, take off the roasting
lid and turn down the oven to
400F/204.4C degrees. Continue
baking for 18 - 25 more minutes
or until your bread thermometer
reads 200-205F/93-96C. Turn the
loaf halfway through the last
baking period for even
browning. Cool. For the next
loaf, turn the oven back up and
put the roasting lid back in to
preheat for five - ten minutes or
until the loaf is ready to go in.
Cool your Sour Rye completely before slicing. Rye bread is better the next day.

48
 DARK BEER RYE

Dark Beer Rye Sour uses a Danish Rye Starter which is at 100 % hydration (ratio :
8.8oz water/8.8 oz flour) This recipe makes 4 lbs 10 oz, enough for two large loaves
at 2 lb 5 oz each.. The dough is at 64.7% hydration. Start mixing the dough in the
afternoon around 12:00 – 1:00 pm.

In the afternoon, to your dough mixer add:

 2 cups Rye starter at 100% hydration – 18 oz/510g
 1 cup water – 6oz/170g
 1 dark rich beer – 12 oz/340g
 3 Tablespoons Oil – 1.5 oz/42g
 1 Tablespoon non-diastatic Malt syrup -.8 oz/22g
 1 Tablespoon Dark Molasses - .7 oz/19.8g
 3 Tablespoons dried toasted onion flakes - .6 oz/17g
 3 Tablespoons Caraway seeds – 1 oz/28g
 3 cups Bread flour -13.5 oz/382g
 3 cups Whole Wheat flour – 12.6 oz/357g
 2 cups Rye flour – 7.2 oz/204g
 4 teaspoons of Sea Salt - .8 oz/22.7g

Mix the ingredients on a medium speed just until mixed, this takes about 2 - 3
minutes. Then allow the dough to autolyse (rest) for 20 minutes.

49
 After autolysis, mix dough on low speed for about 1 minute. Then let the dough
bulk ferment (which just means the first rise) for 4 - 6 hours until doubled.

After bulk fermentation, pour out the dough onto a lightly floured (Rye flour)
surface and knead a couple of times, then gather into a ball. Divide the dough into
two large pieces.

Shape loaves into the general shape you wish and then allow the dough to rest for 5
minutes (bench rest). After benching (resting) shape loaves into their final shapes
and put them into the proofing baskets, or pans which are lined with proofing
cloths if you wish (Bannetons do not have to be lined).

Refrigerate overnight. Next morning, take out the dough staggered about 40
minutes apart, and allow the dough to warm up and proof this should be when the
dough increases in volume 1 ½ the size. You have to be more careful not to
overproof Rye breads. When the dough is ready and feels bubbly and springy but
not saggy, then taking the first loaf sprinkle the top (actually the bottom) with
semolina or whole grain flour and turn the dough out onto a peel or flat baking
sheet.

Then slash the dough while still on the peel, slide into the hot preheated
450F/232.2C degree oven onto a hot baking stone, spray the dough once with water
quickly, and then cover with a roasting lid which has also been preheated in the
oven.
Bake for 20 minutes. After 20minutes, take off the roasting lid and turn down the
oven to 400F/204.4C degrees. Continue baking for 18 - 25 more minutes, or until
your bread thermometer reads 200-205F/93-96C. Turn the loaf halfway through the
last baking period for even browning. Cool. For the next loaf, turn the oven back
up and put the roasting lid back in to preheat for five - ten minutes or until the loaf
is ready to go in.

Bake the same as the first loaf. Cool this delicious bread and eat with fresh butter
and cream cheese. This bread has a dark, sour, delicious flavor, and is great for
sandwiches.

50
 SESAME HONEY WHEAT

Sesame Honey Whole Wheat is made up in the afternoon, fermented, refrigerated

overnight and baked the next day.
In the afternoon around 1 – 2 PM mix together in your mixer:

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

166% Starter 2 cups 18 oz 510 g 50.8 %

Water 1 ½ cups 12 oz 340 g 33.8 %

Honey 2 TBSP 2 oz 56 g 3.9 %

Melted Butter or Oil ¼ cup 2 oz 56 g 5.6 %

Whole Wheat Flour 2 cups 8.4 oz 238 g 23.7 %

Bread Flour 4½ cups 1 lbs 4.3 oz 575 g 57.2 %

51
 Salt (add after
3 ½ teasp .7 oz 19 g 2.0 %
autolyse)
Toasted Sesame
1/3 cup 2 oz 56 g 5.6 %
Seeds- add to dough

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 1.4 oz 4 lb 1.4 oz 1854 g 184.4%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 3.5 oz 2 lb 3.5 oz 1005 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 8.0 oz 1 lb 8.0 oz 681 g 67.8 %
(hydration)

Mix together all of the ingredients, (except the salt and sesame seeds), on medium
speed, just until mixed (this takes two to three minutes). Then allow the dough to
Autolyse for 20 minutes. After Autolyse, add the sesame seeds and salt and mix for
one more minute.
Then either leave the dough in the mixer and put the lid on, or put the dough into a
large container and bulk ferment the dough at room temperature for 6 hours. You
can fold (see chapter on dough folding) or turn the dough (turn the dough means
turn on the dough hook for a few revolutions and turn down the dough down) two
or three times during bulk ferment.

After bulk fermentation, press down the dough, put it back into a covered container
and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, divide the dough into two pieces and
then take each piece and divide it into three more pieces each, for a total of six
pieces.
Take three of the pieces for each loaf and make a braided loaf. Place the braided
dough into oiled bread tins and allow the dough to proof for about one to two
hours in a warm place (70-80F/21-26.7C) until the dough is almost doubled and
puffy looking.

When the dough is proofed, brush the egg wash (see below) over the top of each
loaf and sprinkle sesame seeds heavily on top. Bake both loaves at once in a
preheated 425F/218C degree oven. Bake for 30 minutes, turning the loaves halfway
through the bake, for even browning. Dough should register about 200-205F/93-96C
on an instant thermometer when done. I used raw sesame seeds on top, but toasted
them for adding to the dough.

Egg Wash:
Beat together one egg and one tablespoon of water in a bowl. Use this mixture to
brush onto the loaves before sprinkling the sesame seeds on.

52
53
 MOLASSES WHEAT SOURDOUGH

For Molasses Whole Wheat Sourdough you can use a whole wheat starter or white
starter which is at 166 % hydration (5 oz flour to 8.3 oz water when feeding the
starter). This recipe makes 4 lbs 0.8 oz, enough for two large loaves. The dough is at
66% hydration. Start mixing the dough in the afternoon around 12:00 – 1:00 pm.
In the afternoon, to your dough mixer add:

 1.5 cups vigorous starter at 166% hydration – 13.5 oz/382g

 1 cup water – 8 oz
 ¾ cup strong room temperature coffee – 6 oz/170g
 2 Tablespoons Oil – 1 oz/28g
 2 Tablespoons dark Molasses – 1.4 oz/39.7g
 1.2 oz/34g (.25 cup) wheat bran, softened with 2 oz/56.7g
boiling water, then cool
 2 ¼ cups Bread flour – 10.1 oz/ 286g
 5 cups Whole Wheat flour – 21 oz/595g
 3 ½ teaspoons of salt - .7 oz/19.8g (add after autolyse)

54
Mix the ingredients on a medium speed just until mixed, this takes about 2 - 3
minutes. Then allow the dough to autolyse (rest) for 20 minutes.
After autolysis, add then mix dough on low speed for about 2 minutes. Let the
dough bulk ferment (which just means the first rise) for 4 - 6 hours until doubled.

After bulk fermentation, pour out the dough onto a lightly floured (wheat flour)
surface and knead a couple of times, then gather into a ball. Divide the dough into
two large pieces. Shape loaves into the general shape you wish and then allow the
dough to rest for 5 minutes (bench rest). After benching shape loaves into their
final shapes and put them into the proofing baskets, or pans which are lined with
proofing cloths if you wish (Bannetons do not have to be lined).

Refrigerate overnight. Next morning, take out the dough staggered about 40
minutes apart, and allow the dough to warm up and proof. When the dough is
ready and feels bubbly and springy but not saggy, then, taking the first loaf
sprinkle the top (actually the bottom) with semolina or whole grain flour and turn
the dough out onto a peel or flat baking sheet.

Then slash the dough while it is still on the peel, slide the dough into the hot
preheated 450F/232.2C degree oven onto a hot baking stone, spray the dough once
with water quickly, and then cover with a roasting lid which has also been
preheated in the oven.
Bake for 20 minutes. After 20minutes, take off the roasting lid and turn down the
oven to 400F/204.4C degrees. Continue baking for 18 - 25 more minutes or until your
bread thermometer reads 200-205F/93-96C. Turn the loaf halfway through the last
baking period for even browning. Cool. For the next loaf, turn the oven back up
and put the roasting lid back in to preheat for five - ten minutes or until the loaf is
ready to go in.
Cool and enjoy slathered with fresh butter. This bread makes terrific toast.

55
 ITALIAN SOURDOUGH

Italian Sourdough Loaf is made using Italian Sourdough Starter.This recipe makes
4 lbs 7.4 oz of dough at 64 % hydration.
Feed the starter in the evening on the day before mixing the dough. Next afternoon
around 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, mix together in your mixer:

In your mixer add:

 2 cups sourdough starter – 18 oz at 166% hydration
 1 ¾ cups water – 14 oz
 2 Tablespoons of Oil – 1 oz
 1 Tablespoons malt syrup or honey – .8 oz
 1/2 cup mashed potatoes – 4 oz
 6 2/3 cups of Bread flour – 1 lb 14 oz
 2/3 cup Whole Wheat flour – 2 .8 oz
 4 teaspoons of Salt – .8 oz

Mix the ingredients on a medium speed just until mixed, this takes about two
minutes. Then allow the dough to autolyse (rest) for 20 minutes.
After autolysis, mix dough on low speed for about 1 minute. Then let the dough
bulk ferment (which means the first rise) for 4 – 6 hours until doubled. Turn the

56
 Volume Standard Metric
Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

166% Starter 2 cups 18 oz 510g 45.5 %

Water 1 ¾ cup 14 oz 397 g 35.4 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.5 %

Malt Syrup 1 TBSP .8 oz 22 g 2.0 %

Mashed Potatoes ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 10.1 %

Whole Wheat Flour 2/3 cup 2.8 oz 79 g 7.1 %

Bread Flour 6 2/3 cups 1 lbs 14 oz 850 g 75.8 %

Salt (add after

4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 2.0 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 7.4 oz 4 lb 7.4 oz 2024 g 180.5%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 7.6 oz 2 lb 7.6 oz 1121 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 10.1 oz 1 lb 10.1 oz 739 g 65.9%
(hydration)

dough down at least twice during the bulk ferment which helps develop and line
up the gluten strands.

To do this hit the start button and let the hook stir the dough about twice around
the bowl on the lowest setting. After bulk fermentation, pour the dough onto a
lightly floured surface and knead a couple of times, then gather into a ball. Divide
the dough into two pieces. Shape loaves into the general shape you wish and then
allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes (bench rest). After benching, shape loaves
into their final shapes and put them into lined proofing baskets (Bannetons do not
have to be lined).

Let dough set out for about 30 minutes and then cover the dough with plastic bags
and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow the dough to final proof for around
2 hours (dough will look doubled and spongy/springy) and then turn the dough out
onto a peel and slash, spray, cover with roasting lid and bake in a preheated
450F/232C degree oven for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, remove roasting lid, turn down the oven to 400F/204.4C degrees
and continue baking for about 10-15 more minutes, turning halfway for even
browning. Take out loaf and cool on a rack. If your first loaf turns out too brown,
turn the oven down to 425F/218.3C degrees during the first half of the bake instead
of 450F/232C degrees. Don’t forget to put the roasting lid back into the oven and
reheat to 450 degrees again, before putting in the next loaf. This is a wonderful,
tasty loaf and is terrific with butter or used for sandwiches.

57
 DANISH RYE PUMPERNICKEL

This recipe makes enough dough at 4 lbs 2.7 oz for two large loaves at a little over 2
lb each. It uses a Danish Rye Starter at 100% hydration.
100 % hydration starter is a ratio of 5 ounces of flour for every 5 oz of water. Start
this recipe around 1:00 pm

 2 cups vigorous Danish Rye starter at 100% hydration – 18

oz/510g
 2 cups strong coffee – 16 oz/453g
 3 Tablespoons oil – 1.5 oz/42g
 2 Tablespoons Molasses – 1.4 oz/39.7g
 2 cups Dark Rye Flour – 7.2 oz/204g
 2 cups Whole Wheat Flour – 8.4 oz/238g
 3 cups Bread Flour – 13.5 oz/382g
 3 ½ teaspoons salt – .7 oz/19.8g

58
Mix all ingredients together including salt, just until incorporated and then allow
the dough to rest for 20 minutes (autolyse).
After autolysis, mix dough on low speed for about 2 minutes. Then let the dough
bulk ferment (first rise) for 6 hours. After bulk fermentation, pour out the dough
onto a lightly floured (Rye flour) surface and knead enough to gather into a ball.
Divide the dough. I divided the dough into two large loaves weighing a little over 2
lbs each. Shape dough into the general shape you wish and then allow the dough to
rest for 5 – 10 minutes (bench rest).

After benching, shape loaves into their final shapes and put them into the proofing
baskets, pans, or couche. Place bannetons in plastic bags and refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, allow the dough to final proof for 2 – 2.5 hours (until not quite
doubled but soft when you press in a finger) then slash, spray, and bake, on top of
a baking stone, in a preheated 450F/232.2C degree oven for 20 minutes using the
Roasting Pan Method for steaming. After the first 20 minutes, turn down the oven
to 400F/204.4C degrees and continue baking for about 18 - 25 more minutes, or until
your bread thermometer reads 200-205F/93-96C, turning halfway for even browning.
Cool.
This is a delicious, strong flavored rye and freezes well.

59
 CRACKED WHEAT SAN FRANCISCO SOURDOUGH

Use a San Francisco Sourdough starter for this recipe for it’s longer fermenting
capability. This recipe makes approximately 4 pounds dough at 65 % hydration. Feed
the starter in the evening on the day before mixing the dough.

Next afternoon around 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, mix together in your mixer:

In your mixer add:

 2 cups sourdough starter – 18 oz at 166% hydration
 1 ¾ cups tepid water – 14 oz
 2 Tablespoons oil - 1 oz
 1/3 cup cracked wheat – 1.8 oz
 6 ¾ cups bread flour –1 lb 14.3 oz
 4 teaspoons salt – .8 oz

60
 Volume Standard Metric
Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

starter 2 cups 18 oz 510 g 46.4 %

Water 1¾ cups 14 oz 396 g 36.1 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.6 %

Cracked Wheat 1/3 cup 1.7 48 g 4.4 %

Bread Flour 6 ¾ cups 1 lb 14.3 oz 859 g 78.2 %

Salt (add after

4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 2.1 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 1.8 oz 4 lb 1.8 oz 1865.9 g 169.7%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 6.8 oz 2 lb 6.8 oz 1099 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 9.2 oz 1 lb 9.2 oz 715 g 65.1 %
(hydration)

Mix the ingredients, except salt, on a medium speed just until mixed, this takes about two to
three minutes. Then allow the dough to autolyse (rest) for 20 minutes.
After autolysis, add salt and then mix the dough on low speed for about 1 more minute.
Then let the dough bulk ferment (which just means the first rise) for 7- 8 hours or until
doubled. Fold the dough four times during the bulk ferment which helps develop and line
up the gluten strands.

If you are fermenting your dough in the mixer, hit the start button and let the hook stir the
dough about twice around the bowl on the lowest setting. Or, if using a dough folding
container, fold the dough about every 1 ½ hours or so and cover. After bulk fermentation,
pour out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead a couple of times, then gather
into a ball. Divide the dough into two pieces weighing about 2 lbs each. Shape loaves into
the general shape you wish and then allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes (bench rest).
After benching, shape loaves into their final shapes and put them into the proofing baskets,
or pans which are lined with proofing cloths (Bannetons do not have to be lined).

Let dough set out for about 30 minutes and then cover the dough with plastic bags and
refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow the dough to final proof for 2 – 3 hours
(whenever the dough looks about 1 ½ times the original size) then turn the dough out on a
peel. Slash, spray, cover with roasting lid and bake in a preheated 450F/232C degree oven
for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove roasting lid, turn the oven down to 425F/218C
degrees and continue baking for about 15 more minutes or until your bread thermometer
reads 200-205F/93-96C , turning halfway for even browning. Take out loaf and cool on a
rack. If your first loaf turns out too brown, turn the oven down to 400F/204C degrees during
the second half of the bake instead of 425F/218C degrees. Don’t forget to put the roasting
lid back into the oven and reheat to 450F/232C degrees again, before putting in the next loaf.
This San Francisco Sourdough loaf is chewy, has a crispy crust, and is full of holes, it tastes
great!

61
62
 CRACKED GRAIN MILL LOAF

Sourdough Loaf with cracked Rye, Wheat and seeds

This recipe is started in the afternoon at 2:00 pm :

 1 cup boiling water – 8 oz

 1 cup of mixed cracked wheat and rye – 6 oz
 1 Tablespoon Malt syrup - .8 oz
 1 Tablespoon Sesame or Dill seeds -.4 oz
 1 Tablespoon Millet seeds - .4 oz
 ¼ cup flax seeds – 1.5 oz
 ¼ cup sunflower seeds or mixed seeds/trail mix – 1.5 oz

Add the 6 oz of mixed cracked Rye and Wheat grains to a cup of boiling
water. Let the grains boil for one minute then take the pan off the burner.
Stir all of the different seeds and malt syrup into the hot mixture and let

63
 cool for 30 minutes. Set aside (Alternately you can use up to 4 oz of any
mixture of seeds you prefer).

To a dough mixer add:

 2 cups vigorous sourdough starter @ 166% hydration – 18 oz

 1 ¼ cup water - 10 oz
 1 Tablespoons Oil - .5 oz
 5 ½ cups of bread flour – 24.8 oz
 ½ cup whole wheat flour – 2.1 oz
 4 teaspoons salt - .8 oz – add after autolyse

If you added more than the suggested seeds, you may need to add more
water or less flour to make up difference in the liquid amount needed.

Process this in the mixer for two to three minutes then let the dough
autolyse for 20 minutes.

Next add the cooled seed/grain mixture and the salt to the dough and mix
in well. Allow the dough to bulk ferment for about 6 hours. During bulk
ferment, fold the dough every two hours.

When bulk ferment is done, press down dough and transfer it to a lightly
floured surface using rye flour. Knead the dough just enough to gather it
into a ball. Divide the dough into two pieces and shape the loaves of
bread. Place dough into floured or lined baskets, cover with a plastic bag
and refrigerate overnight.

Next morning, take loaves out of the refrigerator (stagger the loaves
about 30 minutes apart) and let dough warm up and proof. Since this
bread is filled with seeds, it can take the dough longer to proof (expect it
to take 2- 3 hours or more).

When the dough is ready and feels bubbly and springy but not saggy,
then, taking the first loaf sprinkle the top (actually the bottom) with
semolina or rye flour and turn the dough out onto a peel or flat baking
sheet. Then slash the dough while still on the peel, slide into the hot
preheated 450F/232C degree oven onto a hot baking stone, spray the
dough once with water quickly, and then cover with a roasting lid which
has also been preheated in the oven.

Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, take off the roasting lid and turn
down the oven to 400F/204C degrees. Continue baking for 10 -15 more
minutes or until your bread thermometer reads 200-205F/93-96C, turning

64
the loaf once for even browning. For the next loaf, turn the oven back up
to 450F/232C degrees and put the roasting lid back in to preheat for five
minutes or until the loaf is ready to go in. Bake the same as the first loaf.
This bread will not expand as much as a white loaf would, it will be a bit
denser because of the weight of the seeds. Cool completely. Enjoy! This
bread is excellent for deli type sandwiches.

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Seed Mixture Add

together:

Boiling water 1 cup 8 oz 226 g 20.2 %

Cracked Wheat and

1 cup 6 oz 170 g 15.1 %
Rye

Seeds ¾ cup 3.8 oz 107 g 9.6 %

Malt Syrup 1 Tablespoon .8 oz 22 g 2%

Dough Mixture:

Mix together in
mixer:

Sourdough Starter 2 cups 18 oz 510 g 53.5 %

Water 1 ¼ cup 10 oz 283 g 29.7 %

Oil 1 TBSP .5 oz 14 g 1.5 %

Whole Wheat Flour ½ cup 2.1 oz 59 g 6.2 %

Bread Flour 5 ½ cups 24.8 oz 701 g 73.7 %

Salt (add after

4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 2.4 %
autolyse)
Total Dough Weight
3 lb 8.2 oz 3 lb 8.2 oz 1593 g 166.9%
without seeds/grain

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 1.7 oz 2 lb 1.7 oz 954 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 5.2 oz 1 lb 5.2 oz 602 g 63.1%
(hydration)
Total Dough Weight 4 lbs 10.8
4 lbs 10.8 oz 2120 g 169.0 %
with seeds/grain oz
Total Flour Weight 2 lbs 12.3
2 lbs 12.3 oz 1254 g 100.0%
with seeds/grain oz
Total Water Weight
1 lb 14.0 oz 1 lb 14.0 oz 850 g 67.7 %
with seeds/grain

65
66
 SPICY JALEPENO LOAF

This sourdough is made using a preferment.

The night before baking mix together in a large bowl:

 1 cup vigorous sourdough starter at 166% hydration -9oz

 1 ½ cups water – 12 oz
 ½ cup Whole Wheat flour – 2.1 oz
 ½ cup Rye flour – 1.8 oz
 2 cups Bread flour – 9 oz

Mix the preferment together and let set, covered, overnight at room temperature.

Preferment Volume Standard Metric Bakers %

Sourdough Starter
1 cup 9 oz 255 g 46.2 %
166% hydration

Water 1 ½ cups 12 oz 340 g 73.7 %

Rye Flour ½ cup 1.8 oz 51 g 11.1 %

Whole Wheat Flour 1/2 cup 2.1 oz 59 g 12.9 %

Bread Flour 2 cups 9 oz 255 g 55.3 %

Total Weight 2 lb 2.7 oz 2 lb 2.7 oz 983 g 213.1%

Hydration 108.2 %

67
Next morning early:

Pour preferment into a bread mixer and add:

 1 cup evaporated milk – 8 oz

 2 Tablespoons Oil – 1 oz
 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper -.07 oz
 1 Tablespoons Dill Seed -.23 oz
 1 Tablespoons flaked red pepper -.08 oz
 Add 5 ¼ cups bread flour
 4 teaspoons salt- .8 oz

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Preferment All All All 130.2 %

Evaporated Milk 1 cup 8 oz 226 g 19.9 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 2.5 %

Spices

Bread Flour 5 ¼ cups 23.6 oz 669 g 58.6 %

Salt 4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 1.9 %

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 6.4 oz 4 lb 6.4 oz 1995 g 167.7%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 10 oz 2 lb 10 oz 1190 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 11.6 oz 1 lb 11.6 oz 782 g 65.8 %
(hydration)

Mix all ingredients, including salt together and let rest for 20 minutes. Then process
on low speed for about 4 more minutes. Let proof for about 4 - 6 hours or doubled.
Have about 8 oz Jalapeno cheese chunked for each loaf. Separate the dough into
two pieces.
Take one piece of dough and spread it out into a rectangular shape, press about 4 oz
of the chunked cheese into the dough, then fold the dough into thirds. Flatten the
dough out again, press in the other 4 oz of cheese and fold into thirds again.

Then let the dough rest five minutes and finish shaping into your loaf by folding
over and pinching the dough at the bottom. Place the dough into a greased bread
pan or place in a banneton/basket. Shape the other loaves and then let proof for 2 -
3 hours or until the dough increases in size about 1 ½ times.

68
Then slash the dough while still on the peel, slide into the hot preheated
400F/204.2C degree oven onto a hot baking stone, spray the dough once with water
quickly, and then cover with a roasting lid which has also been preheated in the
oven.

Bake for 20 minutes. After 20minutes, take off the roasting lid and continue baking
for 15 – 20 more minutes or until your bread thermometer reads 200-205F/93-96C.
Turn the loaf halfway through the last baking period for even browning. Cool. For
the next loaf, turn the oven back up and put the roasting lid back in to preheat for
five - ten minutes or until the loaf is ready to go in.

69
 GARLIC ONION RYE SOURDOUGH

Garlic Onion Rye Sourdough uses a Danish Rye Starter which is at 100 % hydration
(ratio = 8oz water: 8 oz flour) This recipe makes about 4 lbs of dough, enough for
two large loaves at 2 lbs each.. The dough is at 66.5% hydration. Start by making an
overnight preferment the evening, the night before baking.
To a large container add:

Bakers %
Preferment Volume Standard Metric

Sourdough Starter 100%

1 cup 9 oz 255 g 37.0 %
hydration

Water 2½ cups 1 lb 4 oz 567 g 82.3 %

Rye Flour 2 cups 7.2 oz 204 g 29.6 %

Whole Wheat Flour 3 cups 12.6 oz 357 g 51.9 %

Dried Toasted Onion Flakes 2 TBSP .4 oz 11 g 1.6 %

Dried Chunk Garlic 3 TBSP .6 oz 17 g 2.5 %

Salt 1 teasp .2 5.7 g 0.8 %

Total Weight 3 lb 2 oz 3 lb 2 oz 1417 g 205.8%

Hydration 100.8 %

See below if you want to use fresh roasted garlic instead of dried garlic.

70
 Cover with a lid and allow mixture to ferment overnight at room temperature 68
– 72 degrees.
Next morning, pour your sponge ferment into your mixer and add:

If you were unable to obtain dried chunk garlic for the preferment,
now is the time to add some roasted chunked fresh garlic, add to taste.
A whole roasted bulb weighs about 2 oz and around 1 oz of garlic,
roasted and then chopped into large chunks is used for each loaf
although 2 oz per loaf is better for those that love garlic.

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Preferment All All All 130.2 %

Molasses 2 TBSP 1.4 oz 39 g 3.6 %

Granulated Onion
2 teasp .2 oz 5.7 g 0.5 %
Powder

Bread Flour 3 cups 13.5 oz 382 g 35.2 %

Salt 2 ½ teasp .5oz 14 g 1.3 %

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 1.6 oz 4 lb 1.6 oz 1859 g 170.8%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 6.4 oz 2 lb 6.4 oz 1088 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 9.5 oz 1 lb 9.5 oz 723 g 66.5%
(hydration)

Mix the ingredients including salt on medium speed just until mixed, this takes
about 2 - 3 minutes. Dough will be sticky. Then allow the dough to autolyse (rest)
for 20 minutes. After autolysis, mix dough on low speed for about 4 minute. Then
let the dough bulk ferment for about 4 hours until doubled.

After bulk fermentation, pour the dough onto a lightly floured (Rye flour) surface
and knead a couple of times, then gather into a ball. Divide the dough into two
large pieces. Shape loaves into the general shape you wish and then allow the
dough to rest for 10 minutes (bench rest). After benching shape loaves into their
final shapes and put them into the proofing baskets, or pans which are lined with
proofing cloths if you wish (Bannetons do not have to be lined).

Cover the loaves with cloths and spray lightly with water to keep dough moist, or
put dough, bannetons and all into plastic bags. Allow dough to proof 1- 3 hours or
until ready.

71
 You must be careful not to overproof Rye breads. Preheat oven to 450F/232.2C
degrees. When the dough is ready and feels bubbly and springy but not saggy,
then taking the first loaf sprinkle the top (actually the bottom) with semolina or
whole grain flour and turn the dough out onto a peel or flat baking sheet. When
ready to bake, turn your dough out onto a peel.
Then slash the dough while still on the peel, slide into the hot preheated
450F/232.2C degree oven onto a hot baking stone, spray the dough once with water
quickly, and then cover with a roasting lid which has also been preheated in the
oven.
Bake for 20 minutes. After 20minutes, take off the roasting lid and turn down the
oven to 400F/204.4C degrees. Continue baking for 18 - 25 more minutes or until your
bread thermometer reads 200-205F/93-96C. Turn the loaf halfway through the last
baking period for even browning. Cool. For the next loaf, turn the oven back up
and put the roasting lid back in to preheat for five - ten minutes or until the loaf is
ready to go in.
Bake the same as the first loaf. Cool this delicious bread and eat with fresh butter
and cream cheese. This bread has a dark, rich garlicky, onion flavor and is great for
deli meat sandwiches.

72
 DESEM RYE MALTED SOURDOUGH

This recipe makes 4 lbs of dough. The night before baking, make up a preferment
by adding together:

 1 cup vigorous Desem starter – 9 oz at 100% hydration

 2 ½ cups water – 20 oz
 2 cups rye Flour – 7.2 oz
 1 cup whole wheat Flour – 4.2 – oz
 ½ cup cracked Malted Rye Berries* – 2.7 oz (available at
local brewery store/health food store)
 ½ cup regular cracked wheat – 2.7 oz

73
*If you can’t obtain the Malted Rye Berries, substitute regular cracked wheat.
Bakers %
Preferment Volume Standard Metric

Sourdough Starter
1 cup 9 oz 255 g 42.3 %
100% hydration

Water 2 ½ cups 20 oz 567 g 93.9 %

Rye flour 2 cups 7.2 oz 204 g 33.8 %

Whole Wheat flour 1 cup 4.2 oz 119 g 19.7 %

Cracked Wheat 1 cup 5.4 oz 153 g 25.4 %

Total Weight 2 lb 13.8 oz 2 lb 13.8 oz 1298 g 215.0%

Hydration 1 lb 8.5 oz 1 lb 8.5 oz 694 g 115.0%

Mix the ingredients well, cover the bowl and allow the preferment
to set overnight at room temperature.

Next morning pour the preferment into your dough mixer and then
add:
 2 Tablespoons oil – 1 oz
 1 Tablespoons Malt syrup – .8 oz
 3 2/3 cups Bread Flour – 16.5 oz
 3 ½ teaspoons salt – .7 oz

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Preferment All All All 121.2 %

Oil 1 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.6 %

Malt Syrup 1 TBSP .8 oz 22 g 2.1 %

3 2/3
Bread Flour 1 lb 0.5 oz 467 g 43.6 %
cups
Salt (add after
3 ½ teasp .7 oz 19.8 g 1.9 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 0.8 oz 4 lb 0.8 oz 1837 g 171.4 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 5.8 oz 2 lb 5.8 oz 1071 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 8.7 oz 1 lb 8.7 oz 701 g 65.4 %
(hydration)

74
Mix all ingredients except salt together just until incorporated and then allow the
dough to rest for 20 minutes (autolyse).
After autolysis, add salt and then mix dough on low speed for about 3 minutes.
Bulk ferment (first rise) for 4 - 6 hours until dough has doubled.
After bulk fermentation, pour the dough onto a lightly floured (Rye flour) surface
and knead enough to gather into a ball. Divide the dough and shape into the
general shape you wish and then allow the dough to rest for 5 – 10 minutes (bench
rest).

Next shape loaves into their final shapes and put them into the lined or floured
proofing baskets, pans, or couche. Allow the dough to final proof for about 2 hours
(until not quite doubled but soft when you press in a finger). Then slash, spray, and
bake, on top of a baking stone, in a preheated 450F/232.2C degree oven for 20
minutes using the Roasting Pan Method for steaming. After the first 20 minutes,
turn the oven down to 400F/204.4C degrees and continue baking for about 15 - 20
more minutes or until your bread thermometer reads 200-205F/93-96C, turning
halfway for even browning. Cool.

75
 SALTZBURG SOURDOUGH

Saltzburg Sourdough is made using an Austrian Sourdough Starter (you can use
any starter though).
This recipe makes approximately 4 lbs 13.1 oz of dough at 62.2 % hydration. It will
make 3 medium loaves at 1 lb 9 oz each. Feed the starter the night before mixing the
dough. Next afternoon around 3:00 p.m., mix together in your mixer:

 2 cups Austrian sourdough starter at 166% hydration – 18 oz

 1 ½ cups water – 12 oz
 ¾ evaporated milk – 6 oz
 1/3 cup rye flour -1.2 oz
 8 2/3 cups Bread Flour – 28.1 oz
 4 ½ teaspoons salt – .9 oz

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Starter @ 166% 2 cups 18 oz 510 g 38.3 %

Water 1½ cup 12 oz 340 g 25.6 %

Evaporated milk ¾ cup 6 oz 170 g 12.8 %

Rye Flour 1/3 cup 1.2 oz 34 g 2.6 %

76
 8 2/3
Bread Flour 2 lbs 7.0 oz 1105 g 83.0 %
cups

Salt 4 ½ teasp .9 oz 25 g 1.9 %

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 13.1 oz 4 lb 13.1 oz 2185.8 g 164.2%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 15 oz 2 lb 15 oz 1331 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 13.2 oz 1 lb 13.2 oz 828.8 g 62.2 %
(hydration)

Mix all ingredients, except salt, together just until incorporated and then allow the dough to
rest for 20 minutes (autolyse).
After autolysis, add salt and mix dough on low speed for about 2 minutes. Then let the
dough bulk ferment (first rise) for 6 hours or until doubled. Place the dough into a folding
trough and fold it once each hour during the six hour bulk fermentation.
After bulk fermentation, pour the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead enough
to gather into a ball. Divide the dough into two pieces. Shape each loaf into the general
shape you wish and then allow the dough to rest for 5 – 10 minutes (bench rest). After
benching shape loaves into their final shapes and put them into the proofing baskets, pans,
or couche.
Cover the dough with plastic bags and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow the
dough to final proof for 2 – 3 hours (whenever the dough looks about 1 ½ times its size and
is spongy/springy) then turn dough out on peel and slash, spray, cover with roasting lid and
bake in a preheated 425F/218C degree oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove
roasting lid, turn down the oven to 400F/204C degrees and continue baking for about 10-15
more minutes, turning halfway for even browning. Bread is done when the internal
temperature reaches 200-205F/93-96C .Take out loaf and cool on a rack.
If your first loaf turns out too brown, keep the temperature of the oven at 425F/218C degrees
throughout the whole baking period on the next bake. Don’t forget to put the roasting lid
back into the oven to preheat before putting in the next loaf.

