My Favorite loaves

I started a baby sponge on Wednesday night and I let it sit on top of the frig until Saturday morning. A little longer than usual, but it was OK and very sour. I wanted to make some bread for Jerrin so I ended up doubling my favorite 3 cup loaf recipe

• 3 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or softened margarine
• 4 teaspoons of sugar
• 2 teaspoons of salt

I simply doubled everything and added 1 cup plus 2 oz. water and let the mixed knead the dough. It ended up perfect with just enough water for a soft elastic dough. I love using the electric mixer. so much easier.

The dough rose all day Saturday, and Saturday evening I split it in half, approximately, and formed 2 loaves on a baking sheet. I have had trouble in the recent past with making the dough too dry, but not this time.

I let the loaves rise in the oven with the light on. It is a perfect temperature for rising dough especially when the house is cool like now. Once it had risen I sliced it and let it sit while the oven warmed up

After baking the loaves look great. I noticed that the loaves split during baking where I had tucked the dough under during forming. I guess I need to seal the bottom better or do some more forming.

All in all a perfect batch, and again, no yeast, just the sourdough starter that is now years old, maybe 3 I think.