French Bread, Sponge Method Dough |
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Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cook Time: 720 Minutes |
Ready In: 730 Minutes Servings: 8 |
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This method is pretty easy and makes a great flavored French Bread. I have used it a lot over the years and have lost the recipe couple of times (forcing a major recipe cleanup)... it's one I definitely don't want to lose. I learned it at a bread making class. I often double the recipe. The 12 hours cooking time is really the time the sponge must sit to develop flavor, plus rising time. Ingredients:
1 teaspoon yeast or 1/4-1/2 cup sourdough starter |
1 cup water |
1 cup flour |
1 teaspoon salt (don't add yet, but be sure not to forget it!) |
flour, enough to make a workable dough |
Directions:
1. Mix yeast or sourdough starter with water and 1 cup flour.
2. Cover and let rise overnight.
3. Add salt and enough flour to make a workable dough (I usually use 30-40% whole wheat flour for a more nutritious final product).
4. Knead, shape, and let rise until almost double.
5. Bake in a 450 degree F oven for ~20 minutes.
6. To acheive a better crust, preheat a shallow pan on bottom rack, and pour in 2 cups of water when you begin baking bread. This is one of the secrets to the desired crust on a French or Artisan bread.
7. Enjoy!
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