77
78
 TWO NIGHT SOURDOUGH

Two Night Sourdough is made using a preferment and long bulk fermentation.
This recipe makes approximately 3.5 lbs of dough. It should make up two nice
sized loaves weighing about 1 lb 12 oz each. This dough is 64 % hydration.
The night before mixing, make up a preferment by adding together: Add up
to 1 ½ teaspoons of Diastatic Malt for more “sour” flavor(be careful not to
add more).

 1 cup vigorous sourdough starter at 166% hydration– 9 oz

 1 cup water – 8.0 oz
 1.5 cup Bread Flour – 6.75 oz
 ½ cup Spelt or Whole Wheat Flour – 2.1 oz
 1/4 cup Rye Flour – 1.0 – oz

79
 Bakers %
Preferment 1 Volume Standard Metric

Sourdough Starter
1 cup 9 oz 255 g 68.3 %
166% hydration

Water 1 cup 8 oz 226 g 60.7 %

Rye flour ¼ cup 1.0 oz 28 g 7.6%

Spelt or Whole Wheat

½ cup 2.1 oz 59 g 15.9 %
flour

Bread Flour 1 ½ cups 6.7 oz 189.9 g 50.8 %

Total Weight 1 lb 10.8 oz 1 lb 10.8 oz 759 g 203.3%

Hydration 13.6 oz 13.6 oz 386 g 103.3%

Mix the ingredients well, cover the bowl and allow the preferment
to set overnight at room temperature.

Next morning (around 10 a.m.), to your preferment mixture add:

 ½ cup water – 4 oz
 1 cup Bread flour – 4.5 oz
Bakers %
Preferment 2 Volume Standard Metric

Preferment All All All 151.6 %

Water ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 22.6 %

Bread Flour 1 cup 4.5 oz 127 g 25.4 %

Total Weight 2 lb 3.3 oz 2 lb 3.3 oz 1000 g 199.6%

Hydration 1lb 1.6 oz 1lb 1.6 oz 499 g 99.6 %

Cover and allow fermentation to continue until around 3 – 4 p.m.

Then pour the whole mixture into your dough mixer and add:
 ½ cup water – 4 oz
 2 Tablespoon oil – 1 oz
 3.5 cups bread flour – 15.7 oz
 1 Tablepoon salt – 0.6 oz

80
 Volume Standard Metric
Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Second Preferment All All All 105.7 %

Water ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 12.0 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 3.0 %

3 ½
Bread Flour 15.7 oz 445 g 47.0 %
cups
Salt (add after
3 teasp .6 oz 17 g 1.8 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 3 lb 8.6 oz 3 lb 8.6 oz 1604 g 169.5 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 1.4 oz 2 lb 1.4 oz 946 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 5.6 oz 1 lb 5.6 oz 612 g 64.7 %
(hydration)

Mix all ingredients together including salt for 3 minutes.

Then let the dough ferment for about 4 hours more. After bulk fermentation, pour
out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead enough to gather into a ball.

Divide the dough into two pieces. Shape loaf into the general shape you wish and
then allow the dough to rest for 5 – 10 minutes (bench rest). After benching shape
loaves into their final shapes and put them into the proofing baskets or lined
bannetons. Place baskets into a plastic bag and into the refrigerator overnight.

In the morning, take out the loaves one at a time about thirty minutes apart, and
allow the dough to final proof for about 2 hours. Then slash, spray once and cover
with a roasting lid which has been preheated in a 450F/232C degree oven. Bake for
20 minutes. Then, take off the roasting lid, being careful of the hot steam. Then turn
down the oven to 425F/218C degrees and continue baking for about 15-20 more
minutes or until your bread thermometer reads 200-205F/93-96C, turning halfway
for even browning. Cool. Eat with lots of butter.

81
 Honey Sunflower Loaf

This Sunflower seeded sourdough loaf is wonderful for sandwiches or making

buttered toast. Put as many sunflower seeds in the dough as you want. It needs a
preferment so make sure to start the night before baking.

In the evening mix in a large covered container:

Bakers %
Preferment Volume Standard Metric

Sourdough Starter
1 cup 9 oz 255g 63.3 %
166% hydration

Water 1 cup 8 oz 226 g 58.9 %

Cracked Wheat ¼ cup 1.5 42 g 11.0 %

Whole Wheat Flour 1 cup 4.2 oz 119 g 30.9 %

82
 Bread Flour 1 cup 4.5 oz 127 g 33.1 %

Total Weight 1 lb 11.2 oz 1lb 11.2 oz 771 g 200.2%

Hydration 100.2%

Allow the preferment to set overnight at room temperature. Next morning add all of
the preferment to your mixer and then add all of the ingredients except the salt and
sunflower seeds.

Volume Standard Metric Bakers

Ingredient
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves %

Preferment All All All 72.4 %

Water 1 1/3 cup 10.6 oz 300 g 28.2 %

Honey 2 ½ TBSP 2 oz 56 g 5.3 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.7 %

Whole Wheat Flour 2 ½ cups 10.5 oz 297 g 27.9 %

Bread Flour 3 cups 13.5 oz 382 g 35.9 %

Salt (add after autolyse) 3.5 teasp .7 oz 19 g 1.9 %

Sunflower Seeds (add

½ cup +
later)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 1.5 oz 4 lb 1.5 oz 1856 g 174.3%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 5.6 oz 2 lb 5.6 oz 1065 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 8.6 oz 1 lb 8.6 oz 697 g 65.5%
(hydration)

Mix together on a medium speed all ingredients (except salt and sunflower seeds),
just until incorporated, this takes about three to four minutes. Then allow the dough
to autolyse (rest) for 20 minutes.
After autolysis, add the salt and mix dough on low speed for one more minute. Now
let the dough bulk ferment (which means the first rise) for about 4 hours. After bulk
fermentation, pour the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead a couple of
times, then gather into a ball.

Divide the dough into two pieces, and knead the desired amount of sunflower seeds
into each piece. Let the dough rest for five minutes. Shape each piece into a boule and
place in Semolina floured round banneton then cover with a plastic bag. It is best to

83
 shape one loaf and then 30 minutes later shape the second loaf to stagger the proofing
and baking time. Make sure the dough that is waiting to be shaped later is covered
with a moist cloth or plastic wrap to keep from drying out.

Set the covered shaped dough in a warm place (around 80 – 86F/26-30C). Allow the
shaped dough to proof for one half to two hours and is when the dough increases in
size about 1 ½ times. Preheat oven to 425F/218C degrees. When ready to bake, turn
the proofed dough out onto peel and slash. Place dough onto hot baking stone, spray
with water all over the dough and cover with preheated roasting lid. Bake at
425F/218C degrees for about 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes, take off the roasting lid
(be careful steam can escape) and set the lid on top of your oven. Continue to bake
the bread uncovered for another 10 -15 minutes. When bread registers 200-205F/93-
96C on an instant read thermometer, take out the bread and place on cooling rack. Put
the roasting lid back into the oven and bring the oven back to 425F/218C degrees,
then bake second loaf.

84
 SAN FRANCISCO SUNRISE SOURDOUGH

This San Francisco Sourdough is a two day build and bake.

In the evening around 8 pm:

In a large bowl combine:

 1 cup active starter at 166% hydration-9oz

 2 cups water -16 oz
 3 cups bread flour- 13.5 oz
 1/3 cup Rye flour- 1.2 oz
 1/3 cup Whole Wheat flour-1.4 oz

Preferment Volume Standard Metric Bakers %

Sourdough Starter
1 cup 9 oz 255 g 46.2 %
166% hydration

Water 2 cups 16 oz 453 g 82.1 %

Rye Flour 1/3 cup 1.2 oz 34 g 6.2 %

Whole Wheat Flour 1/3 cup 1.4 oz 39 g 7.2 %

85
 Bread Flour 3 cups 13.5 oz 382 g 69.3 %

Total Weight 2 lb 9.1 oz 2 lb 9.1 oz 1165 g 210.9%

Hydration 110.9 %

Cover and let this mixture ferment overnight at room temperature. The next afternoon at
1:00 pm, put the preferment into your mixer and add:

 3/4 cups water -6 oz

 5 cups bread flour- 22.5 oz
 4 teaspoons salt- .8 oz

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Preferment All All All 130.2 %

Water ¾ cup 6 oz 170 g 14.3 %

Bread Flour 5 cups 20.5 oz 637 g 53.6 %

Salt 4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 1.9 %

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 6.4 oz 4 lb 6.4 oz 1995 g 167.7%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 10 oz 2 lb 10 oz 1190 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 11.6 oz 1 lb 11.6 oz 782 g 65.8 %
(hydration)

Mix the ingredients together until well incorporated and then let the dough rest for
20 minutes (autolyse). After autolyse, add the salt and mix the dough on low speed
for one more minute.

Let this dough proof until 6 pm. Then shape loaves and put into the refrigerator
overnight in plastic covered baskets or bowls. Next morning take out loaves one by
one, staggering 30 minutes apart. Then let the dough warm up and proof for about 2
- 2.5 hours or when the dough increases in size about 1 ½ times.
Then slash the dough while still on the peel, slide into the hot preheated
450F/232.2C degree oven onto a hot baking stone, spray the dough once with water

86
quickly, and then cover with a roasting lid which has also been preheated in the
oven.

Bake for 20 minutes. After 20minutes, take off the roasting lid and turn down the
oven to 400F/204.4C degrees. Continue baking for 18 - 25 more minutes or until your
bread thermometer reads 200-205F/93-96C. Turn the loaf halfway through the last
baking period for even browning. Cool. For the next loaf, turn the oven back up
and put the roasting lid back in to preheat for five - ten minutes or until the loaf is
ready to go in.

87
 BUCKWHEAT SOURDOUGH

Buckwheat Sourdough is started with a pre-ferment, it contains ground Buckwheat groats for
a delightful new taste.

Buckwheat Sourdough:

This dough is started as a prefermentation or sponge the night before baking.

In a large bowl mix together:

 1 cup of sourdough starter at 166% hydration -9 oz

 2 cups of water-16 oz
 1 Cup coarsely ground Buckwheat -4.6 oz
 1 cup Whole Wheat flour – 4.2 oz
 2 cups bread flour- 9 oz

88
 Preferment Volume Standard Metric Bakers %

Sourdough Starter
1 cup 9 oz 255 g 43.1%
166% hydration

Water 2 cups 16 oz 453 g 76.6%

Cracked Buckwheat
1 cup 4.6 oz 130 g 22.0 %
Groats

Whole Wheat Flour 2 cups 8.4 oz 238 g 40.2 %

Bread Flour 1 cups 4.5 oz 127g 21.5 %

Total Weight 2 lb 10.5 oz 2 lb 10.5 oz 1204 g 203.5%

Hydration 103.5 %

Cover the pre-ferment and it let set overnight at room temperature.

Early next morning pour the sponge into your mixer and add:

 ½ cup orange juice- 4 oz

 2 Tablespoons oil -1 oz
 1 Tablespoon Malt Syrup- .8 oz
 4 cups bread flour-18 oz
 3 ½ teaspoons salt -.7 oz

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Preferment All All All 109.3 %

Orange Juice ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 10.3 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.6

Malt Syrup 1 TBSP .8 oz 22 g 2.1

Bread Flour 4 cups 18 oz 510 g 46.3 %

Salt 3 ½ teasp .7 oz 20.9 g 1.8 %

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 3.0 oz 4 lb 3.0 oz 1899 g 172.3%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 6.9 oz 2 lb 6.9 oz 1102 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 9.9 oz 1 lb 9.9 oz 733 g 66.5 %
(hydration)

89
 Mix the ingredients, except the salt, together until well incorporated (about 2 – 3
minutes) then let the dough rest for 20 minutes (autolyse). After autolyse, add the
salt and mix the dough on low speed for four minutes more.

Let this dough proof for about four hours or until doubled in size. Then shape the
loaves, staggering shaping 30 minutes apart. Let the dough warm up and proof for
about 2 - 2.5 hours or until the volume increases in size about 1 ½ . Turn the dough
onto a peel and slash, slide into the hot preheated 450F/232.2C degree oven onto a
hot baking stone, spray the dough once with water quickly, and then cover with a
roasting lid which has also been preheated in the oven.

Bake for 20 minutes. After 20minutes, take off the roasting lid and turn down the
oven to 400F/204.4C degrees. Continue baking for 18 - 25 more minutes or until your
bread thermometer reads 200-205F/93-96C. Turn the loaf halfway through the last
baking period for even browning. Cool. For the next loaf, turn the oven back up to
450F/232.2C degrees and put the roasting lid back in to preheat for five - ten
minutes or until the loaf is ready to go in.

90
 AUSTRIAN FARM SOURDOUGH

Austrian Farm Sourdough is made using Austrian Sourdough Starter.

This recipe makes approximately 4 lbs 2 oz of dough at 65 % hydration. Feed the
starter the night before mixing the dough. Next afternoon around 11:00 a.m. – 12:00
noon, mix together in your mixer:

 2 cups sourdough starter at 166% hydration – 18 oz

 1 ¼ cups water – 10 oz
 ½ cup of cream or ½ & ½ milk, scalded then cooled – 4 oz
 2 Tablespoons butter melted and cooled – 1 oz
 1 cup of Whole Wheat flour – 4.2 oz
 6 ¼ cups Bread Flour – 28.1 oz
 4 teaspoons salt – .8 oz

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

starter 2 cups 18 oz 510 g 46.1 %

Water 1 ¼ cup 10 oz 283 g 25.6 %

½ & ½ milk ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 10.2 %

Melted Butter 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.6 %

91
 Whole Wheat Flour 1 cup 4.2 oz 119 g 10.8

Bread Flour 6¼ cups 28.1 oz 796 g 71.9 %

Salt 4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 2.0 %

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 2.1 oz 4 lb 2.1 oz 1873.9 g 169.2%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 7.1 oz 2 lb 7.1 oz 1107 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 9.4 oz 1 lb 9.4 oz 721 g 65.1 %
(hydration)

Mix all ingredients, except salt, together just until incorporated and then allow the dough to
rest for 20 minutes(autolyse).
After autolyse, add salt and mix dough on low speed for about 2 minutes. Then let the
dough bulk ferment (first rise) for 6 hours or until doubled. Place the dough into a folding
trough and fold it once each hour during bulk fermentation.

After bulk fermentation, pour the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead enough to
gather into a ball. Divide the dough into two pieces. Shape each loaf into the general shape
you wish and then allow the dough to rest for 5 – 10 minutes (bench rest). After benching
shape loaves into their final shapes and put them into the proofing baskets, pans, or couche.

Cover the dough with plastic bags and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, allow the
dough to final proof for 2 – 3 hours (whenever the dough looks about 1 ½ times its size and
is spongy/springy) then turn dough out on peel and slash, spray, cover with roasting lid and
bake in a preheated 425F/218C degree oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove
roasting lid, turn down the oven to 400F/204C degrees and continue baking for about 10-15
more minutes, turning halfway for even browning. Take out loaf and cool on a rack.
If your first loaf turns out too brown, keep the temperature of the oven at 400F/204C degrees
throughout the whole baking period on the next bake. Don’t forget to put the roasting lid
back into the oven to preheat before putting in the next loaf.

92
 S OURDOUGH G LOSSARY

Acetic acid An organic acid produced by a lactobacilli bacteria

All purpose flour A blend of wheat flours with protein level around 9–11
%
Amylase Enzyme Amylase enzymes present in dough break down starch
into sugars. Amylase is present in larger amounts in
sprouted grains and whole grains
Artisan Bread Handcrafted bread made by an skilled baker
Baguette A French style loaf which originated in Austria it has a
long shape with an optimum amount of crust to crumb
ratio
Bakers Blade A dough scraper with a blade usually around 6” x 4”
same as a bench scraper or pasry blade.
Bakers percentage A method of measurement where the ingredients are
figured as a percentage of the flour weight
Baking sheets Flat sheets for baking, like a cookie pan or a flat pan
with no sides. Common sizes are full size, 18” x 26”and
half size 18” x 13”pans sized to fit a full sized bakery
oven
Baking stone A flat stone used on the bottom of the oven to simulate
a masonry oven, usually for baking bread or pizza
Banneton Willow or cane basket used for proofing dough
Barm A starter made from brewers grain by-products or foam
Batard A bread shaped like a regular French bread, shorter
than a baguette and much wider
Bench scraper A tool in a rectangular shape with one edge used as a
scraper or divider and the other edge as a handle,
usually 4” x 6” with a handle on one side. Same as a
bakers blade or a pastry blade.
Biga A lower hydration dough cultured with commercial
yeast and used as a seed for building dough

93
Boule A loaf of bread shaped as a ball or in the round
Bread flour A flour made with higher protein levels of 10 – 12 % ,
used for making bread. It usually is enriched and has
malt and dough enhancers added. Can be bleached or
unbleached.
Bread thermometer A thermometer which has a long point which is thrust
into a loaf of bread to measure the interior temperature,
usually reads at least to 220 degrees F
Brotform Same as Banneton , German variation of word Banneton
A cane or rush basket used for proofing dough.
Bulk ferment First rising or fermentation of dough after mixing
Carbon dioxide – CO2 Gas by-product of fermenting yeasts and bacteria
Chef (when used for a leaven) French word for a culture used as a seed for the first
stage of dough building
Cob A rustic round shaped loaf
Commercial or Bakers yeast A modern variation of yeasts derived from brewers
yeast, which is fast acting and has a long shelf life
Couche A long, heavy linen or canvas cloth used to hold dough
while it is proofing, with folds to separate the loaves
Crumb The interior structure of a baked item is called it’s
crumb
Crust washes or glazes Finishes for bread crust, egg glaze, sugar glaze,
cornstarch wash, are some of the finishes for a
particular look and texture for the crust. Glazes may be
applied before, after or during baking.
Culture A stable mixture of yeast and bacteria propagated in a
water/flour mixture
Desem Flemish sourdough starter made with whole wheat
flour
Diastatic malt Usually made from sprouted, barley which is dried at a
low temperature to keep the enzymes active.
Docking Poking holes in dough to control over rising or bubbling
up of dough
Dough A mixture of liquid, flour and often some type of leaven
Dough Scraper Same as a bench scraper
Exstensible A dough is extensible when it has the ability to stretch

94
 easily
Fermentation When carbohydrates are converted into alcohol, acids
and gasses as a result of yeasts, bacteria and enzyme
activity
Foccacia A type of flat bread usually with toppings
Gluten A protein including gliadin and glutenin which form
the weblike structure of bread which traps the gasses
formed during fermentation
Grain Ferment Method Pre-ferment method of treating wholegrains to break
down and soften the indigestible portions before
making dough
Hooch The liquid that rises to the top of a high hydration
culture
Hydration The amount of water to flour ratio by weight
Instant read thermometer A digital thermometer used for instant readout of
temperature usually with a probe and digital readout
Lactic Acid An organic acid tolerant to lower Ph levels which
contributes to the flavor of bread
Lactobacilli A bacteria present in sourdough cultures which
produces organic acids
Lame A French word for a tool with an attached razor used
for slashing dough
Leaven A substance used to produce carbon dioxide for raising
dough
Levain A French type of pre-ferment used to make bread
Masonry oven A baking oven made with stone, brick or concrete and
heated by fire, electricity or gas
Motherdough Cool fermented sourdough starter from 50-80%
hydration
Natural Leaven The wild yeasts and bacteria present in fruits and grains
used to raise dough
Non diastatic malt A malted grain powder or syrup in which the enzymes
are no longer active
Old dough A piece of fermented dough saved to be used in a
subsequent batch of dough
Pastry blade Same as a dough scraper or baker’s blade

95
Pate Fermente Same as Old dough
Poolish A Polish wet preferment usually made with a small
amount of commercial yeast
Pre-ferment A mixture of flours/grains and liquids fermented
before adding to the main dough
Proofing Second raising of dough after shaping
Proofing Cloth A cloth used to line baskets or bread molds for holding
dough while it proofs
Proofing test A test used to see if a leaven is still viable
Protease An enzyme in dough activated by the addition of water
to flour, which helps to degrade or break down the
strands of gluten making the dough more extensible
Rack Cooling racks are used to cool baked goods.
Refresh To feed a sourdough starter/culture water and flour
Retard To cool down a dough and slow it’s fermentation
Retarder A temperature controlled environment for cooling
dough
Roasting Pan Method A method of baking that keeps steam next to the loaf
Sauerteig A German term for sourdough
Scoring Decorative and useful slashing or slicing in the dough
before baking, used so the dough can expand in an
expected manner
Slashing Cutting or slicing dough to allow dough to expand
while baking
Sourdough A natural leavening or wild yeast fermented dough
Sourdough starter A stable culture of yeasts and bacteria in a water/flour
mixture used to leaven dough.
Sponge A type of pre-ferment usually around 100% hydration
Starter Same as Sourdough Starter
Straight mix A method of mixing dough with the minimum amount
of stages.
Stretch and fold method A hand stretching and folding method of developing
dough
Torpedo A loaf shaped somewhat like a skinny football with
pointed ends.

96
Vigorous or active starter A healthy stable culture of wild yeasts and bacteria
Wild yeast Yeasts found in the natural environment
Yeast A fungi which reproduces by budding, it’s fermentation
causes CO2 as a by-product which raises dough

97
 About the Author

I have been baking for 40 years. At the age of ten, I was baking and selling cupcakes to the
neighbors. I became the mother of ten children and so I had plenty of reasons to bake.

My interest in real sourdough began in the Summer of 2004 when my daughter challenged
me to bake “real” sourdough, because “Nobody can bake real sourdough at home.”
Taking up her challenge, I had no idea that it would lead me to my own sourdough
business, called Northwest Sourdough, a blog and a forum all about sourdough.
Northwest Sourdough’s bread was featured on KNOE TV’s What’s Cooking with Diane
Cage in April of 2006.
Northwest Sourdough is mentioned in the resource section of Peter Reinhart’s award
winning new book, “Artisan Breads Every Day”.

I am now working on a new book called: “100% Sourdough” which is exclusively 100%
starter levain using only 100% wild yeast.

It’s been fun, Teresa

98
End of Part 2

“Discovering Sourdough” is comprised of three parts. The first section is Part 1-

Beginning Sourdough. The second section is Part 2- Intermediate Sourdough. The
final section is Part 3 - Advanced Sourdough.

Contact me at: northwestsourdough@gmail.com

Follow my blog at: http://www.northwestsourdough.com/discover

Join other bakers on the forum at: http://teresal.proboards.com/index.cgi?

Visit my site to download this book at: http://www.northwestsourdough.com

If you wish to help support my efforts you can use this email:
northwestsourdough@gmail.com and donate using https://www.paypal.com/

Have fun baking!

99
Discovering Sourdough

By Teresa L. Hosier Greenway

P ROFESSIONAL S OURDOUGH B READS B AKED A T H OME

U SING O NLY T HE W ILD Y EAST

Part III

1
 Discovering Sourdough

By Teresa L. Hosier Greenway

PROFESSIONAL SOURDOUGH BREADS BAKED AT HOME

U S IN G O N L Y T H E W I L D Y E A S T

Part III

Copyright 2010 All rights reserved worldwide- Recipes in this book may be
featured as web content with a link back to the author’s website:
http://www.northwestsourdough.com
This book may not be resold in any part in any media, except by the author.

Use this link from your site or blog to help others find “Discovering Sourdough”:

http://www.northwestsourdough.com/discovering/

2
 PART 3

ADVANCED SOURDOUGH

3
 Contents Part 3

Advanced Sourdough

Advanced Dough Handling and Techniques…………………………………….6

Motherdough Starters – What is Motherdough?......................... 20

Salt Controlled Fermentation……………………….…………………………… 26

Morphing Sourdough Starters…………………………….…………………………..33

Advanced Recipes:
AlaskanSourdough………………………………………………………………. 37
Ciabatta………………………………………………………………………………..39
Dill Rye………………………………………………………………………………….41
Griffin’s Bread……………………………………………………………………… 43
Hearth Flaxseed Loaf…………………………………………………………… 49
Light Onion Rye……………………………………………………………………. 52
100% Wholegrain Miche……………………………………………………… 54
Flemish Desem……………………………………………………………………..57
Pumpkin Sourdough……………………………………………………………..61
Spelt Sourdough…………………………………………………………………..65
San Francisco Sharp……………………………………………………………. 68
Sour Malt……………………………………………………………………………… 71
Salt Fermented Sourdough…………………………………………………. 75

Morphed Recipes:

Kalamata Asiago Loaf ………………………………………………………...81

Desem Morph………………………………………………………………………. 84
Northwest Morph Sourdough………………………………………………. 87
Pane Pearl……………………………………………………………………………..90
Rye Morph Pan Loaf………………………………………………………………92
Rosemary Potato Sourdough………………………………………………. 94

4
Motherdough Recipes:

Baguettes……………………………………………………………………………..98
Seaside Sourdough……………………………………………………………… 100
Pane Picante………………………………………………………………………… 103
Pane Teresa…………………………………………………………………………. 106
Asiago Cracked Pepper Bread……………………………………………… 110
Country Kitchen Sourdough………………………………………………… 112
Coastal Loaf…………………………………………………………………………. 114
Vienna White………………………………………………………………………… 117
Sourdough Millet Loaf……………………………………………………………119
Onion Focaccia………………………………………………………………………121
Pizza Motherdough………………………………………………………………. 123
Bay Bread……………………………………………………………………………..125
Motherdough White Loaf…………………………………………………….. 128
Ciabatta Loaf………………………………………………………………………… 131
One Night Sponge Sour……………………………………………………….. 134
Sourdough Fat Pretzels………………………………………………………..137
Pretzel Sourdough Bread……………………………………………………..140

Specialty Recipes:

Sweet Dough: Cinnamon Rolls and Hawaiian Coffee Ring… 146

Teresa’s Sourdough Doughnuts…………………………………………… 151
Egg Bagels……………………………………………………………………………. 155
Onion Bagels………………………………………………………………………… 158
Sourdough English Muffins………………………………………………….. 161
Focaccia 166………………………………………………………………………… 165
French Grilled Sourdough Bread…………………………………………. 168
Hawaiian Loaf………………………………………………………………………. 171
Jerky Rolls……………………………………………………………………………. 174
Kaiser Rolls…………………………………………………………………………… 176
Pistou Rolls…………………………………………………………………………… 179
Bleu Cheese Pull-Apart Loaf………………………………………………… 181
Walnut Fig Bread…………………………………………………………………. 184
Raisin Walnut Cranberry Loaf………………………………………………. 187

(a) Glossary Sourdough Terms

About the Author

5
 A DVANCED D OUGH Motherdough is a cold pre-ferment and is

H ANDLING AND made with wild yeast, it is anywhere

T ECHNIQUES from 50 – 80 % hydration. Old Dough or

“Pate Fermente” is dough saved from a
former batch and used to leaven the next
Overnight Pre-ferments, batch of dough. Levain is a French type of

Sponges & Grain Fermentation pre-ferment which is done in stages or

builds, with each build being leavened by
Method
the former build. Pre-ferments can

A pre-ferment is a mixture of liquid, ferment for any length of time the baker

flours, grains, seeds or other ingredients wishes, with overnight ferments being

which will be fermented for several hours the most common in sourdough baking.

or overnight before being mixed with the

OVERNIGHT PREFERMENTS
rest of the ingredients called for in the
recipe. There are different kinds of Sometimes a bread flour has such a high

preferments. A Sponge is a pre-ferment gluten level that it is difficult to work

usually having 70-100% hydration which with, this is called a strong flour. If your

uses part of the recipe’s liquids and flours dough is usually hard to work with and

and can include commercial yeast or only not capable of relaxing enough to shape

wild yeast. A Biga is based on an Italian easily(not very extensible), pre-

method of pre-fermenting dough which fermenting part of the bread flour

is a very low hydration of 50 – 60 % overnight, would help correct this

hydration and usually has a small problem. If you wish to have increased

amount of commercial yeast. A Poolish is extensibility, you can leave out the salt in

a pre-ferment, based on a Polish method, the preferment because salt inhibits the

which is a very liquid dough mixture of action of Protease. Knowing how salt and

around 100%, it also contains a small Protease act on dough, can help you use

amount of commercial yeast. A them as tools to obtain the final result

6
you desire in your dough. Salt inhibits and be ready to bake on the same day as
Protease and has a strengthening effect the mixing of the final dough.
on the dough. Leaving out the salt during
the pre-fermentation and Autolyse stage,
will allow the Protease enzyme to act on
the gluten and soften the dough by
FERMENTATION OF
partially breaking down the gluten. You WHOLEGRAINS
will want to limit this action though. For
When working with overnight pre-
very long fermented San Francisco style
ferments and sponges, I like to add any of
breads, you might want to add salt to the
the whole grains or seeds contained in
preferment to protect the gluten from
the recipe to a high hydration pre-
being broken down during the very long
ferment. Whole grains or seeds fermented
bulk ferment or proofing stages.
in this way are predigested by enzymatic

Using a pre-ferment will shorten the bulk activity. This results in the fullest flavor

ferment time of the final dough because a of the grains or seeds being unlocked.

much larger portion of the final dough The parts of the grains which are difficult

will be pre-fermented and very active. to digest, are broken down and become

Dough which is partially pre-fermented more digestible.

is not tolerated well by those with gluten

For instance, if I am working with a part
intolerance. The shorter amount of time
whole wheat part white loaf, I would
the final stage of the dough ferments
make up a pre-ferment mixture so I could
doesn’t allow time for all of the gluten to
ferment the whole grain portions of the
be predigested, only a portion of it. Pre-
recipe overnight. It might look something
ferments are very often used for one day
like this:
sourdough breads, like French Bread and
Vienna Bread, because the larger amount
of activity brought to the final dough will
 1 cup of starter @ 166%
enable it to bulk ferment in a shorter time
hydration – 9 oz /255 g

7
  2 cups of tepid water  3.5 cups Bread Flour -
– 16 oz /453 g 15.7 oz /445 g

 ½ cup cracked wheat  2.5 teaspoons salt - .5 oz

-2.7 oz /76 g /14 g

 2 cups of Whole Wheat This would give you dough at 64%

Flour -8.4 oz / 238 g hydration with all of the wholegrain parts

of the recipe pre-fermented. Pre-
 1 cup Rye Flour – 3.6 oz fermenting the whole grains and not the
/102 g bread flour, ensures that the gluten of the
bread flour is not broken down by the
 1/2 teaspoon salt - .1 oz
enzyme activity, and is still strong
/2.8 g
enough to bring together all of the
different grains and flours in the dough.
Stir the mixture thoroughly and allow
If you had added the white flour to the
it to ferment overnight at room
pre-ferment (adding a small portion of
temperatures in the 60- 70’s. This pre-
white flour is fine) the gluten in the white
ferment is around 119% hydration and
flour would have been partially broken
the small amount of salt will keep it from
down the by action of Protease, an
over-fermenting. In pre-ferments which
enzyme which breaks down gluten.
contain whole grains, a hydration of
100% or higher is recommended so that
there is plenty of liquid to soak the whole
grains. Salt can be added to the pre-ferment
to control over-fermentation and the
The next day, I would pour this pre-
action of the Protease on the gluten. Salt
ferment into my mixer and add the rest of
inhibits other enzymes besides Protease.
the ingredients, mix, autolyse, bulk
Pre-ferments with rye grains or flours
ferment, shape, etc. The rest of the
have a tendency to over-ferment and get
ingredients might include:
too sour, exhausting the sugars and

8
producing too much alcohol. A small Any time you want to mix up dough
amount of salt in the pre-ferment keeps it using part whole grain flours, cracked
from quickly over-fermenting. This is grains, meal, seeds etc, make up a pre-
especially true the warmer the room fermentation sponge and allow the
temperature is. During the summer wholegrain, or seed ingredients to
months it is especially helpful to add a ferment overnight.
small amount of salt to your preferments,
Pre-fermentation hydration should be
whether whole grain or white flour.
kept wet, so a 100%+ hydration sponge
The amount of salt would be .5 – 1 % should be used for cracked or whole
of the total flour weight of the finished grains that have not been ground. The
dough. You would need to make sure extra water in the sponge is necessary
you minus the salt amount of the pre- especially when using cracked grains or
ferment from the final dough so your meals.
final dough isn’t too salty. If you wish to
Another thing that can be done with
experiment making dough with an
whole wheat berries, cracked grains and
increased sour flavor, you can either
meals, is to pour hot or boiling water over
leave out the salt during the preferment
them, let the mixture cool, and then add
stage or allow a salted preferment to
this cooled mixture to a pre-fermentation
ferment much longer than usual while it
sponge.
drops in ph. Adding any whole grain or
seed ingredients will make the grains Adding boiling water to whole grain
more digestible by breaking down the flours to make a slurry or paste and then
pytates, soften the grain in the final using this as part of your ingredients
dough, and bring out the maximum after it has cooled is another way of
flavor of the wheat or seeds. This is manipulating the texture, taste and
especially true of seeds that are added for crumb of the bread. Adding grains to
flavor, like Caraway seeds. boiling water also helps to minimize the
enzyme activity. When you add boiling
water to flour and mix it or add flour to

