Going to try this: http://pinchmysalt.com/2009/07/07/bread-bakers-apprentice-challenge-ciabatta/#more-3201
Made the poolish on Sunday night, then the bread on Monday night. I used my new Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer and did an okay job of it. Obviously I can’t post the whole recipe as it would do a disservice to the author of my favorite new book: The Bread Baker’s Apprentice.
The bread did not come out as airy as I would have liked, and I think that was due to me accidentally forgetting to fold up the sides a second time, and maybe that I used regular KA unbleached white flour rather than bread flour. I just did not get the rise that I wanted. Also, I think my dough was too dry – could have been wetter. Here are a few pics of how it came out.
My new mixer
Poolish, refrigerated overnight. It was bubbling.
Next day, mixing the dough
Loaves fermenting
Proofing in a makeshift couche
Me and the messy kitchen
Final loaves from outside
Final product – as you can see it did not set up the crust with the airy holes that I thought it would. It’s a shame. The crust ended up really nice. For one of my first baking endavors, I was happy. Learned how to steam the oven for the first time, too. Next time I’ll do better.
Gee, for a first time ciabatta, it looks delicious!Have you seen the blog on our KAF web site about ciabatta? You may find it helpful. Here’s the link Ciabatta Secrets Revealed
I hear you – my Ciabatta turned out pretty underwhelming too, but it was a great learning experience. Your crust looks perfect though!
Peter Reinhart’s Ciabatta & A Recipe « Bon Vivant // Aug 18, 2009 at 7:24 am
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