Batard – Baked By Bear Sourdough

New Recipe

I thought I’d try some different loaves using a mix of flours… Why? You ask… Well… I redid my pantry right before Thanksgiving and there was total chaos downstairs as I ripped out the contractor-grade wire shelving. During that process I found some 00 flour I had forgot I had. Then I saw an InstagramContinue reading “New Recipe”

Skills Get Rusty…

If you don’t practice your skills get rusty! I’ve not made Batards lately. I’ve been making Pullman loaves every week and not shaped and slashed Batards. Slashing needs to be at a shallow angle (16-20°) and NOT as vertical as I do with the Pullman loaves. The more vertical reduces the “ear” that is producedContinue reading “Skills Get Rusty…”

First Market Selling Baked Goods

Today is the Day! My friend invited me to attend her Mom’s Art Exhibit and sell my baked goods. For posterity I’ve attached a picture of her announcement All the practicing and thought into packaging has culminated in my being able to have everything ready to go this morning. This is indeed the most varietyContinue reading “First Market Selling Baked Goods”

Baking Day!!

Today’s the day! The first time I’ve baked this much bread in both variety and volume in a single day. GOAL: 8 Sourdough Batard and Boule loaves 24 Sourdough Croissants 12 Pain Au Chocolat sourdough croissants 10 sourdough Baguettes This is going to be quite the undertaking. Not only am I trying to juggle theContinue reading “Baking Day!!”

Sourdough Bread – Scaling Up (Bake Day)

I’m up and getting ready to bake. Not quite “Baker’s Hours” bu close enough. I had to start the coffee manually earlier than it is normally set to go off. Today I’m practicing baking four times since I can only fit two Dutch Ovens in my oven at a time. Pretty much “cottage baking”. AsideContinue reading “Sourdough Bread – Scaling Up (Bake Day)”

Sourdough Bread – Scaling Up

Continuing my theme of practicing first I’m attempting making 4X the loaves I normally bake. I chose 4X (8 loaves) due to my plastic tub, banneton, and refrigerator constraints. I also considered that I can only bake 2 loaves at a time and I’ll need to switch to baking croissants shortly after the last pairContinue reading “Sourdough Bread – Scaling Up”

Scaling Up – Sourdough Bread (Part 2 of 2)

Baked the four loaves of sourdough bread today vice my normal two. Things that I noted in baking the two batches of loaves: Rice flour is the bomb! Makes my loaves less inclined to stick to the bannetons Can’t preheat the lids for the second batch – not enough space in my oven Baking atContinue reading “Scaling Up – Sourdough Bread (Part 2 of 2)”

Scaling Up – Sourdough Bread

I decided that I’d try scaling up my bake and try four loaves instead of my normal two. I’ve a friend that wanted me to bring some bread to an event. As I think about this I’m always asking myself “What has to be true for THAT to be true?” It started with me makingContinue reading “Scaling Up – Sourdough Bread”

Aliquot Jar Final (for now)

I’m liking this method of using an Aliquot jar. It is making my ability to judge the bulk fermentation much more consistent The use of the coil folds builds great structure. I am able to judge the gas expansion and I’m able to shape my loaves without affecting each negatively. Consistency of results are somethingContinue reading “Aliquot Jar Final (for now)”

Aliquot Jar (Continued)

I’m continuing to use an Aliquot Jar to measure my bulk prove timing. I’m getting a feel for what to expect. Being consistent in my method throughout the process is the key. After mixing my dough I get it into my tub and set a 30 minute timer. I cut off about 30g of theContinue reading “Aliquot Jar (Continued)”