9
water and bring it to a boil, the starch one or the other. If you are trying to
gelatinizes which means starch has been obtain a real sour tang to your bread and
converted to sugar. Minimize the amount your starter culture has predominantly
of paste or slurry used in your dough or Homofermentive bacteria, you will have
you will have gummy bread. a difficult time producing sour bread. The
San Francisco culture contains mainly
Heterofermentive bacteria as well as
being a very long proofing starter, which
makes it ideal to work with when trying
THE SOUR IN SOURDOUGH
BREAD to produce sour breads. However, many

With sourdough breads, you work of the different starters available are great

with not only yeast but also bacteria for producing not only sour bread, but a

which produce lactic and acetic acids. The variety of great tasting breads. You can

acids contribute to the development of use the same starter to bake up some sour

the great flavor that Sourdough and tasting bread and also very mild tasting

Artisan Breads are so famous for. bread. It is up to the baker to work with
the proper ingredients and technique to
There are two main types of bacteria, control the outcome.
predominant in sourdough cultures. They
are Heterofermentive and
Homofermentive bacteria. The
To encourage Heterofermentive
Heterofermentive bacteria produce
bacteria to produce Acetic acid, lower
mainly Acetic acid, which contributes the
hydration dough is kept at temperatures
vinegary sour flavor. The
up to 86F. Long cool bulk ferments are
Homofermentive bacteria produce the
often used to produce sour breads. Lactic
lactic acids which contribute a milder
acid is produced in temperatures over
acid but more complex flavor. Sourdough
86F degrees and in wetter doughs. As the
starter cultures can be a combination of
amount of whole grains increase in a
Heterofermentive and Homofermentive
dough, enzyme action and acid
bacteria or they can be predominantly
production also increase. Obtaining sour

10
flavor in dough can be accomplished by can also be used to encourage the sour
techniques using low hydration dough at tang, but I have had better results with
lower temperatures, fermented for long the diastatic malt. If you have problems
periods, or higher hydration dough using the diastatic malt, your bread flour
fermented at higher temperatures. The may already have the correct amount
use of flour with higher ash content is added so you would need to use regular
also a factor in producing a sour flavor. malt instead. Some of the problems with
To increase the ash content of flour, you using too much diastatic malt are
would need to add additional bran stickiness in the dough, the dough
and/or germ. You can add a small fermenting too fast thus becoming slack
amount of whole wheat or rye flour to and weak and a loss in color/flavor in the
bring up the ash content of your dough. crust. I have obtained very sour breads
using a pre-ferment with added malt left
Fully mature dough which has gone
at room temperature overnight, made
through a full length bulk ferment will
into dough next day then refrigerated.
have the greatest amount of bacteria,
Once the bacteria get going, the
yeasts, acids and enzymes. This will
refrigeration helps the bacteria to
produce a colorful crust with the greatest
continue to multiply while the yeast
flavor. Aeration of the dough also
slows way down.
encourages acid production. That is done
with knocking down, stirring or folding To produce a deep sour flavor in
the dough as it is bulk fermenting. sourdough bread, you need to bring
Another ingredient that contributes to a together, the right starter, proper
sharp, sour flavor in bread is the malted ingredients and technique. It is
barley flour which bakeries have added challenging to obtain that perfect sought
to their flour. Malted barley flour has after flavor, and because of that, it is so
diastatic malt enzymes which helps in the rewarding once you do.
development of the sour tang so sought
In many formulas and recipes there is
after in sourdough bread. Regular malt
what is called the Desired Dough
which has had the enzymes deactivated
Temperature or DDT. The DDT means

11
the temperature which is desired for the
dough. Optimum fermentation
temperature is around 74F/23C -
78F/25.6C However, for cold
motherdough the DDT might be
44F/6.7C to 50F/10C. Keeping dough at a
certain temperature for optimum
development and flavor production can oven for proofing your dough. There is
be difficult to do in a home environment. also the danger of forgetting to take out
The DDT depends upon the technique, your proofing thermometer before you
ingredients and desired outcome for the turn it on to bake with and finding the
particular bread recipe. You can have fun thermometer later…melted!
experimenting with the DDT. It is
possible to extend your experimentation I have also used my dishwasher as a

to its fullest if you have a controlled proofing cabinet and it works well. You

warm environment and a controlled cool need a thermometer to monitor the

environment. I know some enterprising temperature. I turn the washer on and

bakers who have setup insulated boxes or spin the dial to the drying cycle, I then

styrofoam coolers with a small light bulb leave the washer on for just long enough

to keep a warm, even temperature in a to bring temperature up to between 80-90

closed box. I sometimes have used my degrees. When it reaches the right

oven with the oven light on, my baking temperature, I turn the washer off and

stone in the oven, and the door cracked put in my dough to proof in a nice warm

open, to keep a nice even 80 degree environment. You can also pour a cup of

temperature. The drawbacks to that are water into the bottom of the washer to

either someone might come by and turn increase the humidity. Check on the

on the oven while you are bulk temperature during the time the dough is

fermenting your dough, or you may need proofing and turn the heating cycle back

to turn on your oven to preheat for on for just a few minutes if the

baking , just when you also need your temperature falls too much. Don’t leave

12
and expect to come back later to turn it foods in the refrigerator because the
off, as it will overheat by then and ruin temperature would not be cold enough to
your dough completely. Use a timer if keep other foods bacteriologically safe.
you need to and time how long you leave However, dough that you want to delay
the drying cycle on. I often heat the or retard would do great in the
washer for five minutes at a time to keep refrigerator. The dedicated refrigerator
it warm when I notice it has cooled too would be ideal to use as a retarding
much. For this method, it is helpful to environment for your sourdough loaves.
stack a few clean, porcelain or stoneware So you could actually have a dual
dishes in the dishwasher to hold the heat purpose environment, a starter keeper
longer. and a dough retarder. If you have a
temperature controller set up to control
You can also use your microwave as a
the temperature accurately on your
proofing cabinet. I heat a cup of water in
dedicated refrigerator, you would have
the microwave and then place the loaf I
an ideal setup for your sourdough
wish to warm up in the microwave with
baking. The other item that would be nice
the hot cup of water pushed into the
to have is a warming or proofing box,
corner of the microwave and the door
something a little more accurate than a
shut to keep in the warmth. Be careful
dishwasher. To control the sourness
handling a hot cup of water. This is
produced by the acids, it is necessary to
especially useful for the last half hour of
have bulk fermentation or proofing at a
proofing the dough.
controlled warm environment, say
between 74 – 86 degrees. Optimum
OTHER PROOFING SPACES
temperature for dough development is
In the chapter on Starters and their
around 74 – 78 degrees for most dough.
care a dedicated starter refrigerator was
“…a temperature below 86F favors
talked about. A dedicated refrigerator is
heterolactic fermentation, producing both
kept between 42 – 50F degrees which
lactic and acetic acids; lactic acid
above normal refrigerator temperatures.
generated by homolactic lactobacilli
It would be dangerous to keep most other
predominates when fermentation is

13
conducted above 86F.” I learned this from After the autolyse period the salt is then
the book, “Handbook of Dough added and the dough is mixed for a
Fermentations” written by Karel Kulp further one to three minutes, unless it is a
and Klaus Lorenz. one day bread in which case the dough is
mixed longer. Then the dough is bulk
If you allow dough to over-ferment,
fermented. This is one way to handle a
there will be a pitted look to the dough
moderately wet type of dough.
because the gluten has broken down too
much. There will also be a lack of color in For very wet dough like Ciabatta and
the crust and the bread will have a certain some of the batter breads, a technique
popcorny flavor, both which result from called double hydration can be used. The
the sugars in the dough being used up. Double Hydration technique is covered
Other results of over-fermentation are: a by Michel Suas in his excellent, highly
dense crumb, poor oven spring and a recommended book, “Advanced Bread
tough crunchy crust. and Pastry”. He recommends
withholding part of the water from your
DOUGH DEVELOPMENT initial dough while mixing, bringing your
Dough which is over 64% hydration dough to 2/3 development then adding
but not as wet as 70+ % hydration, is the rest of the water to the dough to
mixed and handled similar to the lower slowly to bring it to the correct hydration.
hydration dough, those under 64% This allows the gluten to be sufficiently
hydration. The ingredients are added to developed in wet dough. With traditional
the mixer with the starter and water mixing methods it can be difficult to
being added first, then the flours. The salt develop the gluten in wet dough; the
is withheld until after the autolyse dough spins around in your mixer and
period. The dough is mixed gently on will not clump together enough to give
medium speed to begin with and then itself a good workout, often resulting in
low speed. The dough is usually mixed undeveloped gluten. The Double
within the first three minutes and then Hydration Technique can overcome this
allowed to autolyse or rest for 20 minutes. problem.

14
 My colleague, Liudmila Valls, uses
the Double Hydration Technique by Finally she adds any other bulky
withholding the sourdough starter ingredients like cheese and onions for a
Cheese Onion Batter Bread:
portion from the initial dough that is
mixed. Then after 2/3 dough
development she slowly adds the
sourdough starter to the rest of the
dough. Here are her stages of dough
development for high hydration dough:

(These three pictures by Liudmila Valls)

This technique works really well

especially for one day sourdough bread
which is mixed and baked on the same
day with a short bulk ferment.

Here she develops the gluten to 2/3 For sourdough bread which requires a

of its development: long bulk fermentation I would

recommend bringing the gluten to less
Next she slowly adds the sourdough than 2/3 development before adding the
starter or preferment part of the recipe:
rest of the sourdough starter portion.
This results in nicely developed dough:
Allow the development of the dough to
proceed to just when the gluten strands
begin to bond together. Remember with
sourdough the gluten continues to
develop during the long bulk
fermentation time, until after a very long
period of time, it finally breaks the gluten
down into a liquid. At that point of

15
course, it is overdeveloped. While using Handle the dough quickly and gently.
the stronger bread flours with some Keep flour on any of the parts of the
recipes, you will not need to use the dough you will be handling but don’t
Double Hydration Technique. Ciabatta incorporate too much extra flour in the
bread mixed using the Double Hydration dough itself. Getting raw flour into
technique and using a strong (very high mature dough can result in grey streaks
protein flour) bread flour might not throughout the finished bread. Don’t be
obtain the desirable large holes. It might afraid of the dough. It is easy to handle
turn out a bit tough as well. If you find once you get used to it. For a Ciabatta
yourself with this problem try using up to dough, pour the dough on a surface
one half All Purpose flour to weaken the covered with plenty of flour, stretch and
protein level of the flour. Vigorous shape it into a long rectangle, keeping the
mixing will incorporate air bubbles which top free from flour, then flip it over on
will end up expanding into the holes itself so the sticky top is in the middle of
during baking. Another alternative is to the folded over dough. This will give you
use a longer Autolyse period before final your “slipper” shape with flour on the
mixing to break down the gluten top and bottom. Let the dough proof until
somewhat (this is when the gluten is too almost done and then using the tips of
strong). your fingers, dimple the dough. Allow
the dough to proof a bit longer and then
lift the dough, stretch it gently with a tug
along its length and place it on a floured
HANDLING STICKY DOUGH
peel. Next bake it. Very wet dough
In the advanced recipe section you
should be baked longer at a slightly lower
will be using some high hydration dough
temperature towards the end of the
recipes. High hydration dough will be
baking period to allow the center of the
more difficult to handle than you might
dough to get rid of the excessive moisture
be used to. Make sure you have a dough
and give you a crisp, colorful crust.
scraper and keep your scraper and hands
clean and free from excessive dough.

16
 To shape wet dough, divide and floured and/or lined round banneton or
weigh the dough into separate pieces and basket. There are many different ways to
then shape it into the general form you shape dough; they are hard to learn about
wish to use. Keep your working surface from reading. Shaping dough is much
sprinkled with flour and handle the more easily learned by showing. On the
dough quickly and gently. Keep the internet there are many videos showing
outside of the dough covered in flour and methods of shaping dough that can be
try to have the inside sticky part of the helpful.
dough always turning in towards itself
One way to make very wet dough
while shaping. In other words, don’t
easier to handle, is to use the dough
sprinkle the top of your piece of dough
folding technique during bulk ferment.
with flour and then try to fold it over on
As the bulk ferment progresses and you
itself with the floured top in the middle
fold the dough several times, you will
of the shaped loaf. Keep the top portion
notice that it is less sticky, easier to
of the dough sticky, reach under the
handle and becomes stronger. You can
dough and fold up the bottom of the
also use water on your hands and
piece of dough over on itself and pinch
working surface to control sticky dough.
the dough on the opposite side. After
you are done shaping the dough pieces
LOWER HYDRATION DOUGH
into the general form you want, let the
Some of the recipes in the advanced
dough rest for 10 minutes. Then give
section will be lower hydration dough.
them a final shaping and place them in
They are included in the advanced
floured and/or lined proofing baskets or
section because they need more advanced
a couche. For some really wet dough, one
handling techniques. Very wet dough is
shaping is enough. For a round shaped
not the only way to obtain really large
loaf, fold all of the edges to the center,
holes and an airy crumb. You can also
making a ball, then flip the dough over
obtain these objectives with very low
and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then using
hydration dough by using the techniques
a push pull circling motion, round the
of dough folding and warm bulk
dough into it’s final form and place it in a

17
ferments, with a full proof before baking. 65%, 60%, 50% dough:
Some of these kinds of breads also do
well with slightly lower oven
temperatures, and a longer baking time.
Low hydration dough is easier to handle
and you can do interesting things with it
that you can’t do very easily with high
hydration dough; like make pretzel
bread, which needs a soda water bath,
shape twisted loaves, make bagels or
bake up really large loaves.
This dough has just been mixed, it has no

Dough looks, acts and handles differently added salt. Adding salt will stiffen the

at different hydration levels. Here are dough. Dough might look similar at the

some pictures of dough at different lower hydration levels when first mixed,

hydrations using only bread flour and but that can be deceptive. This test dough

water: was mixed and set out for the test right
away. If you had allowed the dough to
100%, 80%, 70% dough:
bulk ferment for six hours, the dough
would have looked different. This 70% or
80% dough looks like you might be able
to handle it easily, but if it had fermented
for six hours, it would have been much
more difficult to handle. As it matures,
dough feels less cohesive than when it is
first mixed and the gluten softens and
stretches. If you use the dough folding
technique during bulk fermentation, the
dough becomes easier to handle and not
so sticky.

18
 shape the first loaf, then maybe half an
hour later, shape and start proofing the
STAGGERING LOAVES FOR next loaf, etc. If your dough is
BAKING
refrigerated, take out one loaf at a time
In a commercial bakery many loaves
for its final proof and then take out the
are baked at the same time. The home
next loaf 30 to 40 minutes later.
baker can usually only bake one loaf at a
Staggering the loaves in this way will
time and therefore will need to stagger
ensure that only one is ready to be baked
the loaves of bread. One way of
at a time. If a loaf is waiting to be baked
staggering loaves is to keep the main
and looks like it is over-proofing, place
portion of dough fermenting while you
it back in the refrigerator for a while to
cut off, weigh and shape one loaf at a
slow it down.
time. The timing would be whatever the
length of baking time is plus the time With the advanced sourdough

necessary to reheat the oven between recipes, you will learn to handle difficult

loaves. I usually use a shorter time than is or unusual dough. Have fun doing your

necessary because most loaves tend to be own experimentation with timing,

underproofed and under-timing them temperatures and ingredients, after all,

will give them a longer time to proof. So each failure is just a step to success.

19
 100% hydration to 166% hydration) and is
more like dough than a batter. Hydration
MOTHERDOUGH STARTERS
anywhere from 50% – 80 % can be used for
What is Motherdough?
a Motherdough. Motherdough is kept in a
container in a cool environment. At home
you can keep a Motherdough in a
refrigerator. It is good to have a small
separate refrigerator that you can set to a
slightly warmer temperature between 44–
48F/6.7-8.9C degrees than the more
common refrigerator temperature of
40F/4.4C degrees. However, 40F/4.4C
degrees will work for a Motherdough since
it is not kept long term.
I first saw the word “Motherdough” from
I decided to experiment with
an article I read about the Boudin Bakery of
Motherdough by making up a batch of
San Francisco. Their starter is stored in
dough at 80% hydration and inoculating it
refrigerated containers. They call their
with a vigorous starter that was already
starter, kept this way and used for all of
established. For my experiments, I used the
their baking, a Motherdough. When I first
Northwest Sourdough starter. First I found
made up a batch of Motherdough and then
a nice little 1 gallon container with a lid
baked with it, my response was, “Oh wow
that did not seal tightly. Then, making sure
this is really amazing!”
the regular established starter was well fed
Now I use Motherdough in many of my and vigorous, I used:
breads and have incorporated it as the
 9 oz (about one cup) of starter at 166 %
main ingredient in several recipes.
hydration. To turn that into an 80%
Motherdough is a sourdough starter kept at hydration Motherdough, you would
a lower hydration than a more typical need to add:
sourdough starter (which is usually kept at

20
 8 oz water (about one cup) dense and the dough will be sticky and
sluggish. Motherdough with added salt can
 13.6 oz of flour (about 3 cups if your
be fermented in the refrigerator longer.
flour weighs 4.5 oz/cup).
This salt technique is covered later in this

Mix all of the above ingredients well. That chapter.

will bring your wet starter to a drier

If you haven’t used your Motherdough
hydration of 80%. Once you have your
within five days, pour all of it out except
Motherdough mixed up, let it set out at
about ½ cup and then feed it again with 10
room temperature for about three hours
oz of flour and 8 oz of water, leave it out
and then keep it in the refrigerator until it
for four hours again, then refrigerate. Wait
is used. Another variation is to refrigerate it
right away and keep it cold from the
beginning. A Motherdough starter kept
cold will slow down the growth of the
yeasts and allows the bacteria a chance to
grow. Bacteria will grow at lower
temperatures than the yeasts. It also allows
more sugars to be available later during
proofing and baking, since the yeast gets
less time to feast on it. a couple of days before using. You don’t
need to leave the Motherdough out each
A Motherdough is best if you let it ferment
time you feed it unless you want to kick
at least two to three days in the refrigerator,
start it for baking sooner.
but be sure to use it within 5 days. If you
don’t use it within 5 days or so, the gluten If I am not planning to use my

in the dough will break down completely Motherdough soon, I feed it and

and turn into a gooey, gluey mass which immediately place it back into the

you do not want to use for making your refrigerator. I try to use Motherdough two

bread. It cannot be recovered, don’t bother or three days after feedings as it is the most

trying to use it as your bread will be flat, vigorous at that time, especially on day 3.

21
Motherdough kept at lower hydration like A lower hydration Motherdough is
50% – 60 % will take longer to reach its capable of a greater sour but is harder to
peak in the refrigerator. work with because of the developed gluten.
There are a few different ways to
Breads made using Motherdough have
incorporate a low hydration Motherdough
some wonderful qualities that are lacking
(50% – 60 %) into the final dough. You can
in other breads. There is a complexity of
mix the rest of the dough first keeping out
flavor, the most wonderful smell and a
one cup of flour and then after autolysis is
deep reddish color to the crust that make
over, add the salt. Then add the last cup of
these kinds of sourdough breads very
flour, mix, and then add chunks of
appealing. They are not usually very sour,
Motherdough to the dough last. Leaving
but somewhat mild and slightly tangy. The
out the last cup of flour allows the dough to
taste is incredible. You would have to try
be wet enough to dissolve the salt after
baking with a Motherdough starter to
autolyse, in a low hydration dough.
understand. To obtain a sour flavor, using
Motherdough, you would need to work on Another method of mixing Motherdough is to

the technique, with a long cool retarding of mix up the first part of the dough completely
including the salt. Let the dough set for 20
the dough and a warm up cycle in the final
minutes and then add chunks of the
proof. It also helps to have some rye or
Motherdough to the rest of the dough and meld
whole wheat, or use some diastatic malt in
the two doughs together. You don’t really need
the dough to bring out the flavor and sour. to autolyse when you have a Motherdough in
The salted Motherdough technique also large amounts as part of the dough. This is
helps increase the sour tang. because the Motherdough itself has been
autolysed for a long time in the refrigerator.
A higher hydration Motherdough that is The easiest way to add Motherdough that is
fairly wet is easier to incorporate into the low in hydration to your dough is to break the
final dough during mixing and will give a Motherdough into chunks and put them in your

sweeter, milder flavor. To use a high mixer. Then add the liquids, flours and salt,
mixing all together at the same time.
hydration Motherdough, add it to the
mixer first before adding the other
ingredients.

22
 MOTHERDOUGH DIRECTIONS

Motherdough Directions
80 % hydration dough
( will make 1pound 0.8 oz/ 476.3 g of Motherdough)

Stir together:
 166% hydration starter – 4 oz or 113.4 g
 water - 5 oz or 141.8 g
 Bread flour - 7.8 oz or 221.1 g

Let Motherdough set out at room temperature for about three hours.
Then refrigerate and let ferment for two or three days. Use for baking.
After using, feed with:
 water – 8 oz or 266.80 g
 Bread flour – 10 oz or 283.50 g

If not used within five days, pour out all but one cup and feed with 8 oz
water and 10 oz flour then refrigerate for use in next baking.

If there is too much Motherdough, cut the ingredient amounts in half.

Motherdough Directions
70 % hydration dough
( will make 1 pound 2.2 oz/ 516.0 g of Motherdough)

Stir together:
 166% hydration starter – 4 oz or 113.4 g
 water - 5 oz or 141.8 g
 Bread flour - 9.2 oz or 260.8 g

Let Motherdough set out at room temperature for about three hours.
Then refrigerate and let ferment for two or three days. Use for baking.
After using, feed with:
 Water - 7 oz or 198.45 g
 Bread flour – 10 oz or 283.50 g

If not used within five days, pour out all but one cup and feed with 7 oz
water and 10 oz flour then refrigerate for use in next baking.

If there is too much Motherdough, cut the ingredient amounts in half.

23
 Motherdough Directions
60 % hydration dough
( will make 1 pound 4.0 oz/ 567.0 g of Motherdough)

Stir together:
 166% hydration starter – 4 oz or 113.4 g
 water - 5 oz or 141.8 g
 Bread flour - 11 oz or 311.9 g

Let Motherdough set out at room temperature for about three hours.
Then refrigerate and let ferment for two or three days. Use for baking.
After using, feed with:
 Water - 6 oz or 170.10 g
 Bread flour – 10 oz or 283.50 g

If not used within five days, pour out all but one cup and feed with 6 oz
water and 10 oz flour then refrigerate for use in next baking.

If there is too much Motherdough, cut the ingredient amounts in half.

Motherdough Directions
50 % hydration dough
( will make 1 pound 6.5 oz or 637.9 g of Motherdough)

Stir together:
 166% hydration starter – 4 oz or 113.4 g
 water - 5 oz or 141.8 g
 Bread flour - 13.5 oz or 382.7 g

Let Motherdough set out at room temperature for about three hours.
Then refrigerate and let ferment for two or three days. Use for baking.
After using, feed with:
 Water - 5 oz or 141.8 g
 Bread flour – 10 oz or 283.50 g

If not used within five days, pour out all but one cup and feed with 6 oz
water and 10 oz flour then refrigerate for use in next baking.

If there is too much Motherdough, cut the ingredient amounts in half.

24
Breads made from Motherdough:

25
 SALT CONTROLLED The effect on the gluten when using salt
controlled fermentation has been positive.
FERMENTATION
It allows me to have 72 hours after mixing,
A MOTHERDOUGH VARIATION until baking for long fermented types of
San Francisco Sourdough bread. I am able
to slowly bring the dough up to room
Adding salt to cold fermented dough (or
temperature and then warm it up even
any dough) delays fermentation. Salt
further in my proofing cabinet
inhibits the growth of yeast, bacteria and
(dishwasher). I have found that an initial
enzymes. Salt inhibits an enzyme called
autolyse period before adding the salt
Protease and keeps it from breaking down
seems to encourage the necessary bacteria.
the gluten. The salt will keep the gluten
The dough should be mixed without the
from liquefying as quickly as it otherwise
salt, autolysed and then the salt added. You
would. The testing I’ve done on salt
can ferment for a while at warmer
controlled fermentation with Motherdough
temperatures during autolyse or refrigerate
has been interesting. A 60% hydration
it right away. Since it is the Protease
Motherdough with no added salt had
enzymes we are trying to inhibit and not
already started to break down and was
the Amylase enzymes which speed along
very sticky by day two at 44F. Another 60%
fermentation and help break down starch
Motherdough with 2% salt added during
into sugar, adding some Diastatic malt to a
mixing was still pliable and smooth on day
salt fermented Motherdough starter is a
seven. It took several days for the acidity to
way to jumpstart the fermentation but still
be noticeable; also the growth of the yeasts
have the Protease inhibited. Add up to 1
was very slow. This slowing down of the
teaspoon (.2 oz/5.7g) of Diastatic Malt per
fermentation is really interesting because
2 lbs (907g) of dough to experiment with. A
you can ferment at an extremely slow rate
recommended amount of salt to use in the
using cold temperatures. This enables you
dough would be up to .1 oz or 2.8 g (about
to keep a Motherdough a longer time
½ teasp) per pound of Motherdough. You
before throwing it away and it allows a
would need to subtract the amount of salt
slowed down version of cold fermentation.
from the main dough when mixing, the

26
same would be true if you are adding to throw away on day 5 or 6. Since salt
Diastatic Malt, the amount would need to slows down fermentation quite a bit, you
be subtracted from the final dough if using have to wait longer to use the
a recipe calling for Diastatic Malt. motherdough as it will not be ready by day
3 like it would be in a saltless
Let’s figure out how to add 1.6 % salt to a
motherdough. Using a salted motherdough
60% motherdough. For 1 lb 4 oz of 60%
with very long fermentation may be a way
motherdough, which is shown in the 60%
to increase the sour flavor in your bread
table, add:
without the usual breakdown of the gluten.

 4 oz of your 166% starter However, you would need to allow the

initial pre-ferment or “seed starter” to get
 5 oz of water really sour. A seed starter is a starter made
and soured for first time use. After the first
 11 oz of bread flour
complete dough is mixed up using the sour
 .2 oz of salt. preferment or seed starter, save some of the
dough and allow it to sour for several days
This would be 1.6 % of the flour weight. To
before using it to make your next batch of
find this percentage:
dough. This saved dough is called, “Pate
There would be 1.5 oz of flour in the Fermente. “
starter and 11 oz of bread flour. That would
When you make delayed fermented dough,
give you 12.5 oz of flour. Then multiply .2
with or without salt, you have CO2
(the amount of salt) x 100(%) divide that by
saturating and dissolved into the dough, so
12.5 (the flour) and it equals 1.6%
that when the dough comes in contact with
In my experiments using around 2% salt in a really hot oven and baking stone, the Co2
60% Motherdough, I have been able to quickly expands and creates a somewhat
extend the fermentation time quite a bit. By dense crumb, but a crumb full of large open
day 7 the Motherdough is noticeably acid holes. This bread has a very pleasing sweet
and the dough is still smooth and strong. A flavor, open, holey crumb and terrific crust.
Motherdough without salt would be ready When you place the dough onto the baking

27
stone it is uninspiring and a bit flat looking, DIASTATIC MALT ENZYMES
but within minutes, it has expanded and
Another addition to salt controlled,
blown up into a puffy fat loaf. It is amazing
fermented dough is Diastatic Malt.
to watch this happen in your oven. Here is
Diastatic Malt is made from sprouted
a picture of Pane Teresa popping in the
barley which has been dried and
oven:
powdered. It is full of enzymes that help
break down the starch into sugars which
the yeasts feed on resulting in the
formation of alcohol and carbon dioxide
(gas bubbles). In white flour, many of the
enzymes that were present in the germ are
removed when it is refined. Although some
enzymes are usually added back to bread
flour, it often isn’t enough for producing
the sought after, very sour flavored breads.
There isn’t a problem obtaining a great sour
flavor in whole grain breads because of the
abundant enzymes available.

If you read the ingredients on the side

of a loaf of San Francisco Sourdough bread,
you will see that barley flour or malted
barley flour (diastatic enzymes) is often
added to the bakery bread flour. Bakeries
have flour blended to their specifications.
The amount of malt flour (diastatic malt)
added is controlled by their needs. The
bread flour they use is also high in protein
to withstand the long fermentation and the

28
action of the enzymes on the gluten. To SAN FRANCISCO SOURDOUGH
produce a sour loaf of bread reminiscent of MADE WITH SALT CONTROLLED
San Francisco Bread, you will need good FERMENTATION:
strong bread flour and some Diastatic malt
The recipe for Salt Fermented
powder. The amount of malt added is
Sourdough is in the Advanced Recipe
approximately .5 % of the total flour weight
Section. Here is the method used:
of the recipe. That turns out to be about 1
teaspoon per two pound loaf. If you try to Day 1: Make your seed starter:
add more than that amount, you could end
up with sticky, unmanageable dough. Since The dough is allowed to autolyse before the

some flours have diastatic malt added salt is added , it is fermented in a warm

already, experiment with the amount to use space for a period of time and then

in your baking. If .5% gives you sticky refrigerated in covered container.

unmanageable dough, cut the amounts

Day 2: through day 3-4, keep dough
down to ½ teaspoon per loaf of bread or
refrigerated and take out once each day to
maybe .3 % of the total flour weight.
knead the dough and fold it over a few
times on itself. Then cover it again and
refrigerate.

Day 4-5: Take out your salt fermented

Motherdough, it should be somewhat
bubbly now, and have a nice smell. Break it
into small chunks and add it to your mixing
bowl. Add the rest of the ingredients and
mix up your dough.

Allow dough to ferment for 4-5 hours. Then

refrigerate the dough in a covered container
until the next evening.

29
Day 6: Around 5:00 pm in the evening, take the other bread to get eaten up). Mix dough
out your cold dough and weigh out two and bulk ferment six hours. Refrigerate.
pieces at two pounds each. Place the rest of
Day 2: Take dough out at 7:00pm and
the dough back into the container and
shape. Cover dough and refrigerate
refrigerate 3 – 5 days more until you mix
overnight.
your next batch of dough. The two pieces of
2 lb dough should be placed in a covered Day 3: Bake. Eat. Yumm!
container and allowed to warm up for an
hour then shaped and placed in a cloth This timetable can be pushed an extra day

lined banneton or basket. Cover the basket with the dough made up and then allowed

with a plastic bag and refrigerate overnight. to ferment and additional day before

(Alternately make up one loaf on day six shaping.

and the second loaf on day 7, the second

If you count the three days the “Pate
loaf0
Fermente” ferments and then the three days
after the dough is mixed until it is baked,
you could say it is a long fermented dough!
6 will be more sour)
You can experiment with the Pate Fermente
Day 7: Take out the proofing dough and see how long you can let it ferment to
staggered 30 minutes apart. Warm up and make really sour flavored bread. Once Pate
finish proofing. Bake using the Roasting Fermente has started to break down it’s
Pan method for steaming. gluten, it will look like this:

Day 8: (Next day) The bread is at it’s most

sour.

After this initial long 7 days the

schedule will look more like this:

Day 1: Take out Pate Fermente which has

fermented for 3-5 days (just long enough for

30
This is still good to use. It is once the dough With cold fermented dough and salt
begins to look and feel like glue that it is too controlled fermentation, you can see that
far gone. Motherdough is an extremely interesting
sourdough to work with. The recipe for Salt
The idea behind this dough is to inhibit the
Fermented Sourdough is in the Advanced
Protease enzymes by adding salt and
Recipes section.
encourage the Amylase enzymes by using
Diastatic Malt. The gluten will not degrade
as quickly and will last through very long
ferments.

Salt Fermented Sourdough:

31
32
 M ORPHING S OURDOUGH a spelt starter. You would then have a well
developed grain flavor added to your
S TARTERS dough and vigorous dough. This also

Morphing sourdough starters means to works well when using Motherdoughs.

morph or combine two or more different Motherdough is a cool fermented starter

starters in the same dough. To do this you kept at a lower hydration than the usual

need at least two different kinds of starters, starter. Using part Motherdough and part

preferably a white starter and a whole whole wheat starter is a good morph

grain starter. The starters are used together combination. Another good morphing

in the same dough. When two starters are combination for a batch of sourdough of at

morphed in the same recipe, there is often least four pounds, is to add 12 oz of liquid

vigorous activity with the combined starter (166%) and 6 oz of a thicker 100%

starters. hydration starter like a rye starter. It is

somewhat like making up a batch of
sourdough and adding the second starter
as an extra for flavor. The thicker starters
will bring the prefermented whole grain
flavor and extra sour to the dough. As
already mentioned, it will also contribute to
a reaction with the main starter to produce
vigorous activity. I find morphing
sourdough starters to be fun and
interesting. You can combine or fine tune
flavors by adding ripened starters, like Rye,
This works especially well when
Wheat or Spelt. You can even combine all
making up a batch of white dough for a
of the above starters to see what the
hearth breads like, Italian, French or a
combination will bring. A whole grain
crusty type of loaf. You would use the
recipe will also benefit from morphing.
regular vigorous white starter and add a
Adding a motherdough starter to a whole
percentage of whole wheat or rye or maybe
grain sourdough bread, will add not only

33
vigor, but the enhanced full flavor that of the recipe, into a preferment before
motherdough brings to every loaf. adding to your final dough.
Combining perhaps a Rye bread starter
Pre-fermenting the whole grains allows
with a Whole wheat or Desem starter, will
the full flavor of the grains to be brought
enhance the full flavor of the Rye and bring
out, breaks down the indigestible parts of
to the loaf, a complex mingling of Rye and
the grain so it becomes more digestible, and
Wheat. The secondary starter is best if fed
adds to the exstensibility of the dough.
and allowed to ferment for at least two to
There is also an increase in enzyme
three days under cool conditions. When
production, which may need to be
you morph sourdough starters, I find that
controlled with the addition of a small
there is often a frenzy of activity in the
amount of salt during pre-fermentation
morphed starters. However, it seems as if a
time. Too much enzymatic activity can
morphed starter uses up it’s oomph quicker
break down the gluten, causing sticky,
too. That usually happens when the starters
unmanageable dough and may cause the
are combined in large quantities (say
sugars in the dough to be used up too
50/50) with each other. If you use a small
quickly. Like all other aspects of sourdough
amount of one starter, say the whole grain
baking, there must be a balance in order to
starter and you combine it with a white
optimize the full potential of the outcome
starter in smaller amounts (25/75 etc), you
(terrific bread).
will still have the pre-fermented whole
grains added to your dough, some extra
activity, but a longer proof as well.

The Morphing technique is a variation

of the Grain Preferment Technique. In
morphing, use the starters you already
have available and which you keep
vigorous by regular feeding.

In the Grain Preferment Technique, you

make sure to incorporate the whole grains

34
Some of the recipes which include the
morphing technique are Pane Peal,
Rosemary Potato Bread and Austrian
Morph.

Rosemary Potato Bread Pane Pearl

Austrian Morph

35
 ADVANCED RECIPES

36
 ALASKAN SOURDOUGH

Alaskan Sourdough Bread is a slightly sweet, mild bread much like a Shepherder’s
bread. This recipe makes 4 lbs 6 oz of dough. It should make up two nice sized
loaves weighing about 2 lb 3 oz each. This dough is 67 % hydration.

To your mixer add:

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 loaves 2 loaves 2 loaves

Sourdough Starter 2 cups 18 oz 510 g 44.2 %

Water 1½ cups 12 oz 340 g 29.4 %

Evaporated Milk ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 9.8 %

Sugar 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.5 %

Melted Butter 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.5 %

Bread Flour 7 ¾ cups 2 lbs 2 oz 964 g 83.4 %

Salt (add after

4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 2.0 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 6.8 oz 4 lb 6.8 oz 2007 g 173.7%

37
 Total Flour Weight 2 lb 8.8 oz 2 lb 8.8 oz 1155 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 11.4 oz 1 lb 11.4 oz 777 g 67.3%
(hydration)

Mix all ingredients together except salt, just until incorporated (about 2- 3 minutes)
and then allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes (autolyse). After autolysis, add the
salt. Then mix dough on low speed for about 2 minutes. Allow the dough to
ferment for about 4 - 6 hours or until doubled. After bulk fermentation, pour out
the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead enough to gather into a ball.

Divide the dough into two pieces. Shape loaf into the general shape you wish and
then allow the dough to rest for 5 – 10 minutes (bench rest). After resting shape
loaves into their final shapes and put them into the proofing baskets or lined
bowls. Let the dough set out for about ½ hour and then put the loaves, still in their
baskets, into a plastic bag and into the refrigerator.

In the morning, take out the loaves one at a time about 30 minutes apart, and allow
the dough to final proof for 1 - 2 hours and then slash, spray once and cover with a
roasting lid which has been preheated in a 425F/218C degree oven. To make the
distinctive slash markings, push your thumb into the middle top of the loaf all the
way to the bottom.
Then make four slashes around the edge of the hole. Bake for 20 minutes. Make
glaze during this time- (see below). After the 20 minutes, take off the roasting lid,
being careful, as hot steam can escape. Then turn down the oven to 400F/204.4C
degrees and continue baking for about 15- 20 more minutes, turning halfway for
even browning (for glazing the crust, see below). Turn oven back up to 425F/218C
and put your roasting lid back in for the next loaf.

Cool. Eat with lots of butter.

To glaze the bread, follow the direction for making the glaze when you start baking
the first loaf. During the last eight minutes of the bake, brush the glaze all over the
crust three times spaced about two minutes apart. Finish the bake, cool, enjoy !

The glaze:

 1/2 cup water

 3/4 teaspoon corn starch
 3/4 teaspoon sugar

To make the glaze, add sugar and cornstarch to the water and boil for one
minute, take off burner and cool.

38
 CIABATTA

Ciabatta Loaf made with a traditional starter

This recipe is started in the evening around 5:00pm:

In your dough mixer add:

 18 oz 166% vigorous starter

 6 oz water
 3 oz canned milk
 1 Tablespoon Oil (.5 oz)
 2.5 teaspoons salt added after autolyse(.5 oz)
 1 lbs 6 oz of bread flour

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Starter @ 166% 2 cups 18 oz 510 g 62.6 %

Water ¾ cup 6 oz 170 g 20.9 %

¼ cup + 2
Canned Milk 3 oz 85 g 10.4 %
TBSP

Oil 1 TBSP 0.5 oz 14 g 1.7 %

4 + 3/4
Bread Flour 1 lbs 6 oz 623 g 76.5 %
cups
Salt (add after
2 ½ teasp .5 oz 14 g 1.7 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 3 lb 2.0 oz 3 lb 2.0 oz 1417 g 173.8 %

39
 Total Flour Weight 1 lb 12.8 oz 1 lb 12.8 oz 815 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 4.2 oz 1 lb 4.2 oz 573 g 70.3%
(hydration)

You will be able to make about 2 loaves at 1 lb 9 oz each and the finished dough is at
70% hydration.

Mix together all ingredients (except the salt), for about three minutes on low/medium
speed in your mixer. Then let dough set for 20 minutes (autolysis). Add the salt and mix
the dough for 5 more minutes, using the lowest speed on your mixer.

Place the dough in a folding trough and let dough ferment for 4 hours at room
temperature. Once an hour, stir or fold the dough over on itself. After the dough is done
bulk fermenting, place in the refrigerator overnight in a covered container. Next
morning allow the dough to warm up either at room temperature for two hours or in a
proofing box (dishwasher) for one hour at around 80-90F/ 26-32C degrees. When the
dough is warmed up pour it onto a very well floured surface. This dough is like a thick
batter. Measure out about 1 lb 8 oz of dough for each loaf and pour this sticky lump out
onto the heavily floured surface. The dough will be like a thick blob on top of the flour.

Now fold the dough over on top of itself, keeping your hands only on the floured parts
of the dough, it will stiffen up somewhat. You do not want to knead this dough because
you want to avoid adding too much flour to the wet dough.

Just keep plenty of flour on the surface of the dough to keep it from sticking to the table,
if it does stick, peel it off with your pastry scraper. Place dough onto a floured baking
sheet or a heavily floured couche. When both loaves are shaped, let proof for about 1 -
1.5 hours.

Once the loaves are nice and puffy, dimple the dough with your fingertips, pressing
them into the dough to flatten it somewhat.

Just before putting the dough into the oven, take the loaf and stretch it out a small
amount lengthwise, then bake in a preheated oven at 450F/232C degrees for 15 minutes,
turn loaves around and turn oven down to 425F/218C for another 15- 18 minutes or until
a deep golden brownish red.
You can place your baking sheet directly onto the baking stone, or you can slide the
loaves off of the pan and directly onto the stone (if you pan is flat with no sides. If you
use a couche, turn out your loaves onto a well floured peel and place into the hot oven
directly onto the hot stone.
If you can cover the dough with a roasting lid for the first 12 minutes, that would work
even better, however, don’t spray the loaves with water, just allow the steam from the
dough to do the job. Cool loaves and then slice and serve with lots of butter.

40
 DILL RYE

This is an easy rye bread for those who are hesitant about using rye flour. It has
plenty of bread flour but is also higher in hydration so you can actually get a nice
holey rye bread. It has a wonderful flavor.

Around 2:00 pm add to your mixer:

Volume Standard Metric
Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Sourdough Starter 2 cups 18 oz 510 g 44.9 %

Water 2 cups 16 oz 453 g 39.9 %

Molasses 2 TBSP 1.5 oz 42 g 3.7 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.5 %

Rye Flour 3 cups 10.8 oz 306 g 27 %

Bread Flour 5 cups 1 lbs 6.5 oz 637 g 56.2 %

Onion Powder 1/2 teasp

Onion Flakes -
2 TBSP
toasted

Dill Seeds 2 TBSP

Caraway Seeds 1 TBSP

41
 Rubbed Dry Dill 1 TBSP

Salt (add after

4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 2.0 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 6.6 oz 4 lb 6.6 oz 2001 g 176.2%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 8.1 oz 2 lb 8.1 oz 1136 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 11.5 oz 1 lb 11.5 oz 780 g 68.7%
(hydration)

Mix together on a medium speed all ingredients except salt, just until incorporated,
this takes about three to four minutes. Then allow the dough to autolyse (rest) for
20 minutes.
After autolyse, add the salt and mix dough on low speed for one more minute. Now
let the dough bulk ferment for about 4 hours. After bulk fermentation, pour out the
dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead a couple of times, then gather into a
ball.

Divide the dough into approximately 2 pieces weighing a little over 2 lbs each.
Shape and place in bannetons and cover with plastic bags. Refrigerate the dough
overnight. In the morning take out the dough one by one 30 minutes apart. Allow
the dough to proof for one half to two hours or until done proofing. Preheat oven to
425F/218C degrees.

When ready to bake, turn dough out onto peel and slash. Place dough onto hot
baking stone, spray with water all over the dough and cover with preheated
roasting lid. Bake at 425F/218C degrees for 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes, take
off the roasting lid and set the lid on top of your oven. Turn down the oven to
400F/204C and continue to bake for another 15-20 minutes.

When bread registers 200-205F/93-96C on an instant read thermometer, take out the
bread and place on cooling rack. Put the roasting lid back into the oven and heat the
oven to 425F/218C before baking next loaf. Cool your Dill Rye completely before
slicing. Rye bread is better the next day.

42
 GRIFFIN’S BREAD

This recipe is named after my grandson, Griffin Greenway. It is a lower hydration dough
using a warm ferment to bring out the sour flavor and airy crumb. This bread is terrific!

This bread uses a 60% Motherdough. Motherdough needs to be made three to four days in
advance. To make the 60% hydration Motherdough, combine the first three ingredients
below and then allow the Motherdough to ferment at room temperature for 3 – 4 hours.
Then place the dough into a lightly covered container and refrigerate at least 3 days before
using.

Substitute 1 oz of whole wheat flour for 1 oz of the bread flour, to the motherdough to
raise the ash content of the dough and promote a sour flavor.

60% hydration
Standard Metric Bakers %
Motherdough

166% Starter 6 oz 170 g 36.9 %

Water 6 oz 170 g 36.9 %

43
 Bread Flour 14 oz 396 g 86.1 %

Total Dough Weight 1 lb 10 oz 737 g 159.9 %

Total Flour Weight 1 lb 0.3 oz 460 g 100%

Total Water Weight

9.7 oz 276 g 60 %
(hydration)

After use feed with:

Water 6 oz 170 g

Bread Flour 10 oz 283 g

Use powdered Diastatic Malt which is rich in live enzymes,

To make up Griffin’s Bread:

Start this at 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Standard Metric
Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves

60% Motherdough 1 lb 5.3 oz 604 g 54.2 %

Water 16 oz 453 g 40.7 %

Bread Flour 1 lbs 10 oz 737 g 66.1 %

.2 oz (about
Diastatic Malt Powder 5.7 g 0.5 %
2 teaspoons)

Salt (add now) .8 oz 22 g 2.0 %

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 0.3 oz 1814 g 163.1%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 7.3 oz 1112 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 7.9 oz 679 g 61%
(hydration)

Add the Motherdough in chunks to your mixer. Then add the rest of the ingredients
including the salt. Mix on medium speed until the ingredients are incorporated. Then allow
the dough to rest for 20 minutes to rest. After the 20 minutes rest, mix dough for another 3
minutes.

44
Then put the dough into a folding trough or large container and bulk ferment the dough in
a warm place (80 – 90F/26-30C) for 4 hours.

I use my dishwasher to keep the dough warm. Simply put a thermometer in your
dishwasher, turn the dishwasher to the heating/drying cycle for five minutes(use a timer),
when the thermometer is between 80 -90 degrees F, turn off the dishwasher and pour a cup
of water into the bottom of the dishwasher for humidity.

Then put your dough, which is in the folding trough, into the dishwasher. Make sure to
keep a lid on the trough. Fold the dough once each hour (see section on dough folding).
Each hour when you fold the dough, check the temperature, and if needed, set your timer
and heat the dishwasher again for five minutes, if necessary.
After bulk fermentation, divide the dough into two pieces about 2 pounds each, and then
gather each into the general shape you desire. Let dough bench rest for five minutes and
then do a final shaping of the dough.

Place the shaped dough into Semolina floured bannetons. Put the bannetons containing the
shaped dough into plastic bags and refrigerate overnight for 12 – 15 hours. Next day take
out each dough one at a time, staggering by 30 minutes so that they are not both ready to
bake at the same time. Allow the dough to proof for about one more hour (it may take
longer) in a warm place (80- 90F) until the dough is almost doubled and puffy looking.
During this last proofing hour, make sure your oven, baking stone and roasting lid are
preheated to 425F/218C degrees.

When the dough is proofed, turn it out onto a semolina floured peel, slash the dough and
slide the dough onto your hot baking stone.
Next, spray the dough once, quite well, all over, then using the roasting pan method bake at
425F/218C degrees for 20 minutes. After the first 20 minutes, take off the roasting lid , turn
the oven down to 400F/ 204C and let the bread bake another 20 minutes. Turn loaf during
the last 10 minutes for even browning.
Dough should register about 200-205F/93-96C internal temperature on a thermometer
when done.

45
 Motherdough ready to use:

In the folding trough:

46
47
48
 HEARTH FLAXSEED LOAF

This hearty hearth loaf is a mixture of whole grains and seeds and is lightened with
bread flour. This is a 67% dough but isn’t really that wet because of the whole grains
in it.

Start this recipe in the afternoon about 1:00pm.

Before you start, take ¼ cup coarse ground whole wheat – 1.5 oz and pour ¼ cup
boiling water- 2 oz over it, let cool.

Then in your mixer combine:

 2 cups active sourdough starter – 18 oz

 2 cups warm water – 16 oz
 2 TBSP Oil – 1 oz
 2 TBSP malt syrup – 1.6 oz
 1/4 cup cornmeal – 1.2 oz
 2/3 cup rye Flour- 2.4 oz
 3 cups whole wheat flour – 12.6
 1/3 cups bread flour 1 lb 3.4 oz
 4 teaspoons salt (add salt after autolyse) - .8 oz

49
 Process ingredients in your mixer on speed two or medium speed, for about two
minutes, until ingredients are incorporated. Then Autolyse for 20 minutes. After
Autolyse add salt and mix for another two minutes. Next, bulk ferment for 6 hours
at room temperature. While bulk fermenting you can either use a dough folding
trough (see Dough Folding) or keep the dough in your mixer and fold the dough
once each hour. If you keep your dough in your mixer, turn your mixer on low and
spin down the dough once an hour using only three turns of the hook. After the
bulk ferment is up add the following ingredients:

 ¼ cup Flax Seeds – 1.5 oz

 ¼ cup Millet Seeds – 1.9 oz
 Coarse ground wheat w/boiling
water

Mix the seeds and wheat into the dough well, either by hand or on low speed if
you kept your dough in the mixer.

Place dough on rye floured surface, knead a few times (just enough to gather into a
ball), divide dough into two pieces. Shape the dough into the general shape you
wish it to be and let it rest for 5 – 10 minutes. Then do a final shaping of the loaves
and place them into proofing bannetons or baskets lined with a proofing cloth and
sprinkled with rye flour. Cover the whole basket with a plastic bag.

Refrigerate overnight. In the morning take out your loaves 40 minutes apart and let
them warm up until proofed and ready to bake (1.5 - 3 hours). If you want to put
Flax seeds on the top of the crust: beat one egg with one Tablespoon of water,
brush this egg mixture over the loaves and sprinkle with Flax seeds. Slash dough.
Place dough in a preheated 425F/218C degree oven, onto a hot baking stone.
Working quickly…

Spray the dough all over once with water, and then cover the dough with a
roasting lid which has also been preheated in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then
take off the roasting lid and turn down the oven to 400F/204C degrees.

Continue baking for 20 -25 more minutes, turning the loaf once for even browning.
The bread should register 200-205F/93-96C degrees on an instant thermometer. For
the next loaf, turn the oven back up to 425F/218C degrees and put the roasting lid
back in to preheat until the loaf is ready to go in. Bake the same as the first loaf.
Cool and enjoy slathered with fresh butter. This bread makes terrific toast and
sandwiches.

50
 Volume Standard Metric
Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Mix together in
mixer:

Sourdough Starter 2 cups 1 lb 2 oz 510 g 41.0 %

Water 2 cups 16 oz 453 g 36.5 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.3 %

Malt Syrup 2 TBSP 1.6 oz 45 g 3.6 %

Cornmeal ¼ cup 1.2 oz 34 g 2.7 %

Rye Flour 2/3 cup 2.4 oz 68 g 5.5

Whole Wheat Flour 3 cups 12.6 oz 357 g 28.7 %

4 1/3
Bread Flour 1 lb 3.4 oz 550 g 44.2 %
cups

Cracked Wheat ¼ cup 1.5 oz 42 g 3.4 %

Boiling Water ¼ cup 2 oz 56 g 4.6 %

¼ cup
Seeds (Millet, Flax) each type 3.4 oz 96 g 7.8 %
seed
Salt (add after
4 ½ teasp .9 oz 25 g 2.1 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 5 lb 5 lb 2268 g 182.4%

2 lb 11.9 2 lb 11.9
Total Flour Weight 1198 g 100.0 %
oz oz
Total Water Weight 1 lb 13.7 1 lb 13.7
842.4 g 67.7%
(hydration) oz oz

51
 LIGHT ONION RYE

Here is a rye bread for those times you don’t want to pre-ferment. This is a higher
hydration rye bread to help obtain a holey crumb, it makes approximately 4 lbs.

In your dough mixer add:

 2 cups vigorous sourdough starter at 166% hydration – 18

oz
 1 ¾ cups water – 14 oz
 2 Tablespoons Oil – 1.0 oz
 1 Tablespoon Malt syrup – 0.8 oz
 3 Tablespoons dried onion flakes – .6
 2 Tablespoons Caraway seeds – 0.5 oz
 1 ½ teaspoons granulated onion – .1
 3 ½ teaspoons salt – .7 oz
 2 cups Rye flour – 7.2 oz
 2 cups Whole Wheat flour –8.4 oz
 3 cups Bread flour (approximately) – 13.5 oz

Mix together all ingredients except salt for 2 – 3 minutes until well mixed. Autolyse
and then add salt. Mix for one more minute to mix in the salt. Let proof for 4 - 6
hours or until doubled. Pour dough out on lightly floured (Whole Wheat or Rye
flour works best) surface and knead into a ball about 4 to 5 kneads.
Separate into two pieces and form each part into a loaf. Place loaves upside down in
bowls or baskets lined with a proofing cloth and sprinkled with Rye flour. Cover
with a plastic bag and place in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning take out
each loaf 40 minutes apart, uncover and let rise ( 2 - 3 hours or until ready). As each

52
loaf is done proofing, sprinkle the bottom with flour, turn right side up onto a peel.
Then slash the dough while it is still on the peel, slide it into the hot preheated
450F/232.2C degree oven onto a hot baking stone, spray the dough once with water
quickly, and then cover with a roasting lid which has also been preheated in the
oven.
Bake for 20 minutes. After 20minutes, take off the roasting lid and turn down the
oven to 400F/204.4C degrees. Continue baking for 18 - 25 more minutes or until your
bread thermometer reads 200-205F/93-96C. Turn the loaf halfway through the last
baking period for even browning. Cool. For the next loaf, turn the oven back up
and put the roasting lid back in to preheat for five - ten minutes or until the loaf is
ready to go in.
Cool and eat with fresh butter.

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

166% Starter 2 cups 18 oz 510 g 50.2 %

Water 1 ¾ cups 14 oz 397 g 39.0 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.8 %

Malt Syrup 1 TBSP .8 oz 22 g 2.2 %

Toasted Dried Onion

3 TBSP .6 oz 17 g 1.7 %
Flakes

Caraway Seeds 2 TBSP .5 oz 14 g 1.4 %

Granulated Onion
1 ½ teasp .1 oz 2.8 g 0.3 %
Powder

Rye Flour 2 cups 7.2 204 g 20.1 %

Whole Wheat Flour 2 cups 8.4 238 g 23.4 %

Bread Flour 3 cups 13.5 oz 382 g 37.6 %

Salt (add after

3 ½ teasp .7 oz 19.8 g 2.0 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 0.8 oz 4 lb 0.8 oz 1837 g 180.7%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 3.9 oz 2 lb 3.9 oz 1016 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 9.5 oz 1 lb 9.5 oz 722 g 71.0 %
(hydration)

53
 100% WHOLEGRAIN MICHE

100% Wholegrain Miche uses a whole wheat Starter which is at 100 % hydration
(ratio = 8 oz water : 8 oz flour) This recipe makes 3 lbs 2.2 oz of dough, enough for
one large Miche loaf. The dough is at 70% hydration. This recipe has no white flour
in it.

For Preferment:
At 12:00 pm, to a large covered container add:

 1 cup whole wheat starter at 100 % hydration – 9 oz/255g

 2 cups water – 16 oz/453 g
 1 cup Rye flour – 3.6 oz/102 g
 3 cups sifted Spring Wheat flour – 12.6 oz/ 357 g - sift the
whole wheat flour to remove the bran
 1 teaspoon salt - .2 oz/5.7

Ingredients Volume Standard Metric Bakers %

Whole Wheat or Rye

Starter 100% 1 cup 9 oz 255 g 43.5%
hydration

Water 2 cups 16 oz 453 g 77.3 %

54
 Rye Flour 1 cup 3.6 oz 102 g 17.4 %

Sifted Whole Wheat

3 cups 12.6 oz 357 g 60.9 %
Flour

Salt 1 teasp .2 oz 5.7 g 1.0 %

Bread Flour 3 cups 13.5 oz 382 g 75.5 %

Total Weight 2 lb 9.4 oz 2 lb 9.4 oz 1173 g 200.0%

Hydration 99.0 %

Cover lightly with a lid and allow mixture to ferment at room temperature
68 – 75 degrees, until 5:00 pm

Then pour your sponge ferment into your mixer or knead in:

 2 cups sifted Wheat flour – 8.4 oz/238 g

Add the wheat flour a bit at a time until it is all incorporated into the dough, use
the lowest speed setting on your mixer. After the flour has been incorporated turn
off your mixer and allow the dough to autolyse (rest) for 20 minutes. After the
autolyse period, turn your mixer back on the lowest speed and add:

 2 teaspoons Salt - .4 oz/11 g

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Preferment All All All 141.8%

Whole Wheat Flour

2 cup 8.4 oz 238 g 28.8 %
sifted

Salt 2 teasp .4 oz 11 g 2.1 %

Total Dough Weight 3 lb 2.2 oz 3 lb 2.2 oz 1423 g 171.9%

Total Flour Weight 1 lb 13.2 oz 1 lb 13.2 oz 827.9 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 4.6 oz 1 lb 4.6 oz 583.9 g 70.5 %
(hydration)

55
 Mix in the salt on low speed just until incorporated, about one minutes. Dough will
be sticky. You can pour the dough back into the large container and let it ferment
until around 9:00 pm. Pour out the dough onto a lightly floured (Rye or Wheat
flour) surface and knead a couple of times, then gather into a ball.

Let dough rest for 10 minutes and then do a final shaping. Place the dough into the
proofing basket, which is lined with a proofing cloth (Bannetons do not have to be
lined). Put basket of dough, covered with a plastic bag, in the refrigerator
overnight. Next morning take out loaf and allow to proof 1 – 3 hours or until ready
to bake.
When the dough is ready and feels bubbly and springy but not saggy, then take the
loaf and sprinkle the top (actually the bottom) with semolina or whole grain flour
and turn the dough out onto a peel or flat baking sheet. Then slash the dough while
still on the peel, slide into the hot preheated 450F/232C degree oven onto a hot
baking stone, spray the dough once with water quickly, and then cover with a
roasting lid which has also been preheated in the oven.

Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, take off the roasting lid and turn down the
oven to 400F/204C degrees. Continue baking for about 40 more minutes, turning the
loaf once for even browning. To make sure the loaf is done, using your bread
thermometer, check to see if it is at 200-205F/93-96C degrees in the center of the loaf.

If the crust seems to be getting too brown while baking, cover the top lightly with a
piece of foil. Miche is best if left to cool completely and it improves in flavor and
texture as it does so. Eat with plenty of fresh butter and/or cream cheese.

56
 FLEMISH DESEM

If you want to make a really good loaf of 100% Whole Wheat Bread try Desem.
Desem is a sourdough made from organic whole wheat. To find out more about
Desem and how to make your own Desem, read The Laurel’s Kitchen Bread Book
by Laurel Robertson.

This is my method for baking up Desem:

I keep Desem at 80% hydration in my refrigerator at 44F/ 6.7C. To make up an 80%

hydration of Desem, you would keep your Desem or Whole Wheat starter by
feeding with 5 oz of flour and 4 oz of water, or using that ratio.

For Desem Preferment:

In the evening, to a large container add:

Ingredients Volume Standard Metric Bakers %

Whole Wheat or
Desem Starter 80% 1½ cups 13.5 oz 382 g 67.2%
hydration

Water 1½ cups 12 oz 340 g 59.7 %

Organic Whole Wheat

3 cups 12.6 oz 357 g 62.7 %
Flour

57
 Total Weight 2 lb 6.1 oz 2 lb 6.1 oz 1080 g 189.6%

Hydration 89.6 %

Mix all of the ingredients together and leave at room temperature overnight in a
covered container.

Desem Pre-ferment after mixing: …and the next morning:

In the morning pour your Pre-ferment into your mixer or knead in:

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Preferment All All All 92.7%

Water 1 ¼ cups 10 283 24.3

Whole Wheat Flour

5 cups 21 oz 595 g 51.1 %
sifted
Salt(add after
4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 1.9 %
Autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 5.9 oz 4 lb 5.9 oz 1981 g 170.1%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 9.1 oz 2 lb 9.1 oz 1165 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 12 oz 1 lb 12 oz 793.9 g 68.1 %
(hydration)

58
Desem right after mixing: Desem after Autolyse and 7 minutes mixing:

Mix all ingredients together on medium speed for about three minutes except salt.
Then Autolyse for 20 minutes. After the autolyse period, turn your mixer back on
the lowest speed and add the salt. Mix for about 7 more minutes on low speed.

Let dough bulk ferment for 5 – 6 hours or until doubled. Then divide dough into
two pieces, pre-shape, bench rest, then do a final shaping.

Place the dough into the

proofing baskets, which are
lined with a proofing cloth
(Bannetons do not have to
be lined). Allow to proof 2–
2.5 hours in a warm
proofing box (80 -90F/26-
32C).
When the dough is ready
and feels bubbly and
springy but not saggy, then
take the loaf and sprinkle
the top (actually the

bottom) with semolina or whole grain flour and turn the dough out onto a peel or
flat baking sheet. Then slash the dough while still on the peel, slide into the hot
preheated 425F/218C degree oven onto a hot baking stone, spray the dough once

59
 with water quickly, and then cover with a roasting lid which has also been
preheated in the oven.

Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, take off the roasting lid and turn down the
oven to 400F/204C degrees. Continue baking for about 20 more minutes, turning the
loaf once for even browning. To make sure the loaf is done, using your bread
thermometer, check to see if it is at 200-205F/93-96C degrees in the center of the loaf.

60
 PUMPKIN SOURDOUGH

Pumpkin Sourdough uses pie pumpkin or Winter squash. This recipe makes 4 lbs
3.7oz of dough, enough for two nice sized loaves.

The dough is at 70.1% hydration, it is sticky and difficult to work with but the taste
is terrific.

For the Pre-ferment:

In the late afternoon around 4:00 – 5:00 pm, to a large covered container
add:

 1 cup ripe, vigorous starter at 166 % hydration – 9 oz

 1 ½ cups water – 12 oz
 3 cups bread flour – 13.5 oz

Preferment Volume Standard Metric Bakers %

Sourdough Starter
1 cup 9 oz 255 g 53.3 %
166% hydration

Water 1 ½ cups 12 oz 340 g 71.1 %

61
 Bread Flour 3 cups 13.5 oz 382 g 80.0 %

Total Weight 2 lb 2.5 oz 2 lb 2.5 oz 978 g 204.3%

Hydration 1 lb 1.6 oz 1 lb 1.6 oz 499 g 104.3 %

Cover lightly with a lid and allow mixture to ferment at room temperature until
around 9:00 – 10:00 pm.
Then put the preferment into the refrigerator overnight.

Next morning around 7:00 am:

 Put ¾ cup – 6.3 oz of Pumpkin or Squash into a blender with 1/2 cup - 4
oz of evaporated milk and blend the squash until smooth.
Now add the pumpkin milk mixture to your dough mixer and also add:

 2 Tablespoon Oil – 1 oz
 1 heaping Tablespoon malt syrup or honey – 1 oz
 4 ½ cups Bread flour – 20.2 oz bread flour- you can use part all purpose
flour
 3 ½ teaspoons salt (add after autolyse) - .7 oz

As an alternate:
 Intead of 1 heaping Tablespoon- use 2 heaping Tablespoons of non
diastatic malt syrup or honey – 2 oz in the dough
 Sprinkle cinnamon on dough when shaping loaves, so the cinnamon is
swirled throughout the loaf
 Add raisins to the dough when shaping the loaves

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Preferment All All All 93.0 %

Evaporated Milk ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 10.8 %

Canned Pumpkin ¾ cup 6.3 oz 178 g 17.0 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.7 %

1 Heaping
Malt Syrup 1 oz 28 g 2.7 %
TBSP

Bread Flour 4½ cups 20.2 oz 572 g 54.5 %

Salt 3 ½ teasp .7 oz 19.8 g 1.9 %

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 Total Dough Weight 4 lb 3.7 oz 4 lb 3.7 oz 1919 g 182.5%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 5.1 oz 2 lb 5.1 oz 1051 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 10 oz 1 lb 10 oz 737 g 70.1 %
(hydration)

Mix all of the ingredients until incorporated. Use the low or medium speed setting
on your mixer. After the ingredients have been mixed together, turn off your mixer
and allow the dough to autolyse (rest) for 20 minutes. After the autolyse period,
turn your mixer back on the lowest speed and add the .9 oz of salt.

Let the dough mix on low speed for about four minutes to develop the gluten.
Dough will be very sticky. Place the dough back into a dough folding trough if you
have one or a large container and let it ferment for four hours until around 11:30
am. If using folding trough, fold the dough about once an hour to strengthen the
gluten.

After fermenting for four hours, take the dough and divide it into two pieces. Then
using a well floured surface shape and place the loaves into the proofing baskets,
lined with heavily floured proofing cloths or use a couche. To stagger the loaves,
shape the second loaf 30 minutes after the first loaf, so they can be baked at
different times. Allow loaves to final proof, which should take 1 – 2 hours. When
there is about an hour until baking time, preheat your oven to 450F/232.2C degrees.

When the dough is ready and feels bubbly and springy, take the first loaf and turn
the dough out onto a peel or flat baking sheet. Press pumpkin seeds into the top of
the dough and slash if you wish. Slide into the hot preheated 450F/232.2C degree
oven, onto a hot baking stone, spray the dough once with water quickly, and then
cover with a roasting lid which has also been preheated in the oven. Bake for 20
minutes. After 20 minutes, take off the roasting lid and turn down the oven to
400F/204.4C degrees.

Continue baking for 15 - 20 more minutes, turning the loaf once for even browning.
To make sure the loaf is done, using your bread thermometer, check to see if it is at
200-205F/93-96C degrees in the center of the loaf. For the next loaf, turn the oven
back up to 450F/232.2C degrees and put the roasting lid back in to preheat. Bake the
same as the first loaf. This bread is a light pumpkin colored, airy loaf with crunchy
roasted seeds on the top crust. It will make a great Halloween buffet loaf.

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64
 SPELT SOURDOUGH

Sourdough Spelt Bread uses a pre-ferment and a Desem or Whole Wheat Starter
which is at 100 % hydration (ratio : 4.5oz water/4.5 oz flour) This recipe makes 4 lbs
of dough, enough for two large loaves at 2 lb each. The pre-ferment is started in the
evening. The dough is at 66.9% hydration.

To a large container add:

 2 ½ cups water – 20 oz/567 g
 1 cup Desem or Whole Wheat starter at 100% hydration –
9.0 oz/255 g
 3 ½ cups Whole Spelt Flour – 12 .2 oz/345.9 g
 2 cups Whole Wheat Flour – 8.4 oz/238 g
 1 teaspoons of salt - .2 oz/5.7 g

This will produce 3 lbs 1.8 oz of pre-ferment at 97.6 % hydration.

Mix the ingredients well and let the preferment set at room temperature overnight.

Next morning pour the pre-ferment into your mixer and add:

 2 Tablespoons Oil – 1 oz/28 g

 1 Tablespoon Non Diastatic Malt Syrup - .8 oz/22 g
 2 ½ teaspoons salt - .5 oz/14 g
 2 2/3 cups Bread flour – 11.9 oz/337 g

65
 Mix the ingredients on a medium speed just until mixed, this takes about two
minutes. Then allow the dough to autolyse (rest) for 20 minutes.
After autolysis, mix dough on low speed for about 4 minutes. Then let the dough
bulk ferment (which just means the first rise) for 3 – 4 hours until doubled. After
bulk fermentation, pour out the dough onto a lightly floured (Spelt flour) surface
and knead a couple of times, then gather into a ball.

Divide the dough into two or three pieces. Stagger the shaping of the loaves 30
minutes apart. Shape loaves into the general shape you wish and then allow the
dough to rest for 10 minutes (bench rest). After resting, shape loaves into their final
shapes and put them into the proofing baskets, or pans which are lined with
proofing cloths if you wish (Bannetons do not have to be lined).

Allow the dough to rise until proofing is done. Proofing is the second raising of the
dough. For this recipe it will take around 1.5 – 2 hours. When the dough is ready
and feels bubbly and springy but not saggy, then taking the first loaf sprinkle the
top (actually the bottom) with semolina or whole grain flour and turn the dough
out onto a peel or flat baking sheet.

Then slash the dough while still on the peel, slide into the hot preheated 450F/232C
degree oven onto a hot baking stone, spray the dough once with water quickly, and
then cover with a roasting lid which has also been preheated in the oven. Bake for
20 minutes. After 20 minutes, take off the roasting lid and turn down the oven to
425F/218C degrees.

Continue baking for 15-20 more minutes, turning the loaf once for even browning.
For the next loaf, turn the oven back up and put the roasting lid back in to preheat
for five minutes until the loaf is ready to go in. Bake the same as the first loaf. Cool
this delicious bread and eat with fresh butter. Sourdough Spelt Bread has a chewy
crust and a soft, moist crumb and is great for sandwiches or toast or to eat fresh
with cream cheese.

66
67
 SAN FRANCISCO SHARP

San Francisco Sharp Sourdough uses a very long ferment. It is best to use the San
Francisco starter which is very long proofing, but other starters will work as long as
they are at least 6 hour proofing starters. This recipe makes about 4 lbs of dough,
enough for two nice sized loaves at 2 lbs each.. The dough is at 67.9% hydration.
Timing is important in this recipe. Start by making a preferment in the morning at
11.00 am.
For Preferment:
At 11:00 am, to a large covered container add:

 1 cup ripe, vigorous starter at 166 % hydration – 9 oz

 1 ½ cups water – 12 oz
 ¼ cup whole wheat flour- 1 oz
 3 cups bread flour – 13.5 oz

68
 Preferment Volume Standard Metric Bakers %

Sourdough Starter
1 cup 9 oz 255 g 50.3%
166% hydration

Water 1 ½ cups 12 oz 340 g 67.1 %

Whole Wheat Flour 1/4 cup 1 oz 28 g 5.6 %

Bread Flour 3 cups 13.5 oz 382 g 75.5 %

Total Weight 2 lb 3.5 oz 2 lb 3.5 oz 1006 g 198.5%

Hydration 98.5 %

Cover lightly with a lid and allow mixture to ferment at room temperature of 70 – 75
degrees. Let it ferment until 4:00 pm and then

Pour the preferment into your mixer and add:

 ¾ cup water – 6 oz
 ¼ cup evaporated canned milk- 2 oz
 2 teasp Diastatic Malt powder - .2 oz
 4 2/3 cups Bread flour – 20.9 oz
 4 tsp salt -.8 oz (add after autolyse)

Mix all ingredients together including salt until well mixed, this will take about 2 -3
minutes. Allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes. After the rest period, turn your mixer back
on the lowest speed mix for another two minutes.

Dough will be sticky. Place the dough back into a folding container and let it ferment until
9:00 pm, folding dough once each hour. Then place the container into the refrigerator
overnight. Next morning at 7:00 am take out the container of dough, take off the lid and
allow the dough to warm up for two hours until 9:00 am.

Now take half of the dough, shape and place the first loaf into a proofing basket, lined with
a proofing cloth, (Bannetons do not have to be lined). Keep the other half of the dough
covered with plastic or in a covered container to keep it from drying out. Then 30 minutes
later shape the second loaf. Allow both loaves to warm up and do their final proof, this
should take 2 – 3 hours, or until the loaf looks about 1 ½ times it’s original size. Preheat
your oven to 450F/232.2C degrees when there is about an hour left until baking time.
When the dough is ready and feels bubbly and springy, take the first loaf sprinkle the top
(actually the bottom) with semolina and turn the dough out onto a peel or flat baking sheet.
Then slash the dough while still on the peel, slide into the hot preheated 450F/232.2C degree
oven onto a hot baking stone, spray the dough once with water quickly, and then cover with
a roasting lid which has also been preheated in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes. After
20minutes, take off the roasting lid and turn down the oven to 425F/218C degrees. Continue
baking for 15 more minutes, turning the loaf once for even browning. To make sure the loaf
is done, using your bread thermometer, check to see if it is at 200-205F/93-96C degrees in the

69
 center of the loaf. For the next loaf, turn the oven back up to 450F/232.2C degrees and put the
roasting lid back in to preheat. Bake the same as the first loaf. This bread is best after being
cooled for several hours to allow the sourness to develop. The sour tang will develop even
up until the next day.
Volume Standard Metric
Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Preferment All All All 91.5 %

Water ¾ cup 6 oz 170 g 15.5 %

½ & ½ milk ¼ cup 2 oz 56 g 5.2 %

Diastatic Malt
2 teasp .2 oz 5.7 g .5
Powder
4 2/3
Bread Flour 20.9 oz 592 g 53.9 %
cups

Salt 4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 2.1 %

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 1.4 oz 4 lb 1.4 oz 1854 g 168.6%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 6.8 oz 2 lb 6.8 oz 1099 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 9.6 oz 1 lb 9.6 oz 726 g 66.0 %
(hydration)

70
 SOUR MALT

If you don’t like strong flavors, don’t try this bread!

This recipe is started in the evening:

In your dough mixer add:

 1 cup sourdough starter @ 166% hydration

 2 ½ cups water – 20 oz (withhold 6 oz of water, see below)
 1 lbs 13.3 oz of bread flour
 2 heaping Tablespoons Malt syrup- add after autolyse – 2 oz(withhold the syrup,
see below)
 3 teaspoons salt- add after autolyse- .6 oz

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

71
 Sourdough @166% 1 cup 9 oz 255 g 27.5 %

Water 2½ cups 20 oz 567 g 61.2 %

Malt Syrup 2 TBSP 2 oz 56 g 6.1 %

Bread Flour 6 ½ cups 1 lbs 13.3 oz 830 g 89.6 %

Salt (add after

3 teasp .6 oz 17 g 1.8 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 3 lb 12.9 oz 3 lb 12.9 oz 1726 g 186.3 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 0.7 oz 2 lb 0.7 oz 926 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 10.2 oz 1 lb 10.2 oz 743 g 80.2%
(hydration)

You will be able to make 2 loaves at 1 lb 14 oz each. The finished dough is at 80%
hydration.

Withhold 6 oz of the water, the malt syrup and the salt. This is so you can use the
Double Hydration Method which you can read about in the Advanced section.

Mix together all ingredients (except 6oz of water, malt syrup and the salt) for about three
minutes on low/medium speed in your mixer. Then let dough set for 20 minutes
(autolyse). Now add the salt and mix the dough for 4 more minutes, using the lowest
speed on your mixer. Toward the end of the 4 minutes of mixing, slowly add the 6 oz of
water and the malt syrup and mix 1 minute more.

Place the dough in a large covered container and let dough ferment overnight at room
temperature. Next morning, weigh the dough into two pieces, you will need a bowl or
plate for weighing as it is very wet, sticky dough. Each piece should weigh
approximately 1lb 14 oz or so. The dough is sticky with streaks of malt syrup in it. Take
the weighed dough and keeping it in the weighing bowl or plate, start pulling up the
edges and sides to form a ball. Pull from the outside and pinch to the inside of the ball.
The dough is extremely wet and hard to handle.

When it is somewhat shaped into a ball, plop the wet ball of dough into the middle of
the cloth lined basket, make sure the proofing cloth is very well floured with semolina
flour. Quickly cover the rest of the dough ball with a heavy sprinkling of semolina
flour, before it has a chance to spread and come in contact with the cloth on the sides.
Proof dough for two hours at room temperature. When the dough has been proofing for
one hour, turn on your over to preheat to 450F/232C degrees and don’t forget to preheat
your roasting lis.

72
After the dough has been proofing for two hours (it will not look doubled but rather
flat), take one loaf and working quickly, turn the basket upside down and gently plop
the dough directly onto the hot stone. Slash and cover with the roasting lid. Don’t worry
about spraying water; this wet dough won’t need it. Bake for 20 minutes and then take
off the roasting lid and turn the oven down to 425F/218C degrees. Bake for 15 more
minutes turning the loaf a couple of times for even browning. Cool the loaf on a rack.
Turn your oven back up to 450F/232C and place the roasting lid back in to preheat for
the next loaf.

The crumb is brownish colored with the malt syrup and is extremely sour. This is a loaf
to take a risk on!

73
74
 SALT FERMENTED SOURDOUGH

This is the most authentic, crusty, tangy San Francisco style bread you might ever
make. It takes time and effort. Read about Salt Fermented Motherdough in the
Motherdough chapter before starting this recipe. You will need to make a salt
fermented “seed” Motherdough first; it will take 4-5 days. You only need to make a
seed dough once, after that you can keep a little of the dough from the batch each
time and save it for the next bake. A piece of dough saved like this is called “Pate
Fermente,” and it only needs two to three days fermentation, so you can bake every
two days if you like.
The Motherdough and bread are at a medium hydration. You need to have Diastatic
Malt powder and a good strong bread flour to make this bread. This method
discourages the Protease enzymes and encourages the Amylase enzymes. The
Protease breaks down gluten, while the Amylase breaks down starch into sugar.

To start a salted seed Motherdough:

To your mixer add ( 100% and 166% hydration starters are figured
out in the tables below, use whichever one you keep your starter
at:

75
 Seed Starter 166% Starter Standard Metric Bakers %

Sourdough Starter 166%

6.1 oz 172 g 39.9 %
hydration

Water 6.2 oz 175 g 40.5 %

Bread Flour(1 oz is ww flour) 12.7 oz 360 g 83.0 %

Salt-add after autolyse .3 oz 8g 2.0 %

Diastatic Malt Powder .3 oz 8g 2.0 %

-Total Weight 1 lb 9.6 oz 725 g 167.4%

Hydration 65.4 %

Seed Starter 100% Starter Standard Metric Bakers %

Sourdough Starter 100%

6 oz 170 g 39.2 %
hydration

Water 7 oz 198 g 45.8 %

Bread Flour 12 oz 340 g 78.4 %

Salt-add after autolyse .3 oz 8g 2%

Diastatic Malt Powder .3 oz 8g 2%

-Total Weight 1 lb 9.6 oz 725 g 167.3 %

Hydration 65.4 %

Mix all ingredients together (except salt), until well mixed, this will take 3 - 4 minutes.
Place dough in a large covered container; give it enough room to double in size.
Now place the dough into the refrigerator to autolyse overnight
Next morning take out your dough, warm up for 1-2 hours and knead in the salt.
Then place dough in the container and refrigerate for at least three days. Mark the day on
the container so you know exactly how many days old it is.
Take the seed dough out once a day and fold in down on itself a few times. Then place it
back into the refrigerator. I use a dedicated refrigerator and the temperature is 46F degrees.

On day three or four, around 3:00 pm add 1 lb 9 oz of the “seed” dough to your mixer by
breaking it into chunks. Then add the rest of the following ingredients:

76
 Standard Metric
Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves
Seed Starter or Pate
1 lb 9 oz 708 g 46.2 %
Fermente

Water 1 lb 9 oz 708 g 46.2 %

Bread Flour 2 lbs 7 oz 1105 g 72.1 %

Salt .8 oz 22 g 1.5 %

Total Dough Weight 5 lb 9.8 oz 2545 g 165.9%

Total Flour Weight 3 lb 6.1 oz 1534 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

2 lb 2.9 oz 989 g 64.5 %
(hydration)

Note: If you use high gluten flour, you will have to adjust the amount of water/flour. For
Power Flour, I added an extra 3 ounces of water to obtain a similar dough consistency for the
salt dough recipe.
You can also substitute 1-2 oz of whole wheat flour to more easily obtain a sour flavor.

Break your seed dough into chunks and add the rest of the ingredients except the flour.
Stir the salt into the mixture and then add the flour and mix into a dough.
Allow dough to rest for 20 minutes and then mix for one more minute on low speed or fold
dough by hand.
Let the dough ferment in a warm place up to 80F degrees for four hours in a covered
container.
Once each hour, stir or fold down the dough.
In the evening when the four hours of fermenting is done, place the dough in a covered
container and refrigerate overnight (day one) and all the next day (day two).

Then around 6 pm in the evening of day 2 (if you wait until day 3 the sour will improve),
take out your cold dough and allow it to warm to room temperature for two hours.
After warm up period, shape two loaves weighing 2 lbs each.
The rest of the dough is the seed dough for the next batch and should be put into a covered
container, marked with the date and refrigerated three to five days, until the next mixing
day.
Weigh out the 2 lb pieces of dough, pre-shape, bench rest and then do a final shaping. Then
place them into a proofing basket, lined with a proofing cloth (Bannetons do not have to be
lined). Cover them in plastic bags and place them into the refrigerator overnight.

Next morning take the loaves out of the oven staggering them 30 minutes apart. Allow the
dough to warm up from 2 – 6 hours (the longer you let the dough ferment in the refrigerator,
the longer it will take to proof because of the increase in acidity) in a warm place of up to
86F/30C 86F degrees and then bake when the dough is done proofing. It can be hard to tell
when it is finished proofing but it should be about 1 ½ times it’s original size when done,

77
 feel bubbly and when you press your finger into the side, the indent slowly fills in. Preheat
your oven to 450F/232C degrees.

When the dough is ready, take the first loaf, sprinkle the top (actually the bottom) with
semolina and turn the dough out onto a peel or flat baking sheet. Then slash the dough
while still on the peel, slide into the hot preheated 450F/218C degree oven onto a hot baking
stone, spray the dough all over with water quickly, and then cover with a roasting lid which
has also been preheated in the oven. Bake for 21 minutes. After 21 minutes, take off the
roasting lid and turn down the oven to 425F/204C degrees.
Continue baking for 11-15 more minutes, turning the loaf once for even browning. To make
sure the loaf is done, use your bread thermometer and check to see if it is 200-205F/93-96C
degrees in the center of the loaf. For the next loaf, turn the oven back up to 450F/218C
degrees and put the roasting lid back in to preheat. Bake the same as the first loaf. This
bread is best after being cooled for several hours to allow the sourness to develop. This
bread will be at it’s optimum sour the following day.

If your dough turns out slack and over-fermented, and your bread is flat with a hard crust,
you have either used a starter with not enough proofing power, too much Diastatic Malt,
your flour may be low in gluten, or you may have proofed too long. Either get a longer
proofing starter, or use less Diastatic Malt or obtain a higher gluten flour. You could also
shape the loaves in the evening of the first day after bulk ferment and bake the next day
instead of waiting the additional day, but the bread won’t be as sour.

Each additional day the dough is left to ferment, the sour tang increases, but eventually the
dough will break down and you will make bricks. You will also see a compromise in crust
and crumb quality.

To make your next batch, allow the dough you put back into the refrigerator to age 2 - 5
days. This dough is called Pate Fermente. With each batch of dough save a reserve of 1 lb 8
oz of the dough for the following batch.

Try to use the old dough(pate fermente) within one week when making each additional
batches of dough.

Dough which has been fermented this long is fragile and needs to be handled very gently.
The more acidic the dough, the longer it takes to proof, don’t be surprised by a three to six
hour final proof if your dough is very acidic.

This recipe is still being experimented on by bakers at The Sourdough

Forum : http://teresal.proboards.com

78
79
 MORPHED RECIPES

80
 KALAMATA ASIAGO LOAF

Kalamata Asiago Loaf is a one day sourdough so start early in the morning.
This recipe will make 3 lbs 6.5 oz/ 1545 g of dough at 68% hydration

To your dough mixer add:

 White sourdough starter at 166% hydration – 18 oz/510 g

 Rye Starter at 100% hydration – 5 oz/141 g
 ½ cup water – 4 oz/113 g
 ½ cup evaporated Milk – 4 oz/113 g
 2 Tablespoons oil – 1 oz/28 g
 5 cups Bread flour –1 lb 6.5 oz/637.9 g
 3 teaspoons salt – .6 oz/17 g

Use these ingredients when rolling up the dough:

 Kalamata Olives –12 oz/340 g
 Asiago Cheese – 8 oz/226 g
 Fresh Rosemary chopped – 1 oz/28 g

81
 In the early morning, using your dough mixer, mix all of the ingredients in the top list
except the salt. This should take about 2 - 3 minutes. Autolyse for 20 minutes. Then
add your salt and mix on low speed for about 5 more minutes

The mixing for this dough is longer than for a standard sourdough, because it is a one
day dough and won’t spend as many hours developing the gluten as usual. After it is
done mixing, turn the dough out into a dough folding trough or container.

Allow this dough to bulk ferment six hours and fold it about once an hour. You can
actually see the dough get stronger with each folding. After the six hours of bulk
fermentation, divide the dough into two pieces weighing about 1 lb 11oz / 765 g each.

Let the dough pieces set for 5-10 minutes. Timed shaping of the loaves 30 minutes
apart, so that they won’t be proofed at the same time.Next get out the cheese, olives
and fresh Rosemary.Drain the olives, cube the cheese and chop the Rosemary leaves.

Stretch the dough piece into a rectangle

and spread the olives, cheese and Rosemary on top. Fold the dough over a few times
until a roll is formed. Tuck under the ends and place the dough into a couche.When
the first loaf has proofed about 2 hours or so, take the dough from the couche, stretch it
slightly as you place it on the peel and then dimple the dough with your fingers
lightly.

82
The loaves will puff up high and be almost round, even though you stretched and
dimpled them. You will get larger holey pockets in the crumb if you do the stretch and
dimple, the dimpling keeps the top layer of crust from separating, since there is no
slashing.

Place dough in a preheated 425F/218C degree oven, onto a hot baking stone.
Working quickly…

Spray the dough all over once with water, and then cover the dough with a roasting
lid which has also been preheated in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then take off
the roasting lid and turn down the oven to 400F/204C degrees.

Continue baking for 20 -25 more minutes, turning the loaf once for even browning.
The interior of the bread should register 200-205F/93-96C degrees on an instant
thermometer. Spread butter all over the hot crust. For the next loaf, turn the oven
back up to 425F/218C degrees and put the roasting lid back in to preheat until the
loaf is ready to go in. Bake the same as the first loaf.

83
 DESEM MORPH

This is a morphed Desem Loaf. Morphing a sourdough means to combine two

different starters together in the same recipe.

I keep Desem at 80% hydration in my refrigerator at 44F/ 6.7C. To make up an 80%

hydration of Desem, you would keep your Desem or Whole Wheat starter by
feeding with 5 oz of flour and 4 oz of water, or using that ratio. To make up an 80%
Motherdough starter see the chapter on Motherdough.

In the afternoon around 2:00pm, add to your mixer:

Ingredients Volume Standard Metric Bakers %

Whole Wheat or
Desem Starter 80% 1 cups 9 oz 255 g 24.4 %
hydration
Motherdough @ 80%
1 cups 9 oz 255 g 24.4 %
hydration

Water 1 ¼ cups 10 oz 283 g 26.7 %

Evaporated Milk ¾ cup 6 oz 170 g 16.0 %

Honey 2 TBSP 1.5 oz 42 g 4.0 %

84
 Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.7 %

Organic Whole Wheat

2 ¼ cups 9.4 oz 266 g 25.1 %
Flour

Bread Flour 4 cups 18 oz 510 g 48.1 %

Total Weight 4 lb 0.6 oz 4 lb 0.6 oz 1831 g 172.7%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 5.4 oz 2 lb 5.4 oz 1060 g 100.0 %

Hydration 1 lb 8.3 oz 1 lb 8.3 oz 688 g 65.0 %

Mix all of the ingredients together, except salt, on medium speed until incorporated,
about 3 minutes. Autolyse for 20 minutes and then add salt. Mix for 3 more minutes
on low speed. Bulk ferment in a dough folding container for 5 – 6 hours, folding the
dough once every two hours.
After the bulk ferment is over, divide the dough into two pieces and preshape the
dough. Bench rest and then do a final shape of the dough.

Place the dough into bannetons, cover with a plastic bag and refrigerate overnight.
Next morning let take the dough out one at a time staggered about 30 minutes apart
and do a final proofing. Proof for about 2 hours or until the dough looks about 1.5
times it’s original size.

When the dough is ready and feels bubbly and springy but not saggy, then take the
loaf and sprinkle the top (actually the bottom) with semolina or whole grain flour
and turn the dough out onto a peel or flat baking sheet. Then slash the dough while
still on the peel, slide into the hot preheated 425F/218C degree oven onto a hot baking
stone, spray the dough once with water quickly, and then cover with a roasting lid
which has also been preheated in the oven.

Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, take off the roasting lid and turn down the
oven to 400F/204C degrees. Continue baking for about 20 more minutes, turning the
loaf once for even browning. To make sure the loaf is done, using your bread
thermometer, check to see if it is at 200-205F/93-96C degrees in the center of the loaf.

85
86
 NORTHWEST MORPH SOURDOUGH

Morphing two different starters can be fun. This sourdough bread is a morphing of
Whole Wheat Starter and a white (Northwest) starter both at 166% hydration (ratio:
8.3 oz water/5 oz flour) This recipe will make 4 lbs 1.3 oz of dough and is a one day
sourdough which means it is mixed and baked on the same day. Start this recipe
early in the day to allow sufficient time for fermentation and baking.

To your mixer add:

 ½ cup vigorous 166% hydration Desem
sourdough starter – 4.5 oz
 1 cup 166% hydration Northwest starter –
9.0 oz
 1 & ½ cups water– 12.0 oz
 ½ cup evaporated canned milk – 4.0 oz
 1 Tablespoon Malt syrup - .8 oz
 7&2/3 cups Bread flour – 34 oz
 4 teaspoons salt – .8 oz (add after autolyse)

Mix all of the ingredients (except the salt) well in your mixer for about 2 – 3
minutes on low speed or just until mixed. Then allow the dough to autolyse (rest)
for 20 minutes.
After autolysis, add salt and then mix dough on low speed for 5 minutes. Breads
made with a one day mix and bake formula need to be mixed longer to develop the
gluten. Allow the dough to bulk ferment (which just means the first rise) for 4

87
 hours. Stir the dough down with just three turns of the dough hook twice during
the 4 hour bulk fermentation. This is to strengthen the gluten strands and line them
up, much like folding would do.

After bulk fermentation, pour the dough onto a lightly floured (Whole Wheat
flour) surface and knead a couple of times then gather into a ball. Divide the dough
into four pieces. Shape the dough into thick ropes which are about 18 inches long
and then allow the dough to rest for 5 – 10 minutes (bench rest).

After resting, shape loaves into their final shapes by taking two pieces of the rope
shaped dough and twisting them around one another. Tuck the ends in under the
dough. Place the loaves into the proofing baskets, or pans which are lined with
floured proofing cloths. Stagger the baking of the loaves by putting one loaf in the
refrigerator for 40 minutes.

Proof the dough for 1.5 – 2 hours in a warm place at 80F/26C. Either keep the
proofing box humid or cover the loaves with moist cloths or plastic bags to keep the
dough from drying out. Preheat your oven, baking stone and roasting lid to 425F/
218C degrees when you have about an hour left for proofing. When the dough is
ready and feels bubbly and springy but not saggy, then taking the first loaf, gently
lift it out of the banneton and place it on a floured peel. Slash the dough along the
twists and then place on the hot baking stone.

Quickly spray the dough all over with water and then cover with a hot roasting lid.
Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, take off the roasting lid and turn down the
oven to 400F/ 204C degrees.
Continue baking for about 10 more minutes, turning halfway for even browning.
Take out your bread and put it on a cooling rack. Then turn the oven back up to
425F/ 218C and put the roasting lid back in to preheat for 5 - 10 minutes until the
next loaf is ready to go in. Cool the bread and eat with fresh butter. Sourdough
breads are always at their best the first day baked.

This loaf is very nice sprinkled with sesame or poppy seeds. Make an egg wash of
one egg beaten with one Tablespoon of water and spread this over the dough
before slashing. Sprinkle the seeds over the egg washed dough and then slash.
Continue with the baking.

88
 Volume Standard Metric
Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves
Whole Wheat
½ cup 4.5 oz
Sourdough Starter
382 g 34.5 %
White Sourdough
1 cup 9 oz
Starter

Water 1½ cup 12 oz 340 g 30.7 %

Cream or ½ & ½ milk ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 10.2 %

Malt Syrup 1 TBSP .8 oz 22 g 2.0 %

7 & 2/3
Bread Flour 2 lbs 2 oz 963.9 g 87.0 %
cups
Salt (add after
4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 2.0 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 1.1 oz 4 lb 1.1 oz 1845.5 g 166.6%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 7.1 oz 2 lb 7.1 oz 1107.8 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 8.7 oz 1 lb 8.7 oz 699.2 g 63.1%
(hydration)

89
 PANE PEARL

Pane Pearl is made using a Desem Starter and a Motherdough Starter. This is a
great recipe to help use up that extra Motherdough setting in the refrigerator.
The evening before baking, make up a preferment by adding together in a large
container:

Preferment Volume Standard Metric Bakers %

Desem Starter 80%

1 cup 9 oz 255 g 64.3 %
hydration

Water 1 ½ cups 12 oz 340 g 85.7 %

Bread Flour 2 cups 9 oz 255 g 64.3 %

Total Weight 1 lbs 14 oz 1 lbs 14 oz 850 g 214.3%

Hydration 114.3 %

90
Mix the ingredients well, cover the container and allow the preferment to set
overnight at room temperature. Next morning, pour the pre-ferment into your mixer
and add together:

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Pre-ferment All All All 75.2 %

Motherdough @ 80% 1 cup 9 oz 255 g 22.6 %

Water ¾ cup 6 oz 170 g 15.0 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1.0 oz 28 g 2.5 %

4 2/3
Bread Flour 1 lb 4.9 oz 592 g 52.4 %
cups
Salt (add after
4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 2.0 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 3.7 oz 4 lb 3.7 oz 1919 g 169.7 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 7.9 oz 2 lb 7.9 oz 1131 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 10.0 oz 1 lb 10.0 oz 737 g 65.2 %
(hydration)

Mix all ingredients together, except salt, just until incorporated and then allow the
dough to rest for 20 minutes (autolyse).

After autolyse, add salt and then mix dough on low speed for about 3 minutes.
Then let the dough bulk ferment (first rise) for 4 hours or until doubled. Stir the
dough down or fold it once each hour. After bulk fermentation, pour out the dough
onto a lightly floured surface and knead enough to gather into a ball.

Divide the dough into two pieces. Shape loaf into the general shape you wish and
then allow the dough to rest for 5 – 10 minutes (bench rest). Do a final shaping.
Stagger the shaping of each loaf 30 minutes apart. Place loaves in bannetons and let
proof for 1 ½ to 2 hours or when loaves are about 1 ½ times their original size. Then
slash the dough and slide it onto the hot baking stone.

Next, working quickly, spray the loaf all over with water, cover with roasting lid
and bake in a preheated 450F/232C degree oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes,
remove roasting lid, turn down the oven to 425F/218C degrees and continue baking
for about 10- 15 more minutes, turning the loaf around in the oven, halfway
through the last 10-15 minutes, for even browning.
Take out your loaf and cool on a rack. Put the roasting lid back into the oven and
reheat to 450F/232C degrees again, before putting in the next loaf.

91
 RYE MORPH PAN LOAF

This sourdough bread is a morphing of a Rye Starter (Danish) and a white

(Northwest) starter both at 100% hydration (ratio: 5 oz water/5 oz flour) This recipe
will make 4 lbs 8.9 oz of dough and is a one day sourdough which means it is mixed
and baked on the same day. Start this recipe early in the day to allow sufficient
time for fermentation and baking.
To your mixer add:
 3/4 cup vigorous 100% hydration Rye
sourdough starter – 6.7 oz
 3/4 cup 100% hydration Northwest starter
– 6.7 oz
 2 cups water– 16.0 oz
 ½ cup evaporated canned milk – 4.0 oz
 2 Tablespoons malt syrup or honey - 1.6
oz
 2 Tablespoons melted, cooled butter- 1oz
 8 cups Bread flour – 2 lb 4 oz
 4 teaspoons salt – .8 oz (add after autolyse)

Mix all of the ingredients (except the salt) well in your mixer for about 2 – 3
minutes on low speed or just until mixed. Then allow the dough to autolyse (rest)
for 20 minutes.
After autolysis, add salt and then mix dough on low speed for 5 minutes. Breads
made with a one day mix and bake formula need to be mixed longer to develop the
gluten. Allow the dough to bulk ferment (which just means the first rise) for 4
hours.
Stir the dough down with just three turns of the dough hook twice during the 4
hour bulk fermentation. This is to strengthen the gluten strands and line them up,
much like folding would do. You can also put the dough into a dough folding
trough and fold the dough twice during bulk ferment. Dough made with rye flours
tend to be sticky.

92
After bulk fermentation, pour the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead a
couple of times then gather into a ball. Divide the dough into two pieces and let
rest for 5 - 10 minutes. Then shape each loaf by stretching the dough into a
rectangle the length of your bread pan and then roll up the dough and tuck under
the seams. Place the dough into 9” X 5” X 2.5 “greased loaf pans. Since the dough
will be a little over 2 pounds each you need the large loaf pans. Spread oil over the
top of the loaves to keep the dough from drying out.

Proof the dough for 1.5 – 2 hours in a warm place at 80F/26C. Preheat your oven to
425F-/218C degrees when you have about an hour left for proofing. When the dough
is ready and feels bubbly and springy but not saggy, you can slash the dough
vertically and fill the slash with warm butter, also spread more melted butter over
the top of the loaf. Then place both loaves in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, turn down the oven to 400F/ 204C degrees.

Continue baking for about 10 – 15 more minutes, turning halfway for even
browning. When the interior of the loaf registers at least 200-205F/93-96C on the
thermometer, take out your bread and put it on a cooling rack. Slice when the bread
is completely cooled.

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Rye Starter ¾ cup 6.75 oz

382 g 31.6 %
White Starter ¾ cup 6.75 oz

Water 2 cups 16 oz 453 g 37.4 %

Cream or ½ & ½ milk ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 9.4 %

Melted Butter 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.3 %

Malt Syrup 2 TBSP 1.6 oz 45 g 3.7 %

Bread Flour 8 cups 2 lbs 4 oz 1020 g 84.2 %

Salt (add after

4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 1.9 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 8.9 oz 4 lb 8.9 oz 2066.7 g 170.5 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 10.7 oz 2 lb 10.7 oz 1211.9 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 11.4 oz 1 lb 11.4 oz 777.6 g 64.2%
(hydration)

93
 ROSEMARY POTATO SOURDOUGH

Rosemary Potato Sourdough is made using a regular Sourdough Starter and a

Motherdough Starter. The evening before baking, make up a preferment by adding
together:

 1 cup vigorous sourdough starter – 9 oz

 1 ¼ cups water – 10 oz
 2 cups Bread Flour – 9 oz
 ½ cup Rye Flour – 1.8 – oz

Preferment Volume Standard Metric Bakers %

Starter 166%
1 cup 9 oz 255 g 63.5 %
hydration

Water 1 ¼ cup 10 oz 283 g 70.5 %

Bread Flour 2 cups 9 oz 255 g 63.5 %

Rye Flour ½ cup 1.8 51 g 12.7 %

Total Weight 1 lb 13.8 oz 1 lb 13.8 oz 844 g 210.1%

Hydration 110.1 %

Mix the ingredients well, cover the bowl and allow the preferment to set overnight
at room temperature.

Next morning pour the preferment into your dough mixer and then add:

94
  1 cup vigorous motherdough starter @ 80% hydration – 9 oz
 1 cup warm water – 8.0 oz
 ¼ cup dried potato flakes – .6 oz
 ¼ cup dried milk – .6 oz
 2 Tablespoons oil – .9 oz
 1 Tablespoon dried whole Rosemary – .2 oz
 4 teaspoons salt – .8 oz
 4 ¾ cups Bread Flour – 21.3 oz

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Pre-ferment All All All 71.0 %

Motherdough @ 80% 1 cup 9 oz 255 g 21.4 %

Water 1 cup 8 oz 226 g 19.1 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1.0 oz 28 g 2.4 %

Dried Potato Flakes ¼ cup .6 oz 17 g 1.4 %

Dried Milk ¼ cup .6 oz 17 g 1.4 %

Dried Whole
1 TBSP .2 oz 5.7 g .5 %
Rosemary

Bread Flour 4¾ cups 1 lb 5.3 oz 703 g 50.7 %

Salt (add after

4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 1.9 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 9.1 oz 4 lb9.1 oz 2072 g 174.1 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 10 oz 2 lb 10 oz 1190 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 10.7 oz 1 lb 10.7 oz 756 g 63.5%
(hydration)

Mix all ingredients together, except salt, just until incorporated and then allow the
dough to rest for 20 minutes(autolyse).
After autolyse, stir in salt and then mix dough on low speed for about 4 minutes.
Then let the dough bulk ferment (first rise) for 4 – 6 hours or until doubled. Stir the
dough down or fold it once each hour. After bulk fermentation, pour out the dough
onto a lightly floured surface and knead enough to gather into a ball. Divide the
dough into two pieces. Shape loaf into the general shape you wish and then allow
the dough to rest for 5 – 10 minutes (bench rest). Stagger the shaping of each loaf 30
minutes apart. Place loaves in bannetons and let proof for 1 ½ to 2 hours or when
loaves are about 1 ½ times their original size. Then slash the dough and slide it

95
 onto the hot baking stone. Next, working quickly, spray the loaf all over with
water, cover with roasting lid and bake in a preheated 450F/232C degree oven for 20
minutes.

After 20 minutes, remove roasting lid, turn down the oven to 425F/218C degrees and
continue baking for about 15-20 more minutes, turning the loaf around in the oven,
halfway through the last 15 minutes, for even browning.
Take out your loaf and cool on a rack. Put the roasting lid back into the oven and
reheat to 450F/232C degrees again, before putting in the next loaf.

96
MOTHERDOUGH RECIPES

97
 BAGUETTES

These Baguettes are made with a regular starter and a Motherdough starter. To
make a Motherdough at 80% hydration, check the chapter on Motherdough. This
recipe will make three loaves at just under 1 lb/453 g each. Start this recipe around
2:00 p.m.

To your mixer add:

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
3 Loaves 3 Loaves 3 Loaves
Starter @ 166%
1 cup 9 oz 255 g 32.9 %
hydration
Motherdough @ 80%
1 cup 9 oz 255 g 32.9 %
hydration

Water 1 cup 8 oz 226 g 29.2 %

4 ¼
Bread Flour 1 lb 3.1 oz 541 g 69.5 %
cups
Salt (add after
2½ teasp .5 oz 14 g 1.8 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 2 lb 13.6 oz 2 lb 13.6 oz 1292 g 165.9 %

Total Flour Weight 1 lb 11.5 oz 1 lb 11.5 oz 779 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 1.6 oz 1 lb 1.6 oz 499 g 64.1 %
(hydration)

Mix all ingredients together, except salt, just until incorporated and then allow the
dough to rest for 20 minutes (autolyse).

98
After autolyse, add salt and then mix dough on low speed for about 3 minutes. Let
the dough bulk ferment (first rise) for 6 hours or until doubled. Stir the dough
down or fold it three or four times during bulk ferment. After bulk fermentation,
put the dough into a covered container and refrigerate overnight. Next morning,
pour the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead enough to gather into a
ball.

Divide the dough into three equal pieces. Shape loaf into the general shape of a
baguette and then allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes (bench rest). Continue to
roll out and shape baguette until it is as long as you wish. Stagger the shaping of
each loaf 30 minutes apart. Place loaves in bannetons and let proof for 1 ½ to 2
hours or when loaves are about 1 ½ times their original size. Then slash the dough
and slide it onto the hot baking stone.

Next, working quickly, spray the loaf all over with water, cover with roasting lid
and bake in a preheated 450F/232C degree oven for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes,
remove roasting lid, turn down the oven to 400F/204C degrees and continue baking
for about 10- 15 more minutes, turning the loaf around in the oven, halfway
through the last 10-15 minutes, for even browning.
Take out your loaf and cool on a rack. Put the roasting lid back into the oven and
reheat to 450F/232C degrees again, before putting in the next loaf.

99
 SEASIDE SOURDOUGH

This bread uses a 60% Motherdough with a long overnight proof. Motherdough can
really help you achieve the dark reddish crust similar to Boudin sourdough. Make
sure you make up the Motherdough 2 – 3 days before using.

To make up 60% Motherdough, in a large container add together:

Motherdough @ 60% Standard Metric Bakers %

Sourdough Starter 166% hydration 4 oz 113 g 32.0 %

100
 Water 5 oz 141 g 40.0 %

Bread Flour 11 oz 311 g 88.0 %

Total Weight 1 lb 4 oz 567 g 160.0%

Hydration 60 %

Leave Motherdough out at room temperature for four hours, then refrigerate for two
to three days before using.
If you want to continue to use 60% Motherdough for the next bake, then after
using it, feed with 6 oz of water and 10 oz of flour and refrigerate.

On mixing day, in the afternoon, around 12:00 pm:

In your dough mixing bowl combine all of the following ingredients in the order on
the list, except the salt, which will be added after autolyse. For an extra sour taste
add 2 teaspoons of Diastatic Malt during mixing.

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Motherdough @ 60% 1 ½ cup 13.5 oz 382 g 34.6 %

Water 2½ cups 20 oz 567 g 51.2 %

Whole Wheat Flour 1/3 cup 1.4 oz 39 g 3.6 %

Bread Flour 6½ cups 1 lbs 13.2 oz 827 g 74.8 %

Salt (add after

4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 2.0 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 0.9 oz 4 lb 0.9 oz 1839 g 166.3 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 7.0 oz 2 lb 7.0 oz 1106 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 9.1 oz 1 lb 9.1 oz 710 g 64.2%
(hydration)

Mix until ingredients are well incorporated (about 2 -3 minutes) on medium speed
and then let the dough rest (autolyse) for about 20 minutes. After autolysis is done,
add the salt and mix the dough for 2 minutes in your mixer on low speed. Pour the
dough into a covered dough trough and keep it at 80-90 F (26 – 32 C), in a humid
environment (your dishwasher).

101
 Bulk Ferment for five hours. Fold the dough once each hour during the bulk
ferment. Place in a covered container and refrigerate overnight. Next morning, take
out the dough and uncover it, push it down, cover it again and then allow the
dough to warm for 1 hour in a warm humid place (80-90 F / 26 – 32 C).
Then shape loaves. Shape each piece as desired, staggering the shaping 30 minutes
apart. Keep dough that is not being shaped in covered container or covered with a
damp cloth (keep it in a warm place). When dough shaping is done, place in
bannetons, lined baskets or couche. Allow the dough to proof at room temperature
for about 2 - 3 hours (it usually takes around 2 hours).
When the dough is done proofing, (push the tip of your finger into the side of the
dough, if it feels bubbly, soft and the dent fills in slowly, it is ready) and is about
1 ½ times it’s original size, turn dough over onto a dusted peel and slash the top of
the dough. Then bake in a well preheated oven for 20 minutes at 425F/218C degrees,
using a baking stone and the roasting pan method of baking (this is explained in
the baking chapter). After 20 minutes, open the oven and take off the roasting lid
(be careful of hot steam). Continue to bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes,
turning the loaf halfway to evenly brown the crust. Cool, slice and enjoy!

102
 PANE PICANTE

Pane Picante is a sharp flavored bread made with a Motherdough starter and San
Francisco Starter.

To make an 80% motherdough, add together:

Motherdough @ 80% Standard Metric Bakers %

Sourdough Starter 166% hydration 5 oz 141 g 38.8 %

Water 7.2 oz 204 g 55.9 %

Bread Flour 11 oz 311 g 85.4 %

Total Weight 1 lb 7.2 oz 657 g 180.1%

Hydration 80.1 %

Combine all ingredients, let set at room temperature 3 - 4 hours, then refrigerate.
Feed your motherdough at least once a week to keep it vigorous for other recipe. To
feed this starter, add 8 oz water and 10 oz of flour.

103
Pane Picante is a 70% hydration sourdough bread it is sticky and difficult to handle.

This recipe is started in the afternoon 1:00 - 2:00 pm :

In your dough mixer add:

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Motherdough @ 80% 1 cup 9 oz 255 g 26.4 %

Sourdough starter @
1 ½ cups 13.5 382 g 34.4 %
166% hydration

Water 1½ cups 12 oz 340 g 30.6 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1.0 oz 28 g 2.5 %

Evaporated Milk 3 TBSP 1.5 oz 42 g 3.8 g

Diastatic Malt Powder 1 teasp .1 oz 2.8 g .3 %

Rye Flour ½ cup 1.8 oz 51 g 4.6 %

All Purpose Flour 3 ½ cups 11 oz 311 g 28.0 %

3 2/3
Bread Flour 1 lbs 0.4 oz 464.9 g 41.8 %
cups
Salt (add after
3½ teasp .7 oz 19.8 g 1.8 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 3.0 oz 4 lb 3.0 oz 1899 g 170.6 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 7.3 oz 2 lb 7.3 oz 1113 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 9.9 oz 1 lb 9.9 oz 735 g 66.0 %
(hydration)

Mix all ingredients, except salt, together until incorporated. This will take about 3
minutes. Let the dough autolyse (rest) for 20 minutes. Add salt and then finished
mixing for 4 more minutes. Let the dough bulk ferment until doubled (about 6
hours). Fold the dough once an hour during bulk ferment. After bulk fermentation,

104
pour dough on a floured surface. Divide the dough into two pieces and then shape
the dough into the general shape you wish. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes and
then do a final shaping.

Place loaves in bannetons and allow them to rise about ½ hour. Cover the loaves
with a plastic bag and refrigerate overnight. In the morning take out the loaves
staggered about 30 minutes apart and let proof for 1 ½ to 2 hours or when loaves are
about 1 ½ times their original size.

Then slash the dough and slide it onto the hot baking stone. Next, working quickly,
spray the loaf all over with water, cover with roasting lid and bake in a preheated
450F/232C degree oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove roasting lid, turn
down the oven to 425F/218C degrees and continue baking for about 10 - 15 more
minutes, turning the loaf around in the oven, halfway through the last 10 - 15
minutes, for even browning.
Take out your loaf and cool on a rack. Put the roasting lid back into the oven and
reheat to 450F/232C degrees again, before putting in the next loaf.

105
 PANE TERESA

Pane Teresa is loosely (there is no commercial yeast) based on the cold dough
method described to Peter Reinhart by Phillippe Gosselin for the bread, Pain a
l’Ancienne. I basically keep the dough cold. This recipe utilizes a Motherdough
starter which needs to be mixed up and fermented for 2 – 3 days before using it.

80% Motherdough:
To make Motherdough, you will be using vigorous sourdough at
166% hydration and turning it into a Motherdough at 80%
hydration. Here is the basic recipe for making approximately 1
pound 7.2 oz of Motherdough. Enough for this recipe and some
left over to feed and keep going.

 166% Sourdough Starter – 5 oz @ 166 % hydration

 Water – 7.2 oz
 Bread flour – 11 oz

Mix this together and let the Motherdough ferment for about three hours
at room temperature and then put into the refrigerator in a covered
container. Let it ferment for at least two - three days in the refrigerator.
You will be using 1 pound 4 oz of Motherdough in this recipe. The rest
that is leftover can be fed with 10 oz flour and 8 oz of water to keep it
going for use in the next recipe; this keeps it at 80% hydration. It needs
to be kept refrigerated and fed at least once a week. It is best when
used within 3 days of feeding.

106
After letting the Motherdough ferment in the refrigerator for three days, then in the
evening at around 7 pm:

To your dough mixer add:

 1 pound 4 oz/567g of the cold motherdough (pull it apart in

chunks while adding to your mixer)
 2 cups icy cold water – 16 oz/453g
 1 Tablespoons oil - .5 oz/14g
 5 cups - 22.5 oz bread flour/637g
 1 Tablespoon salt – .6 oz/17g

Mix this dough on medium speed for about 5 minutes (the dough is very wet ).
Then refrigerate the dough right away in a large covered container overnight. Next
morning, take out the dough and let it warm up for about 3 hours at room
temperature.
Divide dough into two or three pieces, depending on the size loaf you want and
shape loaves. These loaves should be somewhat smallish 1 – ½ lbs size is about
right. Then place loaves in proofing baskets, lined with proofing cloths which are
well sprinkled with Semolina flour. To stagger loaves, I shape one loaf, then put
the timer on for 30 minutes and shape the next loaf.

Let loaves proof another two hours at room temperature. The loaves will not look
ready to bake and will appear flat. Preheat your oven with baking stone and
roasting lid, to 450F/232C degrees for an hour or so before baking( I put the roasting
lid in about five minutes before the loaf goes in). The stone needs to be heated
thoroughly to get a good oven spring. When the dough is proofed, turn it onto the
peel, making sure you are using plenty of Semolina flour to keep the dough from
sticking to the peel.

Then slash the dough and slide it onto the hot baking stone. Next, working quickly,
spray the loaf all over with water, cover with roasting lid and bake in a preheated
450F/232C degree oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove roasting lid, turn
down the oven to 425F/218C degrees and continue baking for about 15-20 more
minutes, turning the loaf around in the oven, halfway through the last 15 minutes,
for even browning.
Take out your loaf and cool on a rack. Put the roasting lid back into the oven and
reheat to 450F/232C degrees again, before putting in the next loaf. Pane Teresa is a
conversation piece with those large holes. It is a chewy, mild bread with a great
wheaty flavor. It is best with just butter along with sharp cheese and a glass of
wine. This makes 3 lbs 11.6 oz of dough and is 74 % hydration.

107
108
109
 ASIAGO CRACKED PEPPER BREAD

These loaves are made with a regular starter and a Motherdough starter. To make a
Motherdough at 80% hydration, check the chapter on Motherdough. This recipe
will make two loaves at about 2 lbs/ 907g each. Start this recipe in the early
morning.

To your mixer add:

Volume Standard Metric
Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves
Starter @ 166%
2 cups 18 oz 510 g 45.7 %
hydration
Motherdough @ 80%
1 cup 9 oz 283 g 22.9 %
hydration

Water 1 ¼ cups 10 oz 226 g 25.4 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.5

110
 Dry Milk Powder ¼ cup .6 oz 17 g 1.5 %

5½
Bread Flour 1 lb 8.7 oz 700 g 62.7 %
cups

Coarse Corn Meal ¼ cup 1.1 oz 31 g 2.8 %

Rye Flour 1/3 cup 1.2 oz 34 g 3.0 %

Salt (add after

3½ teasp .7 oz 19.8 g 1.9 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 2.3 oz 4 lb 2.3 oz 1879 g 168.4 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 7.4 oz 2 lb 7.4 oz 1116 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 9.2 oz 1 lb 9.2 oz 715 g 64.1 %
(hydration)

Mix all ingredients together, except salt, just until incorporated and then allow the
dough to rest for 20 minutes (autolyse).

After autolyse, add salt and mix dough on low speed for about 5 minutes. Then let
the dough bulk ferment for 4 - 5 hours or until doubled. Stir the dough down or
fold it three or four times during bulk ferment. When bulk ferment is finished,
pour the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead enough to gather into a
ball.

Divide the dough into two pieces. Let rest for 10 minutes. Then stretch dough into a
rectangle about the size of a regular piece of paper. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of cracked
pepper and about 4 – 6 oz of chunked Asiago cheese on each loaf, then roll the
dough into loaves.

Stagger the shaping of each loaf 30 minutes apart. Place rolled up loaves into
bannetons and let proof for 1 ½ to 2 hours or when loaves are about 1 ½ times their
original size. Then slash the dough and slide it onto the hot baking stone.

Next, working quickly, spray the loaf all over with water, cover with roasting lid
and bake in a preheated 425F/218C degree oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes,
remove roasting lid, turn down the oven to 400F/204C degrees and continue baking
for about 10- 15 more minutes or until the internal temperature registers 200-
205F/93-96C. Turn the loaf around in the oven, halfway through the last 10-15
minutes, for even browning.
Take out your loaf and cool on a rack. Put the roasting lid back into the oven and
reheat to 450F/218C degrees again, before putting in the next loaf.

111
 COUNTRY KITCHEN SOURDOUGH

Country Kitchen Sourdough is made using a Motherdough Starter.

Country Kitchen Sourdough recipe makes 4 lbs 3.1 oz of dough at 62.5 % hydration.
It will make 2 nice fat loaves.

The Motherdough needs to be started about three days before mixing:

Motherdough @ 80% Standard Metric Bakers %

Sourdough Starter 166% hydration 5 oz 141 g 38.8 %

Water 7.2 oz 204 g 55.9 %

Bread Flour 11 oz 311 g 85.4 %

Total Weight 1 lb 7.2 oz 657 g 180.1%

Hydration 80.1 %

To make the Motherdough, combine all the above ingredients and let set out at
room temperature for 4 hours. Then put in a covered container and refrigerate for
at least 3 days.

112
 Volume Standard Metric
Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Motherdough @ 80% 2 cups 1 lb 2 oz 510 g 45.9 %

Water 1 cup 8 oz 226 g 20.4 %

Evaporated Milk 1 cup 8 oz 226 g 20.4 %

Oil 3 TBSP 1.5 oz 42 g 3.8 %

Malt Syrup 2 TBSP 1.6 oz 45 g 4.1 %

Bread Flour 6.5 cups 1 lbs 13.2 oz 827 g 74.5 %

Salt (add after

4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 2.0 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 3.1 oz 4 lb 3.1 oz 1902 g 171.2 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 7.2 oz 2 lb 7.2 oz 1113 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 8.5 oz 1 lb 8.5 oz 694 g 62.4 %
(hydration)

Break the Motherdough up into chunks and add to your mixer. Add the rest of the
ingredients, except salt, and mix together just until incorporated and then allow the
dough to rest for 20 minutes (autolyse).

After autolysis, add salt and mix dough on low speed for about 4 minutes. Then let
the dough bulk ferment (first rise) for 4 hours or until doubled.
After bulk fermentation, pour the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead
enough to gather into a ball. Divide the dough into two pieces. Shape each loaf into
a round ball and then allow the dough to rest for 5 – 10 minutes (bench rest). After
benching shape loaves into their final shapes and put them into the proofing
baskets or couche.

Allow the dough to final proof for 2 – 3 hours (whenever the dough looks about 1 ½
times its size and is spongy/springy) then turn dough out on peel and slash, spray,
cover with roasting lid and bake in a preheated 425F/218C degree oven for 20
minutes. After 20 minutes, remove roasting lid, turn the oven down to 400F/204C
degrees and continue baking for about 10-15 more minutes, turning halfway for
even browning. Bread is done when the internal temperature reaches 200-205F/93-
96C .Take out loaf and cool on a rack.

Turn your oven back up to 425F/218C degrees and put the roasting lid back into the
oven to preheat before putting in the next loaf.

113
 COASTAL LOAF

Coastal Loaf is made with a motherdough starter at 80% hydration

Make this motherdough starter, let sit at room temperature 3 - 4 hours, then
refrigerate. Feed your motherdough at least once a week to keep it vigorous for other
recipe. To feed this starter, add 8 oz water and 10 oz of flour.

To make an 80% motherdough, add together:

Motherdough @ 80% Standard Metric Bakers %

Sourdough Starter 166% hydration 5 oz 141 g 38.8 %

Water 7.2 oz 204 g 55.9 %

Bread Flour 11 oz 311 g 85.4 %

Total Weight 1 lb 7.2 oz 657 g 180.1%

Hydration 80.1 %

114
Coastal Loaf:

This Coastal Loaf recipe is started in the afternoon 2:00 - 4:00 pm :

In your dough mixer add:

 1 lb 4 oz of ripe motherdough
 2 cups water-16
 2 Tablespoons of oil – 1 oz
 2 teaspoons Diastatic Malt powder
 5 cups bread flour – 22.5
 1 cup whole wheat flour – 4.2 oz
 3 ½ teaspoons salt - .7 oz

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Motherdough @ 80% 1 lb 6 oz 1 lb 6 oz 623 g 55.2 %

Water 2 cups 16 oz 453 g 40.2 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1.0 oz 28 g 2.5 %

Diastatic Malt Powder 2 teasp .2 oz 5.7 g .5 %

Whole Wheat Flour 2/3 cup 2.8 oz 79 g 7.0 %

Bread Flour 5.5 cups 1 lbs 8.8 oz 703 g 62.3 %

Salt (add after

4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 2.0 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 3.6 oz 4 lb 3.6oz 1916 g 169.8 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 7.8 oz 2 lb 7.8 oz 1129 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 9.8 oz 1 lb 9.8 oz 730 g 64.7%
(hydration)

Mix up this dough around 2:00 - 4:00pm in the afternoon. Let the dough autolyse
(rest) for 20 minutes. Add salt and then finished mixing for 4 more minutes. Let the

115
 dough bulk ferment until doubled (about 4 - 6 hours). Stir down the dough and
place in a covered container into the refrigerator overnight. In the morning at 7:00
am take out the dough and let it warm up for one - two hours until soft and bubbly.
Pour out on a floured surface and then shape the loaves.

Stagger the shaping of each loaf 30 minutes apart. Place loaves in bannetons and let
proof for 1 ½ to 2 hours or when loaves are about 1 ½ times their original size.Then
slash the dough and slide it onto the hot baking stone. Next, working quickly,
spray the loaf all over with water, cover with roasting lid and bake in a preheated
450F/232C degree oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove roasting lid, turn
down the oven to 425F/218C degrees and continue baking for about 15-20 more
minutes, turning the loaf around in the oven, halfway through the last 15 minutes,
for even browning.
Take out your loaf and cool on a rack. Put the roasting lid back into the oven and
reheat to 450F/232C degrees again, before putting in the next loaf.

116
 VIENNA WHITE

Vienna White is made using a Motherdough Starter.

This recipe makes approximately 4 lbs 5 oz of dough at 62.5 % hydration. It will
make 3 small loaves at 1 lb 7 oz each. The Motherdough needs to be started about
three days before mixing:

Motherdough @ 80% Standard Metric Bakers %

Sourdough Starter 166% hydration 5 oz 141 g 38.8 %

Water 7.2 oz 204 g 55.9 %

Bread Flour 11 oz 311 g 85.4 %

Total Weight 1 lb 7.2 oz 657 g 180.1%

Hydration 80.1 %

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
3 Loaves 3 Loaves 3 Loaves

Motherdough @ 80% 1 lb 7 oz 1 lb 7 oz 652 g 54.8 %

117
 Water 2 cups 16 oz 453 g 38.1 %

1 lbs 13.2
Bread Flour 6.5 cups 827 g 69.6 %
oz
Salt (add after
4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 1.9 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 5 oz 4 lb 5 oz 1956 g 169.8 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 10 oz 2 lb 10 oz 1190 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight 1 lb 10.2

1 lb 10.2 oz 743 g 62.5 %
(hydration) oz

Mix all ingredients, except salt, together just until incorporated and then allow the dough to
rest for 20 minutes (autolyse).
After autolysis, add salt and mix dough on low speed for about 2 minutes. Then let the
dough bulk ferment (first rise) for 4 hours or until doubled.
After bulk fermentation, pour the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead enough to
gather into a ball. Divide the dough into three pieces. Shape each loaf into a Vienna shape
and then allow the dough to rest for 5 – 10 minutes (bench rest). After benching shape
loaves into their final shapes and put them into the proofing baskets or couche.

Allow the dough to final proof for 2 – 3 hours (whenever the dough looks about 1 ½ times
its size and is spongy/springy) then turn dough out on peel and slash, spray, cover with
roasting lid and bake in a preheated 450F/232C degree oven for 20 minutes. After 20
minutes, remove roasting lid, turn down the oven to 400F/204C degrees and continue baking
for about 10-15 more minutes, turning halfway for even browning. Bread is done when the
internal temperature reaches 200-205F/93-96C .Take out loaf and cool on a rack.
. Don’t forget to put the roasting lid back into the oven to preheat before putting in the next
loaf.

118
 SOURDOUGH MILLET LOAF

Millet Loaf is made with a Motherdough starter. To make a Motherdough at 80%

hydration, check the chapter on Motherdough. This recipe will make two loaves
around 2 lb/4907g each. Start this recipe around 2:00 p.m.

To your mixer add:

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves
Motherdough @ 80%
2 cups 18 oz 510 g 47.8 %
hydration

Water 2 cups 16 oz 453 g 42.5 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.7 %

119
 Dry Milk Powder 1/3 cup .8 oz 22.7 g 2.1 %

Millet Seeds (whole) ½ cup 3.5 oz 99 g 9.3 %

5¾
Bread Flour 1 lb 9.8 oz 731 g 68.5 %
cups
Salt (add after
3½ teasp .7 oz 19.8 g 1.9 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 1.8 oz 4 lb 1.8 oz 1865 g 174.8 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 5.7 oz 2 lb 5.7 oz 1067 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 8.0 oz 1 lb 8.0 oz 680 g 63.7 %
(hydration)

Mix all ingredients together, except salt, just until incorporated and then allow the
dough to rest for 20 minutes (autolyse).

After autolyse, add salt and mix dough on low speed for about 2 minutes. Then let
the dough bulk ferment for 4 - 6 hours or until doubled. Stir the dough down or
fold it three or four times during bulk ferment. When bulk ferment is finished,
pour the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead enough to gather into a
ball.

Divide the dough into two pieces. Shape into the general shape you want then let
rest for 10 minutes. After resting do a final shaping, place dough into bannetons
and cover with plastic bags. Refrigerate overnight.

Next morning take out the loaves staggered 30 minutes apart. Let proof for 1 ½ to 2
hours or when loaves are about 1 ½ times their original size. Then place the first
loaf on a floured peel and brush the outside with an egg wash (1 egg beater with 1
Tablespoon of water). Sprinkle dough heavily with Millet seeds. Then slash the
dough and slide it onto the hot baking stone.

Cover the dough with a roasting lid and bake in a preheated 425F/218C degree oven
for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove roasting lid, turn down the oven to
400F/204C degrees and continue baking for about 10- 15 more minutes or until the
internal temperature registers 200-205F/93-96C. Turn the loaf around in the oven,
halfway through the last 10-15 minutes, for even browning.
Take out your loaf and cool on a rack. Put the roasting lid back into the oven and
reheat to 450F/218C degrees again, before putting in the next loaf. Millet Loaf is so
pretty and is great for making sandwiches or toast.

120
 ONION FOCACCIA

Onion Focaccia is made with a Motherdough starter. See chapter on Motherdough

to make up 80% Motherdough. Mix up the dough in the late afternoon around 3 –
4:00 pm. This recipe will make 2 lbs 4.8 oz of dough at 65.4 % hydration, enough for
one large 14-16” round Focaccia.

 1 cup vigorous Motherdough Starter at 80%

hydration – 9 oz / 255 g (see Motherdough section)
 1 cup water – 8 oz / 226 g
 ¼ cup evaporated milk – 2 oz / 56 g
 2 Tablespoon Olive Oil – 1 oz / 28 g
 3 & 2/3 cup Bread flour – 16.4 oz/ 464 g(use half All
Purpose flour)
 2 teaspoons salt – .4 oz / 11 g

Mix all ingredients together except salt. Mixing will take 3 to 4 minutes. Autolyse
for 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes, add the salt and mix the dough for 2 more

121
 minutes. Let this dough set lightly covered at room temperature for five hours. Fold
the dough once each hour. Then cover it and refrigerate overnight.

In the morning take out the dough and let it warm up about one hour. Next, roll
the dough into a ball and let it set for 10 minutes. Now begin to stretch out the
dough gently from all sides and pushing the dough gently outward from the
middle until the dough is about 14 inches in diameter.

It the dough fights you, let it rest another 5 – 10 minutes and start stretching and
pulling the dough out again. Set the dough on top of a pizza screen or sprinkle a
peel with semolina flour and set the dough on top of it. Let the dough rise for one
and one half hours.

Spread the top of the dough with Olive oil and then 1 cup grated Parmesan Cheese,
one large (about 12 oz when raw) fried, slightly browned onion, and chopped fresh
Rosemary leaves. Don’t brown the onions too much as the heat from the oven
caramelizes them even more.

Bake at 450F/232C degrees for about 10 - 15 minutes or until it looks browned.

122
 PIZZA MOTHERDOUGH

Pizza Dough is made with a Motherdough starter. Mix up the dough in the morning
around 10 a.m.. This recipe will make 4 lbs 1.8 oz of dough at 63.9 % hydration,
enough for two large 16” round Pizzas.

 2 cup vigorous Motherdough Starter at 80%

hydration – 18 oz / 510 g (see Motherdough section)
 2 cups water – 16oz / 453 g
 4 Tablespoon Olive Oil – 2oz / 56 g
 1 Tablespoon Malt Syrup - .8 oz/ 22 g
 6 ¼ cup Bread flour – 28.1 oz/ 796 g(can use half All
Purpose flour)
 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
 4 teaspoons salt – .8 oz / 22 g

Mix all ingredients together except salt. Mixing will take 3 to 4 minutes. Autolyse
for 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes, add the salt and mix the dough for 4 more
minutes. Let this dough set lightly covered at room temperature for six hours. Fold
the dough once every two hours.

123
 After fermentation is done, divide the dough into two pieces and roll each dough
piece into a ball and let it set for 15 minutes (this is important if you want to be able
to stretch the dough). Now begin to stretch out the dough gently from all sides and
pushing the dough gently outward from the middle until the dough is about 16
inches in diameter.

It the dough fights you, let it rest another 5 – 10 minutes and start stretching and
pulling the dough out again. Set the dough on top of a pizza screen/pizza pan or
sprinkle a peel with semolina flour and set the dough on top of it. Let the dough
rise for about one hour.

Spread the top of the dough with Olive oil, then your favorite sauce and toppings
and bake at 550F/287C degrees for 7 – 15 minutes or until it looks browned.

My favorite way to make pizza is to pop the dough with no toppings except olive
oil, onto the very hot stone for 3 minutes and let it bubble up. Then while the
dough is still only partly baked, I whisk out the dough using the pizza peel, add
the cheese and toppings then put the pizza back into the oven to finish baking. The
crust bubbles up terrific this way and you never end up with raw dough in the
middle of the crust.

124
 BAY BREAD

Bay Bread is made using a Motherdough Starter.

This recipe makes 4 lbs 5.4 oz of dough at 64.4 % hydration. It will make 2 nice fat
loaves.

The Motherdough needs to be started about three days before mixing:

Motherdough @ 80% Standard Metric Bakers %

Sourdough Starter 166% hydration 5 oz 141 g 38.8 %

Water 7.2 oz 204 g 55.9 %

Bread Flour 11 oz 311 g 85.4 %

Total Weight 1 lb 7.2 oz 657 g 180.1%

Hydration 80.1 %

To make the Motherdough, combine all the above ingredients and let set out at
room temperature for 4 hours. Then put in a covered container and refrigerate for
at least 3 days.

125
To make Bay Bread, start in the morning around 11:30 am and mix together:
Volume 2 Standard Metric
Morning Ferment Bakers %
loaves 2 loaves 2 loaves
Motherdough@ 80%
2 cups 1 lb 2 oz 510 g 86.5 %
hydration

Water 1 cup 8 oz 226 g 38.5 %

Rye Flour ½ cup 1.8 oz 51 g 8.7 %

Bread Flour 2 cups 9 oz 255 g 43.3 %

Total Weight 2 lb 4.8 oz 2 lb 4.8 oz 1043 g 176.9%

Hydration 76.9 %

Allow dough to ferment for four hours at room temperature. Fold dough twice
during the four hours. After four hours put the Morning ferment into your mixer
and add:

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Morning Ferment All All All 90.0 %

Water 1 ¼ cups 10 oz 283 g 24.4 %

Oil 1 TBSP .5 oz 14 g 1.2 %

Malt Syrup 1 ½ TBSP 1.2 oz 34 g 2.9 %

Bread Flour 6.5 cups 1 lbs 13.2 oz 827 g 74.5 %

Whole Wheat Flour ½ cup 2.1 oz 59 g 5.1 %

Salt (add after

4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 2.0 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 5.4 oz 4 lb 5.4 oz 1967 g 169.7 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 8.9 oz 2 lb 8.9 oz 1159 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 10.4oz 1 lb 10.4 oz 747 g 64.4 %
(hydration)

Mix all of the ingredients together, including salt, mix together just until
incorporated about 3 – 4 minutes and then allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.

126
After resting, mix dough on low speed for about 3 minutes. Then let the dough
ferment for 4 hours or until doubled.
After fermentation, pour the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead
enough to gather into a ball. Divide the dough into two pieces. Shape each loaf into
a round ball and then allow the dough to rest for 5 – 10 minutes (bench rest). After
benching shape loaves into their final shapes and put them into the proofing
baskets or couche. Put a plastic bag over the loaves and refrigerate them overnight.

Next morning take out the loaves staggered 30 minutes apart and allow the dough
to warm up and final proof for 2 – 3 hours (whenever the dough looks about 1 ½
times its size and is spongy/springy) then turn dough out on peel and slash, spray,
cover with roasting lid and bake in a preheated 425F/218C degree oven for 20
minutes. After 20 minutes, remove roasting lid, turn the oven down to 400F/204C
degrees and continue baking for about 10-15 more minutes, turning halfway for
even browning. Bread is done when the internal temperature reaches 200-205F/93-
96C .Take out loaf and cool on a rack.

Turn your oven back up to 425F/218C degrees and put the roasting lid back into the
oven to preheat before putting in the next loaf.

127
 MOTHERDOUGH WHITE LOAF

You will need some preparation before attempting the Motherdough White recipe
because it contains a Motherdough starter which needs several days of cold
fermentation before using. To understand what Motherdough is, read the chapter
on “Motherdough”.

This recipe needs a 70 % Motherdough. Make up the Motherdough 2 – 3 days before

making the preferment. To make the Motherdough:

128
 To make about 1.5 lbs of 70% Motherdough follow these directions (this is
more than will be needed for the recipe)

3/4 cup of any vigorous sourdough starter at 166 % hydration –

6.7 oz
3/4 cups water – 6 oz
2 & 2/3 (approx) cups bread flour –12.0 oz

Stir well together and let ferment at room temperature for 3 - 4 hours, then
refrigerate. Motherdough is best used at day three but it can be used up till
day 5, then you need to feed it or throw it out.
This will make enough for the recipe below and some leftover to feed and use
again next time.
You will need 1 lb of the Motherdough to make “One Night Sponge Sour”, the
leftover Motherdough needs to be fed for the next use. To feed the
Motherdough add: (This is to feed a 70 % hydration Motherdough) If your
Motherdough is old and you are refreshing it, discard all but 8-9 oz of dough
and then feed:

7/8 cups water – 7 oz (use one cup and take out 1/8 of a cup of
water)
¼ (approx) cups flour – 10 oz

Stir well and let set out at room temperature for 3-4
hours, then refrigerate.

Motherdough White is a mild tasting white motherdough with full wheaty flavor.
This recipe makes 2 large loaves weighing a little over 2 lb each and is 64.8%
hydration.
In the afternoon around 1:00 p.m. add:
Ingredient Volume Standard Metric Bakers %
2 loaves 2 loaves 2loaves
70% Motherdough
1 ½ cups 13.5 oz 382 g 34.2 %

Water
2 ½ cups 1 lb 4 oz 567 g 50.7 %

Bread Flour
7 cups 1 lb 15.5 oz 893 g 79.9 %

Salt (add after

4 teasp .8 oz 22.7 g 2.0 %
autolyse)
Total Dough Weight
4 lb 1.8 oz 4 lb 1.8 oz 1865.5 g 166.8%

Total Flour Weight

2 lb 7.4 oz 2 lb 7.4 oz 1118 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 9.6 oz 1 lb 9.6 oz 724 g 64.8%
(hydration)

Tear the Motherdough into chunks and then add the other ingredients except the
salt. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated (about 2 -3 minutes) on

129
 low/medium speed and then let the dough rest (autolyse) for about 20 minutes.
After autolysis is done add: .8 oz salt /22.7 g

Then mix on low speed for another minute. Then allow the dough to ferment for
six hours . You can leave the dough in the mixer and stir it down every couple of
hours, or put it into a folding trough and fold every hour and one half. When the
six hours is up refrigerate the dough in a large covered container overnight. Next
morning take out the dough and warm up for two hours. Then shape the loaves
and place into bannetons or lined baskets.
I usually shape one loaf, keep the rest of the dough covered, then come back after
30 minutes and shape another loaf, etc. This staggers the loaves so they don’t all
have to be baked at the same time. The dough now needs to final proof. It will
need to proof for two to three hours in a warm (80 – 86F/26-30C) place. Make sure
to preheat your oven to 425F/218C when you have an hour left for proofing your
first loaf.
When the dough is done proofing, (push the tip of your finger into the side of the
dough, if it feels bubbly, soft and the dent fills in slowly, it is ready). Turn dough
over onto a peel or flat baking sheet sprinkled well with Semolina flour or
cornmeal. Slash the top of the dough.
Then bake in a well preheated oven for 20 minutes at 425F/218C degrees, using a
baking stone and the roasting pan method of baking. After 20 minutes, open the
oven and take off the roasting lid (be careful of hot steam). Continue to bake
uncovered for another 15-20 minutes.
During the last 20 minutes, turn the loaf at least once to evenly brown the crust
(you may not need to do this with a convection oven). Take out your exquisitely
beautiful loaf and cool on a rack. Repeat directions for the other loaf.

130
 Ciabatta Loaf

Ciabatta Loaf made with a motherdough starter

To make approximately 1 lb of motherdough at 80 % hydration, mix 4.5 oz of a vigorous

166% hydration starter, add 5 oz of water and 8 oz of bread flour. Mix this well and let it
set out for about 4 hours then cover it and refrigerate for 2 - 3 days before using.

Bakers %
Motherdough @ 80% Standard Metric

Sourdough Starter 166% hydration 4.5 oz 127 g 46.4 %

Water 5 oz 141 g 51.6 %

Bread Flour 8 oz 226 g 82.5 %

Total Weight 1 lb 1.5 oz 496 g 180.6%

Hydration 80.6 %

This recipe is started in the morning:

In your dough mixer add:

131
  1 lb 1.5 oz vigorous, aged motherdough at 80% hydration
 8 oz water
 4 oz canned milk
 1 Tablespoon Oil (.5 oz)
 1 lbs 2 oz of bread flour
 2.5 teaspoons salt added after autolyse(.5 oz)

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Motherdough @ 80% All All All 63.1 %

8 oz (set
Water 1 cups 226 g 28.9 %
aside 2 oz)

Canned Milk ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 14.4 %

Oil 1 TBSP 0.5 oz 14 g 1.8 %

Bread Flour 4 cups 1 lbs 2 oz 510 g 64.9 %

Salt (add after

2 ½ teasp .5 oz 14 g 1.8 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 3 lb 0.5 oz 3 lb 0.5 oz 1374.9 g 175.0 %

Total Flour Weight 1 lb 11.7 oz 1 lb 11.7 oz 785.9 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 3.8 oz 1 lb 3.8 oz 560.7 g 71.3%
(hydration)

You will be able to make about 2 loaves at 1 lb 8 oz each and the finished dough is at
71% hydration.

Withhold 2 oz of the water and the salt. Mix together all ingredients (except 2 oz of water
and the salt), for about three minutes on low/medium speed in your mixer. Then let
dough set for 20 minutes (autolyse). Now add the salt and mix the dough for 5 more
minutes, using the lowest speed on your mixer. Toward the end of the five minutes of
mixing, slowly add the 2 oz of water.

Place the dough in a folding trough and let dough ferment for 4 hours in a warm
environment (75 – 80F/23-26C) degrees ).Once an hour, stir or fold the dough over on
itself. After the dough is done bulk fermenting, pour dough onto a very well floured
surface. This dough is like a thick batter. Measure out about 1 lb 8 oz of dough for each
loaf and pour this sticky lump out onto the heavily floured surface. The dough will be
like a thick blob on top of the flour.

132
Now fold the dough over on top of itself, keeping your hands only on the floured parts
of the dough, it will stiffen up somewhat. You do not want to knead this dough because
you want to avoid adding too much flour to the wet dough.

Just keep plenty of flour on the surface of the dough to keep it from sticking to the table,
if it does stick, peel it off with your pastry scraper. Place dough onto a floured baking
sheet or a heavily floured couche. When both loaves are shaped, let proof for about 1 -
1.5 hours.Once the loaves are nice and puffy, dimple the dough with your fingertips,
pressing them into dough to flatten it somewhat.

Just before putting the dough into the oven, take the loaf and stretch it out a small
amount lengthwise, then bake in a preheated oven at 450F/232C degrees for 15 minutes,
turn loaves around and turn oven down to 425F/218C for another 15- 20 minutes or until
a deep golden brownish red.
You can place your baking sheet directly onto the baking stone, or you can slide the
loaves off of the pan and directly onto the stone (if you pan is flat with no sides. If you
use a couche, turn out your loaves onto a well floured peel and place into the hot oven
directly onto the hot stone.

If you can cover the dough with a roasting lid for the first 12 minutes, that would work
even better, however, don’t spray the loaves with water, just allow the steam from the
dough to do the job. Cool loaves and then slice and serve with lots of butter.

133
 ONE NIGHT SPONGE SOUR

This One Night Sour is part of the Motherdough collection of recipes. You will
need some preparation before attempting the Motherdough recipes because a
Motherdough starter needs several days of cold fermentation before using. To
understand what Motherdough is, read the chapter on “Motherdough”.

This recipe needs a 70 % Motherdough. Make up the Motherdough 2 – 3 days before

making the preferment. To make the Motherdough:

To make about 1.5 lbs of 70% Motherdough follow these directions (this is more
than will be needed for the recipe)

3/4 cup of any vigorous sourdough starter at 166 % hydration – 6.7 oz

3/4 cups water – 6 oz
2 & 2/3 (approx) cups bread flour –12.0 oz

Stir well together and let ferment at room temperature for 3 - 4 hours, then
refrigerate. Motherdough is best used at day three but it can be used up till day 5,
then you need to feed it or throw it out.
This will make enough for the recipe below and some leftover to feed and use again
next time.
You will need 1 lb of the Motherdough to make “One Night Sponge Sour”, the
leftover Motherdough needs to be fed for the next use. To feed the Motherdough
add: (This is to feed a 70 % hydration Motherdough) If your Motherdough is old
and you are refreshing it, discard all but 8-9 oz of dough and then feed:

7/8 cups water – 7 oz (use one cup and take out 1/8 of a cup of water)
¼ (approx) cups flour – 10 oz
Stir well and let set out at room temperature for 3-4 hours, then refrigerate.

134
One Night Sponge Sour uses 12 oz of Motherdough starter:
This recipe makes 2 large loaves weighing 2 lb 3 oz each and is 65% hydration.

Make the preferment:

In the evening, mix together in a large bowl or container:

Preferment Volume Standard Metric Bakers %

Motherdough 70%
1.5 cups 12 oz 340.2 58.4 %
hydration

Water 2 cups 16 oz 453.6 77.8 %

Cracked Wheat ¼ cup 1.5 oz 42.5 7.3 %

Bread Flour 2 2/3 cups 12 oz 340.2 58.4 %

Total Weight 2 lbs 9.5 oz 2 lbs 9.5 oz 1176.5 201.9%

Hydration 101.9%

Mix well to incorporate all ingredients. Cover lightly and

ferment overnight at room temperature (between 68 - 76F/ 20 -24C)
To make up the dough:
Next morning at 8 - 9 A.M. take out your preferment, pour it into your dough mixer
and add:
Ingredient Volume Standard Metric Bakers %
2 loaves 2 loaves 2loaves
Preferment
Use all 2 lbs 9.5 oz 1176.5 g 100.1 %

Water
3/4 cup 6 oz 170.1 g 14.5 %

Oil
1 ½ Tbsp .8 oz 22.7 1.9 %

Bread Flour
4 2/3 cup 1 lbs 4.9 oz 592.5 g 50.4 %

Salt (add after

4 teasp .8 oz 22.7 g 1.9 %
autolyse)
Total Dough Weight
4 lb 6.0 oz 4 lb 6.0 oz 1984.5 g 168.9%

Total Flour Weight

2 lb 9.5 oz 2 lb 9.5 oz 1175.2 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 10.9 oz 1 lb 10.9 oz 763.9 g 65.0%
(hydration)

135
 Mix until ingredients are well incorporated (about 2 -3 minutes) on low/medium
speed and then let the dough rest (autolyse) for about 20 minutes. After autolysis
is done add: .8 oz salt /22.7 g
Mix the dough for 4 more minutes in your mixer on low speed. Let the dough
bulk ferment in a warm (80 – 86F/26-30C) covered, for 4 hours. Once each hour,
take out the dough and fold it following the directions in the Dough Folding
Chapter. After 4 hours shape loaves one at a time by shaping one loaf, and then 30
minutes later, shape the second loaf.
This is to stagger the loaves so they are not both ready at the same time to bake.
Keep dough that is not being shaped in covered container or covered with a damp
cloth. When dough shaping is done, place the shaped dough into bannetons,
lined baskets or a couche. Allow the dough to proof at room temperature for
about 1 - 2 hours (this depends on the activity of the dough and how warm your
kitchen is).
When the dough is done proofing, (push the tip of your finger into the side of the
dough, if it feels bubbly, soft and the dent fills in slowly, it is ready). Turn dough
over onto a peel or flat baking sheet sprinkled well with Semolina flour or
cornmeal. Slash the top of the dough.
Then bake in a well preheated oven for 20 minutes at 425F/218C degrees, using a
baking stone and the roasting pan method of baking. After 20 minutes, open the
oven and take off the roasting lid (be careful of hot steam). Continue to bake
uncovered for another 15-20 minutes. During the last 20 minutes, turn the loaf at
least once to evenly brown the crust (you may not need to do this with a
convection oven). Cool, slice and enjoy!

136
 Sourdough Fat Pretzels

Soft Sourdough Pretzels with cracked salt.

These pretzels are simmered in a baking soda, salt solution for a real pretzel flavor!

This recipe utilizes a "motherdough" which is the basic sourdough recipe put into a
bowl, covered, refrigerated, and used the next day.
Basic Pretzel Dough :
In mixing bowl combine:

2 cups 80% Motherdough starter- 18 oz

2 cups water-16 oz
2 Tablespoons of oil –1 oz
3 teaspoons salt - .6 oz
6 1/2 cups Bread Flour -29.3 oz

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Motherdough @ 80% 2 cups 18 oz 510 g 45.8 %

Water 2 cups 16 oz 567 g 40.7 %

Oil 2 TBSP 1.0 oz 28 g 2.5 %

Bread Flour 6½ cups 1 lbs 13.3 oz 830 g 74.6 %

Salt (add after

3 teasp .6 oz 17 g 1.5 %
autolyse)

137
 Total Dough Weight 4 lb 0.9 oz 4 lb 0.9 oz 1839 g 165.1 %

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 7.3 oz 2 lb 7.3 oz 1114 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 8.0 oz 1 lb 8.0 oz 680 g 61.1%
(hydration)

(If you would like to make this dough with a regular starter instead of
Motherdough, substitute 2 cups of starter at 166% hydration and add only
10.8 oz of water. That will give you the same hydration and will make 3 lbs
11.7 oz of dough).

Add all ingredients except salt. Mix for 3 - 4 minutes. Let dough set for 20 minutes and
then add salt. Mix for 2 more minutes. Let the dough proof for about 4 hours, turning
the dough or folding it once each hour. Then put into a covered large container and
refrigerate overnight.

Next day, take the dough when you ready and form the pretzels. Divide the dough
into about 16 pieces at around 4 oz each. Roll into snakes about 18- 20 inches long
using a sparing amount of flour to keep them from sticking. Shape into pretzel
shapes.

138
Then they need to proof for 1 ½ to 2 hours on a well oiled sheet. When your pretzels
have ½ hour they are finished proofing, get a large pan that will hold 3 quarts of
water with room to spare. Bring the water to a low boil and add ¾ cup of baking
soda and 1 Tablespoon of salt. The water will boil furiously when the soda is added
but will settle down. Simmer as many of the pretzels as will fit comfortably in your
pan for 30 seconds on each side. Drain and transfer to a well greased pan. Beat one
egg with 1 Tablespoon of water and brush on top of the pretzels, sprinkle with rock
salt that you have crushed or margarita salt.

Bake in a hot 400F/204C degree oven for around 20 minutes or until nice and brown,
turning the pan after 10 minutes for even browning. Remove immediately from pan
because they will stick. This recipe will make around 16 large, soft pretzels. Serve
with cream cheese or cheddar cheese and mustard. To reheat the next day, put into a
hot oven for a few minutes as they are somewhat soggy by the next day from the
salt.
(#ADH_128)

139
 PRETZEL SOURDOUGH BREAD

This recipe makes about 4 lbs of dough. The dough is divided into two 2 lb
loaves for the recipe.
The Motherdough is added to some water and flour the night before baking
to make this preferment:

 1 cup vigorous Motherdough @ 80% hydration – 9 oz/255 g

 1 ½ cups water – 12 oz/ 340 g
 4 ½ cups bread flour – 1 lb 4.2 oz /572.7 g

This will give you 2 lbs 9.2 oz/ 1168 g of pre-ferment at 63.5 % hydration, it
will be thick and you may need to get in there with your hands to mix it well.
After mixing the ingredients well, cover the bowl and allow the preferment to
set overnight at room temperature.

Next morning tear off chunks of the preferment and add to your
dough mixer. Then add:
 1/3 cup + 2 teaspoons water – 3 oz/85 g
 ½ cup evaporated milk -4 oz/113 g
 1 Tablespoons oil – 1 oz/28 g
 1 Tablespoons Malt syrup – .8 oz/22 g
 3 ½ teaspoons salt – .7 oz/19.8 g
 3 cups Bread Flour – 13.5 oz/382 g

This will make 4 lb 0.2 oz/1820 g of dough at 60.1 % hydration

Additional items you will need are:

140
  Large flat pan like a roasting pan
 A toaster oven rack or small baking rack
 Some hanger wire for making handles on the rack
 2 gallons of water
 2 cups of baking soda
 1 Tablespoon of Salt
 1 egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon of water for the egg glaze
 Flaked salt or crushed rock salt

Mix all ingredients including salt together just until incorporated using a low
speed on your mixer and then allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes(autolyse). This
is a stiff dough.

After autolysis, mix dough on low speed for 4 more minutes. Then let the dough bulk
ferment for 4 hours. Fold dough once each hour. After bulk fermentation, pour the
dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead just enough to gather into a ball. Divide
the dough into two pieces Shape dough into a French type loaf and then allow the dough
to bench rest for 5 – 10 minutes. After resting, shape loaves into their final shapes and put
them into the couche or lined, floured banneton. Allow the dough to final proof for 2 – 2.5
hours (until the dough looks about 1 ½ times its original size).Preheat your oven to
400F/204.4Cdegrees.

141
 When the dough is almost done proofing, bring to a simmer in a large flat pan ( I
used a roaster pan over two burners) about 2 gallons of water. Add 2 cups of baking
soda and 1 Tablespoon of salt to the water. Find something that will allow you to
lower the proofed dough into the simmering water and take it back out.

A very large slotted spatula would work or get a rack from your toaster oven and
add handles to it. A small baking rack would also work if you get some wire from a
coat hanger and bend it to make handles for the sides. When the dough is ready,
lower the dough into the simmering water, rack and all, and let it simmer for 15
seconds on each side.

It will float in the water so turn it over after the first 15 seconds. Take the dough out
and place it on a baking sheet that has been greased. Then spread the whole outside
of the dough with an egg wash (1 egg beaten well with one Tablespoon of water)
Next sprinkle the top with flaked salt. You can also use rock salt that has been
pounded into smaller pieces. Slice x’s into the top of the dough.

Then using the same technique, process another loaf and put it onto the same
baking sheet as the first loaf. Place the pan into a hot 400F/204.4C degrees oven.
Bake for 30 – 35 minutes or until the dough looks dark reddish brown and registers
an internal temperature of 200-205F/93-96C. Turn your loaves halfway through the
bake for even browning.

Cool and be prepared to eat some terrific bread. This bread is best eaten fresh. If you
have to store it overnight, store it in a paper bag as the salt will leach out moisture and
make the crust soggy. Next day it makes great sandwiches and toast. By day three it is
inedible. Pretzel bread is great with sharp cheese and butter or mustard. It also makes
great sandwiches with pastrami and salami. ( Next whole page #ADH_135)

142
143
 SPECIALTY RECIPES

144
 SOFT SWEET DOUGH
A HINT:
Sourdough sweet dough recipes can be a little tougher in the crust and crumb than a
yeasted bread. Thid is because of the long fermentation needed for wild yeast. Over the
years I have found adding potatoes, milk and other ingredients will help soften the dough.
However, since this book was finished, I have found during my experiments, that adding
around 1 oz of sourcream per pound of dough will result in a very nice soft dough. Of
course I did not have time to go back and edit this book, but I wanted to let you know of
this technique for producing a softer dough. When you add the sourcream it will change
the hydration of your dough, so add a little less water or more flour to make up for it.

145
 SWEET DOUGH

This recipe will make about four pounds of sweet dough, the kind used for the
Hawaiian Coffee Ring or Cinnamon Raisin Rolls. Use All Purpose flour or a
mixture of AP flour and Pastry flour for extra softness of the roll. This recipe will
make two large Hawaiian Rolls weighing about 2 lbs / 907 g each. Or two pans of
Cinnamon Rolls.
With just a small amount of honey added, the dough is not too sweet. For extra
sweetness double the honey. This recipe uses a pre-ferment, so the night before
baking, stir together in a large container:

Bakers %
Preferment Volume Standard Metric

Sourdough Starter
2/3 cups 6 oz 170 g 38.8 %
166% hydration

Water 1.5 cups 12 oz 340 g 77.6 %

All Purpose Flour 3 cups 13.2 oz 374 g 85.4 %

Total Weight 1 lb 15.2 oz 1lb 15.2 oz 884 g 201.9%

Hydration 101.9%

Let this mixture set lightly covered overnight at room temperature.

146
Next morning, pour the preferment mixture into your mixer and then add in
order:

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Rolls 2 Rolls 2 Rolls

Preferment All All All 80.9 %

Water 1/3 cup 2.6 oz 73 g 6.7 %

Evaporated Milk or
1/3 cup 2.6 oz 73 g 6.7 %
Cream

Honey 1.5 TBSP 1.5 oz 42 g 3.9 %

Vanilla Extract 1 TBSP .5 oz 14 g 1.3 %

Melted Butter 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.6 %

Mashed Potatoes ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 10.4 %

Bread/All Purpose
5¼ cups 1 lbs 7.1 oz 654 g 59.9 %
Flour
Salt (add after
1 TBSP .6 oz 17 g 1.6 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 3.6 oz 4 lb 3.6 oz 1916 g 175.3%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 6.6 oz 2 lb 6.6 oz 1093 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 8.4 oz 1 lb 8.4 oz 693 g 63.4%
(hydration)

Mix together the preferment and the additional ingredients on a medium speed just
until mixed, this takes about three to four minutes. Then allow the dough to rest for
20 minutes.
After resting, add the salt and mix the dough for another two minutes, then put the
dough into a folding trough or large container and bulk ferment the dough in a
warm place for 3 to 4 hours.

Fold the dough once an hour. After bulk fermentation, divide the dough into two
pieces of about 2 pounds each, and then gather each into a ball. Let dough rest for
five minutes.

To make Hawaiian Coffee Ring, roll out each piece of dough into a circle shape
about 16- 18 inches across. Spread the Coconut filling (below) across each rolled out
circle of dough and then taking one edge, roll up the dough, coil slightly into a
circle and place in an oiled/greased round pan or glass baking dish/pie dish. Spray
some cooking oil or brush on butter or oil on the surface of the roll to keep it from
drying out. When ready to bake, make several slashes deeply into the roll, slashing
down into at least two layers.

147
 To make Cinnamon Raisin Rolls, roll out each two pound piece of dough into a
large rectangle. Spread melted butter over the whole surface of the dough. Then
sprinkle cinnamon and sugar evenly across the dough. Then spread
raisins/chopped walnuts over the dough. Starting at one edge, roll the dough into a
roll shape. Then either cut the rolls off in slices and lay flat on a greased pan, or lay
the roll on a greased pan, slash almost all the way through and then lay the roll over
on it’s side like this:

(#SR_6 and # SR_7)

Allow the dough to proof for about 1 to 1.5 hours in a warm place 70-80F /21-26C
until the dough is about almost doubled and puffy looking. Bake at 375F/190C
degrees for about 30 – 35 minutes. Turn the rolls a couple of times for even
browning during baking. Brush with butter while the rolls are still hot, then cool

148
before glazing. The center of the dough should register about 195F - 200F on instant
thermometer when done.

Coconut filling:
Coconut Filling Volume Standard Metric

Butter 3/4 cup 6 oz 170 g

Cream or ½ & ½ milk 1/3 cup 2.6 oz 73 g

Sugar white or brown 1½ cups 10.5 oz 297 g

Shredded Coconut 2¼ cups 7.4 oz 209 g

Chopped Nuts ¾ cup 3 oz 85 g

Cinnamon 1 ½ teasp .12 oz 3.4 g

Vanilla 1 TBSP .5 oz 14 g

For the coconut filling, add all above ingredients to a medium sized saucepan and
bring to a boil over medium heat while stirring. As soon as the mixture boils, take
off heat and cool before using.

Glaze:
 1.5 cups powdered sugar
 1 teaspoon vanilla
 Cream or half and half milk

Add powdered sugar and vanilla into a bowl and slowly add milk until the desired
consistency, stirring well. Twirl glaze on top of Coconut Roll once the roll is cooled.
To add holiday decorations on top of the rolls, use nut halves and sliced glazed
fruits to decorate and add color.

149
150
 TERESA’S SOURDOUGH DOUGHNUTS

This recipe makes about 20 doughnuts at around 3 oz each.

Feed your starter in the morning and then in the evening mix together in a large
container:

Preferment Volume Standard Metric Bakers %

Sourdough
Starter 166% ½ cup 4.5 oz 127 g 42.9 %
hydration

Water 1 cup 8 oz 226 g 76.3 %

All Purpose Flour 2 cups 8.8 oz 249 g 83.9 %

Total Weight 1 lb 5.3 oz 1 lb 5.3 oz 603 g 203 %

Hydration 103 %

This will make a batter-like preferment or sponge. After mixing the ingredients well,
cover the bowl and allow the preferment to set overnight at room temperature.

151
 Next morning pour the preferment into your dough mixer and then add

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient 20 20 20 Bakers %
doughnuts doughnuts doughnuts

Preferment All All All 63.4 %

Water 1/2 cup 4 oz 113 g 11.9 %

Evaporated milk 1/2 cup 4 oz 113 g 11.9 %

Sugar 1/2 cup 3.5 oz 99 g 10.4 %

Malt Syrup 1 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 3.0 %

Vanilla Extract 1 TBSP .5 oz 14 g 1.5 %

Oil 1 TBSP .5 oz 14 g 1.5 %

Mashed Potatoes 1/4 cup 2 oz 56 g 6.0 %

5 1/4
All Purpose Flour 1 lbs 7.1 oz 654 g 68.8 %
cups

Salt 1 Tbsp .6 oz 17 g 1.8 %

Total Dough
3 lb 12.5 oz 3 lb 12.5 oz 1715 g 180.1%
Weight

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 1.6 oz 2 lb 1.6 oz 952 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 4.6 oz 1 lb 4.6 oz 584 g 61.3%
(hydration)

Additional items you will need are:

 Doughnut cutter
 Many sheet pans or long couche
 Glaze , powdered sugar, or icing for toppings
 ½ - ¾ gallon of oil and a heavy bottomed pan (oil should
be 3-4 inches deep)
 frying thermometer
 racks for cooling and icing
 Slotted lifter

Mix all ingredients together just until incorporated using a medium speed on your
mixer and then allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes. This is a stiff dough at
around 61% hydration but it will feel softer because of the syrup and sugar in the
dough.
After resting the dough, mix on low speed for another minute. Then let the dough
bulk ferment (first rise) in a warm place (70-78 F/ 21-25 C degrees) for 4 hours. After

152
 bulk fermentation, pour out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead just
enough to gather into a ball. Divide the dough into two pieces and put one of the
pieces into a covered bowl. Let the other piece rest for about 5 minutes and then roll
it out into a circle of dough which is about ½ inch thick.

Using a doughnut cutter, cut out doughnuts and place the doughnuts on a floured
surface (a couche or a floured tea towel works great). After using up the first half of
the dough, take out the other piece from the bowl and make up the rest of the
doughnuts the same way. Allow the doughnuts to final proof for 1.5 hours (just
until not quite doubled but soft when you press in a finger).

When the doughnuts are almost done proofing, bring ½ to ¾ of a gallon of cooking oil
to a temperature of around 370 -375F / 187-190C degrees F. I used a large thick clad
bottomed pan that held the heat well. Use a frying thermometer to make sure the
temperature stays around the 370 – 375F/ 180 -192C F mark. Drop in a few doughnuts
and fry for about 2 ½ minutes turning the doughnuts halfway through.

153
Remove the doughnuts with a slotted spoon and drain on a rack. Then while still
warm but no longer hot, dip the doughnuts in glaze (see below) or shake in a bag of
powdered sugar. If icing will be used wait until the doughnuts are cool. Fry all of the
doughnuts until you are completely done. Don’t be surprised if they disappear while
you are frying them.

Glaze: (enough for half of the doughnuts)

Stir together:

 3 Tablespoons hot water

 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
 2 cups powdered sugar

As a variation, twist the dough by hand and fry.

Coat with powder sugar or a cinnamon sugar
mixture. Another variation would be to frost
with chocolate frosting, vanilla frosting and/or
sprinkle with confetti candy.

154
 EGG BAGELS

This recipe makes approximately 4 lbs 2 .6 oz of dough at 59.9 % hydration for

thirteen large bagels.
Feed the starter in the evening on the day before mixing the dough. Next morning
mix together in your mixer:

In your mixer add:

 2 cups sourdough starter – 18 oz at 166% hydration
 1 cup water – 8oz
 3 large eggs – 5.2 oz
 2 Tablespoon Oil - 1 oz
 1 Tablespoons non diastatic malt syrup or honey – .8 oz
 1/4 cup Gluten Flour (get this at the health food store)- 1.2
oz
 7 cups of Bread flour – 1 lb 15.5 oz
 3 ½ teaspoons salt – .7 oz

155
 Mix all of the ingredients including salt on a medium speed just until mixed, this
takes about three to four minutes. Then allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
After resting, mix dough on low speed for about four more minutes. This is a stiff
dough. Allow the dough bulk ferment for 4 – 6 hours until doubled.

Turn the dough down at least twice during the bulk ferment which helps develop
and line up the gluten strands. To do this hit the start button and let the hook stir
the dough about twice around the bowl on the lowest setting. Or alternately, pour
out the dough, when done mixing, into a covered rectangular dough folding
container and fold the dough twice during bulk ferment.

After bulk fermentation, pour out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and
knead a couple of times, then gather into a ball. Divide the dough into
approximately 13 pieces weighing about 5 oz each. Shape bagels by first shaping
into a 5 oz ball and then by punching a hole through the middle and twirling
around your fingers to stretch the hole bigger. Set the bagels onto a baking sheet
which has been sprayed with pan spray.

When all of the bagels are shaped, put a cotton cloth over the bagels and spray the
cloth with water so it is damp. By the time you are done with shaping the last bagel
the first pan has probably been proofing 1/2 hour. Let it proof another hour and 1/2
(about 2 hours altogether) and then in a large skillet bring about 2-3 inches of water
to a boil(around 3 quarts), adding 1 Tablespoon of Malt Syrup, 1 Tablespoon of salt
and 1 Tablespoon of baking soda to the water.

When water mixture is gently boiling, carefully drop in two or three bagels at a
time, boil gently for one half minute on each side (add more water to the boiling
mixture when necessary).Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a greased
baking sheet.
As soon as the baking sheet is filled with bagels that have been boiled, brush on an
egg glaze (made with one beaten egg + 1 Tablespoon water), and sprinkle with
favorite topping (toasted dried onion flakes, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, etc). If you
don't want a topping you will still want to use the egg glaze as it will make the
bagel shiny. Bake the bagels in a 400F/204C degree oven for about 20 -22 minutes or
nicely browned. Turn baking sheet halfway through the bake for even browning.

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
12 Bagels 12 Bagels 12 Bagels

Starter @ 166% 2 cups 18 oz 510 g 45.6%

Water 1 cup 8 oz 226 g 20.3 %

Large Eggs-beaten 3 5.2 147 g 13.2

Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.5 %

156
Malt Syrup 1 TBSP .8 oz 22 g 2.0 %

Gluten Flour ¼ cup 1.2 oz 34 g 3.0 %

Bread Flour 7 cups 1 lb 15.5 oz 893 g 79.8 %

Salt 3 ½ teasp .7 oz 19 g 1.8 %

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 2.4oz 4 lb 2.4 oz 1882 g 168.2%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 7.5 oz 2 lb 7.5 oz 118.9 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 7.6 oz 1 lb 7.6 oz 670 g 59.9 %
(hydration)

157
 SOURDOUGH ONION BAGELS

This recipe makes approximately 4 lbs 2 .6 oz of dough at 59.7 % hydration for

twelve large bagels.
Feed the starter in the evening on the day before mixing the dough. Next morning
mix together in your mixer:

In your mixer add:

 2 cups sourdough starter – 18 oz at 166% hydration
 1 ¼ cups water – 10 oz
 1 Tablespoon Oil - .5 oz
 2 Tablespoons non diastatic malt syrup or honey – 1.6 oz
 1/4 cup Gluten Flour (get this at the health food store)- 1.2
oz
 6 1/3 cups of Bread flour – 1 lb 12.4 oz
 2 heaping Tablespoons of toasted dried onion flakes – 0.6
oz

158
  1 ½ teaspoons granulated onion powder – 0.2 oz
 3 ½ teaspoons salt – .7 oz

Mix all of the ingredients including salt on a medium speed just until mixed, this
takes about three to four minutes. Then allow the dough to autolyse (rest) for 20
minutes.
After autolysis, mix dough on low speed for about four more minutes. This is a stiff
dough. Now let the dough bulk ferment (which just means the first rise) for 4 – 6
hours until doubled.

Turn the dough down at least twice during the bulk ferment which helps develop
and line up the gluten strands. To do this hit the start button and let the hook stir
the dough about twice around the bowl on the lowest setting. Or alternately, pour
out the dough, when done mixing, into a covered rectangular dough folding
container and fold the dough twice during bulk ferment.

After bulk fermentation, pour out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and
knead a couple of times, then gather into a ball. Divide the dough into
approximately 12 pieces weighing about 5 oz each. Shape bagels by first shaping
into a 5 oz ball and then by punching a hole through the middle and twirling
around your fingers to stretch the hole bigger. Set the bagels onto a baking sheet
which has been sprayed with pan spray.

When all of the bagels are shaped, put a cotton cloth over the bagels and spray the
cloth with water so it is damp. By the time you are done with shaping the last bagel
the first pan has probably been proofing 1/2 hour. Let it proof another hour and 1/2
(about 2 hours altogether) and then in a large skillet bring about 2-3 inches of water
to a boil(around 3 quarts), adding 1 Tablespoon of Malt Syrup, 1 Tablespoon of salt
and 1 Tablespoon of baking soda to the water.

When water mixture is gently boiling, carefully drop in two or three bagels at a
time, boil gently for one half minute on each side (add more water to the boiling
mixture when necessary).Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a greased
baking sheet.
As soon as the baking sheet is filled with bagels that have been boiled, brush on an
egg glaze (made with one beaten egg + 1 Tablespoon water), and sprinkle with
favorite topping (toasted dried onion flakes, poppy seeds, sesame seeds, etc). If you
don't want a topping you will still want to use the egg glaze as it will make the
bagel shiny. Bake the bagels in a 400F/204C degree oven for about 20 -22 minutes or
nicely browned. Turn baking sheet halfway through the bake for even browning.

159
 Volume Standard Metric
Ingredient Bakers %
12 Bagels 12 Bagels 12 Bagels

Starter @ 166% 2 cups 18 oz 510 g 49.5 %

Water 1 ¼ cups 10 oz 283 g 27.5 %

Oil 1 TBSP .5 oz 14 g 1.4 %

Malt Syrup 2 TBSP 1.6 oz 45 g 4.4 %

Gluten Flour ¼ cup 1.2 oz 34 g 3.3 %

6 1/3
Bread Flour 1 lb 12.4 oz 805 g 78.1 %
cups
Toasted Onion
2 TBSP 0.6 oz 17 g 1.6 %
Flakes
Granulated Onion
1 ½ teasp 0.2 oz 5.7 g .5 %
Powder

Salt 3 ½ teasp .7 oz 19 g 1.9 %

3 lb 13.2
Total Dough Weight 3 lb 13.2 oz 1735 g 168.3%
oz

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 4.4 oz 2 lb 4.4 oz 1031 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 5.7 oz 1 lb 5.7 oz 615 g 59.7 %
(hydration)

160
 SOURDOUGH ENGLISH MUFFINS

English Muffins are griddled, they are fun to make. This recipe will make about
16 muffins.

In the morning mix together in your mixer:

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
18 muffins 18 muffins 18 muffins
Sourdough Starter
2 cups 18 oz 510 g 61.5 %
166% hydration

Water 1 cup 8 oz 226 g 27.3 %

Evaporated Milk ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 13.7 %

161
 Melted Butter 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 3.4 %

Bread Flour/AP
5 cups 22.5 oz 637 g 76.9 %
flour
Salt (add after
2 ½ teasp .5 oz 14 g 1.7 %
Autolyse)

Total Weight 3 lb 6.8 oz 3 lb 6.8 oz 1553 g 187.2%

Total Flour Weight 1 lb 13.3 oz 1 lb 13.3 oz 829 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 ob 7.5 oz 1 ob 7.5 oz 665 g 80.2 %
(hydration)

Mix together the ingredients on a medium speed for three minutes. Then allow the
dough to rest for 20 minutes.
After resting, add the salt and mix the dough for another four minutes.
Proof dough for four hours, in a warm place (75-80F/23-26C) Fold the dough once
each hour.

(#SR_23)
When the dough is done bulk fermenting, pour it out onto a very well floured
surface. The dough will be very wet. Make sure you have the top and the bottom
covered with plenty of flour. Roll the dough out to about 1/2 inch.

162
 Use a wide mouth jar band or a clean tuna fish can with the lid removed as a cutter,
and cut out English muffin shapes.

(#SR_24)

Place cut dough on a baking sheet which has been covered with a proofing cloth
and sprinkled well with flour/Semolina. Let rise for one and one half hours,
preheating griddle and oven when the proofing hour is almost done.

Cook English muffin dough on the hot (325- 350 degree) griddle for 6 minutes on
each side, checking to make sure your muffin isn't getting brown too fast. Adjust
heat if necessary. After both sides have been griddled, pop the muffins into the
preheated hot 375F/ 190C degree) oven for another 6 minutes and serve with real
butter. Cook the remaining dough the same way. This recipe makes approximately
16 English muffins.

Alternately you could turn the griddle heat down and cook the muffins slower on
both sides until the muffins are done, avoiding baking in the oven.

(next page large #SR_25)

163
164
 FOCACCIA 166

This Focaccia is made with a regular starter at 166% hydration. It is a light bubbly
dough. Mix up the dough in the morning as it is a one day dough. This recipe will
make 4 lbs 3.2 oz of dough, enough for two large 14” round Focaccia. The dough is
at 63.5 % hydration.

 2 cups vigorous Starter at 166% hydration –18 oz /

510g
 1 ¼ cup water – 10 oz / 283 g
 ½ cup evaporated milk – 4 oz / 113 g
 3 Tablespoon Olive Oil – 1.5 oz / 42 g
 7 1/3 All Purpose flour – 2 lbs 1.0 oz / 935 g
 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
 3 ½ teaspoons salt – .7 oz / 19 g

165
 Mix all ingredients together except salt. Mixing will take 3 to 4 minutes. Autolyse
for 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes, add the salt and mix the dough for 3 more
minutes on low speed. Let this dough set lightly covered at room temperature for
six hours. Fold the dough every two hours.

When dough is done bulk fermenting, divide it into two pieces and roll each piece
into a ball and let them set for 10 minutes. Now starting with one piece, begin to
stretch out the dough gently from all sides and pushing the dough gently outward
from the middle until the dough is about 14 inches in diameter. Shape second
piece.

It the dough fights you, let it rest another 10 - 15 minutes and start stretching and
pulling the dough out again. Set the dough on top of a pizza screen/pan or sprinkle
a peel with semolina flour and set the dough on top of it. Let the dough rise about
for one hour.

Spread the top of the dough with Olive oil and then 1 cup grated Parmesan Cheese,
and your choice of topping. Pre heat your oven to 450F/232C degrees with a baking
stone.
Bake at 450F/232C degrees for about 10 - 15 minutes or until it looks browned.

166
167
 FRENCH GRILLED SOURDOUGH BREAD

The dough needs to be started the day before you plan to grill. The recipe for the dough is at the
end of this recipe page.
Roll out a piece of heavy duty foil about 18" wide by 24 inches long. Grease the foil, and then
sprinkle with corn meal. The cornmeal is used to keep the dough from sticking to the foil and it
helps the crust to be crispy. Next sprinkle your favorite mixture of spices and seasonings on top
of the cornmeal.
The ones used here were for the Hot n Spicy loaf:

 Garlic salt
 Cracked black pepper
 Parsley
 Red hot pepper flakes
 Dried onion flakes
 Grated fresh Parmesan cheese

168
For the Italian Style loaf:

 Sesame seeds
 Parsley flakes
 Mixed Italian seasonings
 Garlic Salt
 Grated fresh Parmesan cheese
 Your choice of how liberal to sprinkle!

Roll out your dough in the shape of a French bread

loaf, about 18 inches long by about 3 inches wide.
The dough weighs about 1.5 lbs. Place the dough
in the middle of your prepared foil and flatten
dough slightly so the loaf is about an inch high. Bring the side edges of the foil to the top over
the dough and fold the foil over on itself a couple of times to seal it. Turn up the edges to seal the
side edges. Flatten the folded pieces against the sides so they lay flat. When you are making this
envelope for the dough, keep in mind to give enough space so the dough can double inside. Set
aside and let rise for about 2 hours.

French Grilled Sourdough

In your mixer combine:

 1 ½ cups starter – 13.5 oz/ 382 g

 1 ¼ cups water – 10 oz/ 283 g
 2 TBSP oil – 1 oz/ 28 g
 1 TBSP Malt Syrup – .8 oz/ 22.7 g
 5 ¼ cups bread flour- 23.6 oz/669 g
 2.5 teaspoons salt - .5 oz/ 14.2 g

(ADSALT AFTER AUTOLYSE see below)

Process ingredients in mixer for about 3 minutes at medium speed. Then Autolyse for 20 minutes.
After Autolyse, add salt and mix for 3 more minutes. Let dough bulk ferment for four hours.

169
 After bulk ferment, place dough in container, cover and refrigerate overnight. Next day take the
dough out of the refrigerator about three hours
before grilling time. Let dough come to room
temperature, for one hour. Then knead dough on
a lightly floured surface a couple of times and
divide in half.

Let the dough rest while you are preparing the

tin foil
wraps as described above. Then roll the dough
into the shape of a French loaf of bread about 18
inches long and around 3 inches wide. Place
bread in the middle of the prepared foil and
flatten dough slightly so it is about 1 inch thick.
It will be about 4 inches in width now. Wrap foil up around bread dough as described. Let

proof for about 2 hours at room temperature. Place foil wrapped bread with the seam side up
onto a medium hot griddle, close lid and barbeque for 11 minutes on one side. Turn and
barbeque for 11 minutes on the other side. Unwrap (be careful, very hot! ) one side and take a
peek, if it looks done and smells great, take it off, open up the foil and cool. Right off the
barbeque, the bread is a bit soft, but as it cools it crisps up. Butter liberally and ...eat!

170
 HAWAIIAN LOAF

This recipe will make about four pounds of pineapple sweet dough,it is a sticky
dough. Use half All Purpose flour for extra softness of the bread. This recipe will
make two large Hawaiian Rolls weighing about 2 lbs / 907 g each.

Use a 20 oz can of crushed pineapple. Drain the juice you need for the
pineapple juice measurement. Then using a slotted spoon, take out what you
need for the crushed pineapple. The leftover pineapple and juice will be used
for the topping.

In the morning, add to your mixer:

171
 Volume Standard Metric
Ingredient Bakers %
2 loaves 2 loaves 2 loaves

Starter @ 166% 2 cups 18 510g 53.0 %

Pineapple juice 1/2 cup 4 oz 113 g 11.8 %

Orange juice 1/2 cup 4 oz 113 g 11.8 %

Brown Sugar ½ cup 3.3 oz 93 g 9.7 %

Coconut Extract 1 TBSP .5 oz 14 g 1.5 %

Crushed Pineapple
½ cup 4.8 136 g 14.1 %
somewhat drained

Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.9 %

Dried Milk 1/3 cup .9 oz 25 g 2.6 %

Mashed Potatoes ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 11.8 %

Whole Wheat Flour 1/3 cup 1.4 oz 39 g 4.1

Bread/All Purpose 5¾
1 lbs 9.8 oz 654 g 76.0 %
Flour cups
Salt (add after
1 TBSP .6 oz 17 g 1.8 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 4.3 oz 4 lb 4.3 oz 1936 g 201.1%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 2.0 oz 2 lb 2.0 oz 963 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 7.1 oz 1 lb 7.1 oz 655 g 68.1%
(hydration)

Mix together the ingredients on a medium speed just until mixed, this takes about
three to four minutes. Then allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
After resting, add the salt and mix the dough for another five minutes, and put the
dough into a folding trough or large container and bulk ferment the dough in a
warm place for 6 hours. Fold the dough once an hour. Make your Pineapple topping
during bulk fermentation time (see below).

After bulk fermentation, divide the dough into two pieces. Use a greased 8 “flat
round baking dish and place one piece of the dough into each dish. Bring the
dough up from the sides and pinch into a boule shape, then spoon the topping
over the two breads.

Allow the dough to proof for about two hours in a warm place 70-80F /21-26C until
the dough is almost doubled and puffy looking. Bake at 400F/204C degrees for up
to 50 minutes (small loaves will take less time). Turn the bread a couple of times for
even browning during baking. The center of the dough should register about
195F/90C - 200F/93C on instant thermometer when done.

172
Pineapple Topping:
Pineapple Topping Volume Standard Metric

Rest of Pineapple and juice in can rest rest rest

Orange Juice ½ cup 4 oz 113 g

White Sugar ½ cup 3.5 oz 99 g

1 packed
Shredded Coconut 4.5 oz 127 g
cup

Butter 1 TBSP .5 oz 14 g

Coconut Extract 1 ½ teasp .22 oz 6g

Cornstarch 1 TBSP .5 oz 14 g

For the Pineapple topping, add all above ingredients to a medium sized saucepan
and bring to a boil over medium heat while stirring. Boil for one minute and then
take off heat. Cool before using.

173
 JERKY ROLLS

This is a small sized Peppered rolls great for Barbeques.

Makes approximately 12 or so Jerky Rolls.

This dough is a bit sticky but fun to work with. Early in the morning to your
mixer add:

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
18 Rolls 18 Rolls 18 Rolls

Starter @ 166% 2 cups 18 oz 510 57.2 %

1 1/8
Water 9 oz 283 28.6 %
cups

Oil 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 3.2 %

Malt Syrup 1 TBSP .8 oz 22 g 2.5 %

Bread 5½ cups 24.7 oz 700 g 78.5 %

Salt (add after

3 teasp .6 oz 17 g 1.9 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 3 lb 6.1 oz 3 lb 6.1 oz 1533 g 171.9%

174
 Total Flour Weight 1 lb 15.5oz 1 lb 15.5 oz 892 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 4.5 oz 1 lb 4.5 oz 580 g 65.1 %
(hydration)

Mix together the ingredients on a medium speed for three minutes. Then allow the
dough to rest for 20 minutes.
After resting, add the salt and mix the dough for another five minutes.
Proof for another three hours in a warm place (80F/26C).

Pour dough out onto a floured surface. Roll out to about ½ “’ thick. Cut slices about
2 – 2.5 “thick.

Place rolls on greased baking sheet and cover with a damp cloth. Let proof 1.5 – 2
hours until about doubled and puffy looking. Then brush on egg wash and
sprinkle with hot red pepper and cracked black pepper or spices of your choice(Egg
wash, take one egg and one Tablespoon of water and beat together well). Bake in a
preheated 400F/204C for 20 -22 minutes, turning the pan halfway through the bake
for even browning.

175
 SOURDOUGH KAISER ROLLS

Sourdough Kaiser rolls are so chewy and tasty. They make great sandwiches.
This recipe makes about 18 rolls.

In the evening make a sponge, add to a large container:

Bakers %
Preferment Sponge Volume Standard Metric

Sourdough Starter
2 cups 18 oz 510 g 72.7 %
166% hydration

Water ¾ cup 6 oz 170 g 29.6 %

Evaporated Milk ¾ cup 6 oz 170 g 29.6 %

Bread Flour 3 cups 13.5 oz 382 g 66.6 %

Total Weight 2 lb 11.5 oz 2 lb 11.5 oz 1233 g 214.6%

Hydration 114.6 %

176
Cover and let Sponge ferment overnight at room temperature. Next morning pour
the sponge into your mixer and add:

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
18 Rolls 18 Rolls 18 Rolls

Starter @ 114.6 % All All All 104.6 %

Oil 3 TBSP 1.5 oz 42 g 3.6 %

1 large +
Beaten Eggs 2 egg 3.9 oz 110 g 9.4 %
whites

Malt Syrup 1 ½ TBSP 1.2 oz 34 g 2.9 %

Bread Flour 4¾ cups 21.3 oz 603 g 51.2 %

Salt (add after

4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 1.9 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 8.2 oz 4 lb 8.2 oz 2046 g 173.7%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 9.6 oz 2 lb 9.6 oz 1178 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight 1 lb 10.7

1 lb 10.7 oz 757 g 64.3 %
(hydration) oz

Mix together the ingredients on a medium speed for three minutes. Then allow the
dough to rest for 20 minutes.
After resting, add the salt and mix the dough for another five minutes.
Proof for another three hours in a warm place (80F/26C).

Pour dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Cut off and weigh out pieces
weighing 4 oz each. Roll each piece into a 12 inch long rope. Make sure the rope of
dough is lightly dusted with flour for shaping. Tie each piece of rope into a knot
and then take the piece from the bottom and push it into the top hole, take the
leftover piece on the top and fold it to the bottom:

177
 Place rolls on greased baking sheet and cover with a damp cloth. Let proof 1.5 – 2
hours until about doubled and puffy looking. Then brush on egg wash and
sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds (Egg wash, take one egg and one Tablespoon
of water and beat together well). Bake in a preheated 400F/204C for 20 -22 minutes,
turning the pan halfway through the bake for even browning.

178
 PISTOU ROLLS

These rolls have chopped Basil in them as well as on top in the Pistou sauce.
In the afternoon, in your mixer, add together:

Volume
Ingredient Standard Metric Bakers %
16 Rolls
Sourdough Starter
2 cups 18 oz 510 g 48.6 %
166%

Water 1 cup 8 oz 226 g 21.6 %

Evaporated Milk ½ cup 4 oz 113 g 10.8 %

Olive Oil 3 TBSP 1.5 oz 42 g 4.0 %

Bread Flour 6 ¾ cups 1 lb 14.3 oz 859 g 81.7 %

Salt (add after

3.5 teasp .7 oz 19 g 1.9 %
autolyse)
4 – 5 large
Chopped Fresh Basil . 4 oz 11 g 1.1 %
leaves

Total Dough Weight 3 lb 14.9 oz 3 lb 14.9 oz 1783 g 169.7%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 5.1 oz 2 lb 5.1 oz 1050 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 7.2 oz 1 lb 7.2 oz 658 g 62.7%
(hydration)

179
 Mix together on a medium speed all ingredients, except salt, just until incorporated,
this takes about three to four minutes. Then allow the dough to autolyse (rest) for
20 minutes.
After autolysis, add the salt and mix dough on low speed for two more minute.
Now let the dough bulk ferment (which just means the first rise) for about 6 hours.

After bulk fermentation, put dough in large container and refrigerate overnight.
Next morning take out the dough and let it warm up to room temperature for about
2 hours. Then divide the dough into 16 pieces at 3.9 oz each. Shape rolls into small
batard shapes. Place on greased baking sheets and let proof for about 1 – 1.5 hours
or when the dough increases in size about 1 ½ times.

While proofing, make up the Pistou sauce:

To a blender add:
Olive Oil – 1/2 cup- 4 oz
Basil Leaves - fresh - 1 oz
Fresh garlic 3 cloves - .6 oz

Pulse blend the above ingredients until smooth but not completely liquefied (you
can still see shredded leaves in the sauce).
When rolls are done proofing, make a vertical slash and fill with Pistou Sauce then
sprinkle with fresh grated Parmesan cheese.

Preheat oven to 400F/218C degrees. When dough is done proofing, make a vertical
slash and fill each slash with Pistou sauce then sprinkle the dough with grated
Parmesan cheese. Spray a mist of water all over the rolls and then bake for about 15
minutes. Turn pan around for even browning and continue to bake for another 10 –
15 minutes or until the roll’s interior registers 200-205F/93-96C on an instant read
thermometer. Take out the rolls and place on cooling rack. Cool. Slice in half and
eat with your favorite filling.

180
 BLEU CHEESE PULL-APART LOAF

Delicious Pull Apart Loaves. This recipe makes 2 loaves.

In the morning mix together in your mixer:

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 loaves 2 loaves 2 loaves
Sourdough Starter
2 cups 18 oz 510 g 50.0 %
166% hydration

Water ¾ cup 6 oz 170 g 16.7 %

Evaporated Milk ¾ cup 6 oz 170 g 16.7%

Melted Butter 2 TBSP 1 oz 28 g 2.8 %

Bread Flour 6 ½ cups 29.2 oz 827 g 81.2 %

Salt (add after

3 ½ teasp .7 oz 19.8 g 1.9 %
Autolyse)

Total Weight 3 lb 12.9 oz 3 lb 12.9 oz 1726 g 169.3%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 4.0 oz 2 lb 4.0 oz 1019 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 ob 7.4 oz 1 ob 7.4 oz 664 g 65.2 %
(hydration)

181
 When the dough is done bulk fermenting, you will need 12 – 16 oz of
crumbled bleu cheese and about 6 oz of melted butter.

Mix together the ingredients on a medium speed for three minutes. Then allow the
dough to rest for 20 minutes.
After resting, add the salt and mix the dough for another four minutes.
Proof dough for another four to six hours until doubled, in a warm place (80F/26C).

Pour dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Cut the dough into two pieces.
Cover one piece of dough with a damp cloth. Then using a rolling pin, roll out the
other piece of dough into a rectangular shape about 11 X 19 this is only
approximate, you want the dough about 1/4 " to 3/8 " thick.

Have 6 oz of melted butter ready and using about 1/2 of the melted butter, brush it
on the piece of rolled out dough. Using your pastry blade, cut the dough into
sixteen pieces. Then sprinkle the Blue Cheese over the dough. Using your pastry
blade or a spatula, stack and pick up four pieces at a time and place upright in a
greased bread pan.

Fill the whole pan up with all sixteen pieces of dough, pushing the dough in the
pan a bit to fit in all of the pieces. Next, do the same to the other piece of dough you
have covered with a damp cloth. When you are finished with both, cover them with
a damp cloth and proof until the dough looks doubled or is very puffy looking,
about 2 - 3 hours. Bake in a preheated oven at 400F/204C for 35 - 40 minutes or nice
and deep golden brown. Turn the loaves halfway through the baking. Cool, turn
out loaves and pull apart to serve.

182
183
 Walnut Fig Bread

Walnut Fig bread has Cardamom in the dough for an exotic flavor. This recipe uses
a preferment, so the night before baking, stir together in a large container:

Bakers %
Preferment Volume Standard Metric

Sourdough Starter
1 cups 9 oz g 55.6 %
166% hydration

Water 1.5 cups 12 oz 340 g 74.1 %

All Purpose Flour 1 cup 4.4 oz 124 g 27.2 %

Whole Wheat Flour 2 cups 8.4 0z 238 g 51.9

Diastatic Malt
2 teasp .2 oz 5.7 g 1.2
Powdered

184
 Total Weight 2 lb 2.0 oz 2 lb 2.0 oz 963.9 g 210.1 %

Hydration 108.9%

Let this mixture set lightly covered overnight at room temperature.

Next morning, pour the preferment mixture into your mixer and then add in
order:

Volume Standard Metric

Ingredient Bakers %
2 Rolls 2 Rolls 2 Rolls

Preferment All All All 84.4%

Water 1/2 cup 4 oz 113 g 9.9 %

Evaporated Milk or
½ cup 4 oz 113 g 9.9 %
Cream
1 rounded
Malt Syrup 1 oz 28 g 2.5 %
TBSP

Cardamom 1 ½ teasp .15 4.3 g 0.4%

Oil 1 TBSP .5 oz 14 g 1.2 %

All Purpose Flour 5 ½ cups 1 lbs 8.1 oz 680 g 59.6%

Salt (add after

4 teasp .8 oz 22 g 2.0 %
autolyse)

Walnuts (add later) 2 cups 7 oz 198 g 17.4 %

Dried Figs halved

2 cups 12 oz 340 g 29.8 %
(add later)
Brown Sugar(add
2/3 cup 3.4 oz 96 g 8.4 %
later)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 4.4 oz 4 lb 4.4 oz 1939 g 169.8%

Total Weight with 5 lbs 7.4

5 lbs 7.4 oz 2477.8 g 217.0 %
figs and walnuts: oz

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 8.3 oz 2 lb 8.3 oz 1141.8 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 10 oz 1 lb 10 oz 737.8 g 64.6%
(hydration)

Mix together the preferment and the additional ingredients, except salt, walnuts
and figs on a medium speed just until mixed, this takes about three to four minutes.
Then allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes. After resting, add the salt and mix the
dough for another three minutes, then put the dough into a folding trough or large
container and bulk ferment the dough in a warm place for 4 hours.

185
 Fold the dough twice during bulk ferment time. After bulk fermentation, divide the
dough into two pieces of about 2lbs 2 oz each, and then gather each into a ball. Let
dough rest for ten minutes.

After the resting period, take each piece of dough and pull it out into a 12” diameter
circle. Take one cup of halved figs and walnuts per loaf and spread out over the
circle of dough, sprinkle 1/3 cup of brown sugar -1.7 oz over the figs and walnuts.
Then take the edges of the dough and begin folding to the middle of the circle until
the edges meet. Pinch the edges together and then put the loaf with the seam side
down in a lined, floured proofing basket. Slash deeply around the top of the loaf
and press a half fig into each slash. Slash an x in the center of the loaf and press a
walnut piece into the x slash. Make the second loaf the same way. Spray the top of
each loaf with spray oil and proof in a warm place for 2 – 3 hours in a warm place
70-80F /21-26C until the dough is about almost doubled and puffy looking. It may
take a while since the loaf is heavy with nuts and fruit.
Bake at 400F/204C degrees for about 20 minutes. Then turn down the oven to
350F/176C and bake for 20 more minutes. Turn the loaves a couple of times for even
browning during baking. Brush with butter while the loaves are still hot, then cool.
The center of the dough should register about 195F - 200F on instant thermometer
when done.

186
 Raisin Walnut Cranberry Loaf

This delicious recipe was inspired by Ray Glaze of Shaw Island, Wa. It will make
about four pounds of dough at 63% hydration. The honey and spices will slow
down the raising time of the dough so make sure to give it extra time. Start this
recipe in the afternoon around 1:00 pm

In the afternoon, add to your mixer:

Volume Standard Metric
Ingredient Bakers %
2 Loaves 2 Loaves 2 Loaves

Starter @ 166% 2 cups 18 510g 45.3 %

Water ¾ cup 6 oz 170 g 15.1 %

Evaporated Milk ¾ cup 6 oz 170 g 15.1 %

Oil 3 TBSP 1.5 oz 42 g 3.8 %

Eggs 1 large 1.8 oz 51 g 4.5 %

187
 Honey 3 TBSP 2.2 oz 62 g 5.5 %

Add to the dough-

Cinnamon or 1 TBSP .2 oz 5.7 g .5 %
Pumpkin Spice

All Purpose Flour 3 cups 13.2 oz 374 g 33.2 %

Whole Wheat Flour 1 ½ cups 6.3 oz 178 g 15.8 %

Bread 3 cups 13.5 oz 382 g 33.9 %

Salt (add after

1 TBSP .6 oz 17 g 1.5 %
autolyse)

Total Dough Weight 4 lb 5.3 oz 4 lb 5.3 oz 1964 g 174.3%

Total Flour Weight 2 lb 7.8 oz 2 lb 7.8 oz 1127 g 100.0 %

Total Water Weight

1 lb 9.1 oz 1 lb 9.1 oz 712 g 63.2%
(hydration)

Mix together the ingredients on a medium speed just until mixed, this takes about
three to four minutes. Then allow the dough to rest for 20 minutes.
After resting, add the salt and mix the dough for another 2 minutes. Put the dough
into a folding trough or large container and bulk ferment the dough in a warm
place for 6-7 hours. Fold the dough once every two
hours (three times).

After bulk
fermentation, place
the dough into the
refrigerator
overnight. Next
morning let the
dough warm up for
two - three hours in a
warm
place(dishwasher or
proofing cabinet).If
you warm it up at
room temperature it
will take a bit longer.

Divide dough into two pieces and roll each piece out into a rectangle measuring 8”
x 20” With a pastry brush, spread evaporated milk over the surface. Then sprinkle a
mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the surface. Sprinkle it however heavily you
prefer. I like to go light on the sugar and heavy on the cinnamon. Next spread

188
raisins, chopped cranberries and chopped walnuts over the surface. Then roll up
the dough and place into a greased bread pan.

Allow the dough to proof for 2 -2.5 hours in a warm place 70-80F /21-26C until the
dough is about almost doubled and puffy looking. Bake both loaves at 375F/190C
degrees for up to 50 minutes. Turn the bread a couple of times for even browning
during baking. The center of the dough should register about 195F/90C - 200F/93C
on instant thermometer when done. Take loaves out of pans to cool. Pour icing
glaze over the top when cooled.

Glaze:
 1.5 cups powdered sugar
 1 teaspoon vanilla
 Cream or half and half milk

Add powdered sugar and vanilla into a bowl and slowly add milk until the desired
consistency, stirring well. Twirl glaze on top of Coconut Roll once the roll is cooled.
To add holiday decorations on top of the rolls, use nut halves and sliced glazed
fruits to decorate and add color.

Variation: Leave out the cranberries for a Cinnamon Raisin Loaf, or substitute
blueberries instead of the cranberries. Figs and pecans also make a great variation.

189
190
 S OURDOUGH G LOSSARY

Acetic acid An organic acid produced by a lactobacilli bacteria

All purpose flour A blend of wheat flours with protein level around 9–11
%
Amylase Enzyme Amylase enzymes present in dough break down starch
into sugars. Amylase is present in larger amounts in
sprouted grains and whole grains
Artisan Bread Handcrafted bread made by an skilled baker
Baguette A French style loaf which originated in Austria it has a
long shape with an optimum amount of crust to crumb
ratio
Bakers Blade A dough scraper with a blade usually around 6” x 4”
same as a bench scraper or pasry blade.
Bakers percentage A method of measurement where the ingredients are
figured as a percentage of the flour weight
Baking sheets Flat sheets for baking, like a cookie pan or a flat pan
with no sides. Common sizes are full size, 18” x 26”and
half size 18” x 13”pans sized to fit a full sized bakery
oven
Baking stone A flat stone used on the bottom of the oven to simulate
a masonry oven, usually for baking bread or pizza
Banneton Willow or cane basket used for proofing dough
Barm A starter made from brewers grain by-products or foam
Batard A bread shaped like a regular French bread, shorter
than a baguette and much wider
Bench scraper A tool in a rectangular shape with one edge used as a
scraper or divider and the other edge as a handle,
usually 4” x 6” with a handle on one side. Same as a
bakers blade or a pastry blade.
Biga A lower hydration dough cultured with commercial
yeast and used as a seed for building dough

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Boule A loaf of bread shaped as a ball or in the round
Bread flour A flour made with higher protein levels of 10 – 12 % ,
used for making bread. It usually is enriched and has
malt and dough enhancers added. Can be bleached or
unbleached.
Bread thermometer A thermometer which has a long point which is thrust
into a loaf of bread to measure the interior temperature,
usually reads at least to 220 degrees F
Brotform Same as Banneton , German variation of word Banneton
A cane or rush basket used for proofing dough.
Bulk ferment First rising or fermentation of dough after mixing
Carbon dioxide – CO2 Gas by-product of fermenting yeasts and bacteria
Chef (when used for a leaven) French word for a culture used as a seed for the first
stage of dough building
Cob A rustic round shaped loaf
Commercial or Bakers yeast A modern variation of yeasts derived from brewers
yeast, which is fast acting and has a long shelf life
Couche A long, heavy linen or canvas cloth used to hold dough
while it is proofing, with folds to separate the loaves
Crumb The interior structure of a baked item is called it’s
crumb
Crust washes or glazes Finishes for bread crust, egg glaze, sugar glaze,
cornstarch wash, are some of the finishes for a
particular look and texture for the crust. Glazes may be
applied before, after or during baking.
Culture A stable mixture of yeast and bacteria propagated in a
water/flour mixture
Desem Flemish sourdough starter made with whole wheat
flour
Diastatic malt Usually made from sprouted, barley which is dried at a
low temperature to keep the enzymes active.
Docking Poking holes in dough to control over rising or bubbling
up of dough
Dough A mixture of liquid, flour and often some type of leaven
Dough Scraper Same as a bench scraper
Exstensible A dough is extensible when it has the ability to stretch

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 easily
Fermentation When carbohydrates are converted into alcohol, acids
and gasses as a result of yeasts, bacteria and enzyme
activity
Foccacia A type of flat bread usually with toppings
Gluten A protein including gliadin and glutenin which form
the weblike structure of bread which traps the gasses
formed during fermentation
Grain Ferment Method Pre-ferment method of treating wholegrains to break
down and soften the indigestible portions before
making dough
Hooch The liquid that rises to the top of a high hydration
culture
Hydration The amount of water to flour ratio by weight
Instant read thermometer A digital thermometer used for instant readout of
temperature usually with a probe and digital readout
Lactic Acid An organic acid tolerant to lower Ph levels which
contributes to the flavor of bread
Lactobacilli A bacteria present in sourdough cultures which
produces organic acids
Lame A French word for a tool with an attached razor used
for slashing dough
Leaven A substance used to produce carbon dioxide for raising
dough
Levain A French type of pre-ferment used to make bread
Masonry oven A baking oven made with stone, brick or concrete and
heated by fire, electricity or gas
Motherdough Cool fermented sourdough starter from 50-80%
hydration
Natural Leaven The wild yeasts and bacteria present in fruits and grains
used to raise dough
Non diastatic malt A malted grain powder or syrup in which the enzymes
are no longer active
Old dough A piece of fermented dough saved to be used in a
subsequent batch of dough
Pastry blade Same as a dough scraper or baker’s blade

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Pate Fermente Same as Old dough
Poolish A Polish wet preferment usually made with a small
amount of commercial yeast
Pre-ferment A mixture of flours/grains and liquids fermented
before adding to the main dough
Proofing Second raising of dough after shaping
Proofing Cloth A cloth used to line baskets or bread molds for holding
dough while it proofs
Proofing test A test used to see if a leaven is still viable
Protease An enzyme in dough activated by the addition of water
to flour, which helps to degrade or break down the
strands of gluten making the dough more extensible
Rack Cooling racks are used to cool baked goods.
Refresh To feed a sourdough starter/culture water and flour
Retard To cool down a dough and slow it’s fermentation
Retarder A temperature controlled environment for cooling
dough
Roasting Pan Method A method of baking that keeps steam next to the loaf
Sauerteig A German term for sourdough
Scoring Decorative and useful slashing or slicing in the dough
before baking, used so the dough can expand in an
expected manner
Slashing Cutting or slicing dough to allow dough to expand
while baking
Sourdough A natural leavening or wild yeast fermented dough
Sourdough starter A stable culture of yeasts and bacteria in a water/flour
mixture used to leaven dough.
Sponge A type of pre-ferment usually around 100% hydration
Starter Same as Sourdough Starter
Straight mix A method of mixing dough with the minimum amount
of stages.
Stretch and fold method A hand stretching and folding method of developing
dough
Torpedo A loaf shaped somewhat like a skinny football with
pointed ends.

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Vigorous or active starter A healthy stable culture of wild yeasts and bacteria
Wild yeast Yeasts found in the natural environment
Yeast A fungi which reproduces by budding, it’s fermentation
causes CO2 as a by-product which raises dough

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 About the Author

I have been baking for 40 years. At the age of ten, I was baking and selling cupcakes to the
neighbors. I became the mother of ten children and so I had plenty of reasons to bake.

My interest in real sourdough began in the Summer of 2004 when my daughter challenged
me to bake “real” sourdough, because “Nobody can bake real sourdough at home.”
Taking up her challenge, I had no idea that it would lead me to my own sourdough
business, called Northwest Sourdough, a blog and a forum all about sourdough.
Northwest Sourdough’s bread was featured on KNOE TV’s What’s Cooking with Diane
Cage in April of 2006.
Northwest Sourdough is mentioned in the resource section of Peter Reinhart’s award
winning new book, “Artisan Breads Every Day”.

I am now working on a new book called: “100% Sourdough” which is exclusively 100%
starter levain using only 100% wild yeast.

It’s been fun, Teresa

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End of Part 3

“Discovering Sourdough” is comprised of three parts. The first section is Part 1-

Beginning Sourdough. The second section is Part 2- Intermediate Sourdough. The
final section is Part 3 - Advanced Sourdough.

Contact me at: northwestsourdough@gmail.com

Follow my blog at: http://www.northwestsourdough.com/discover

Join other bakers on the forum at: http://teresal.proboards.com/index.cgi?

Visit my site to download this book at: http://www.northwestsourdough.com

If you wish to help support my efforts you can use this email:
northwestsourdough@gmail.com and donate using https://www.paypal.com/

Have fun baking!

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