Sourdough Sandwich Loaf

This week on my sourdough journey, I set out on my first sourdough sandwich loaf using hard white wheat flour. The star of the show was my trusty starter I shared last week (like any good sourdough). It was well-fed and ready to go! 

I will say experimenting with fresh-milled whole wheat flour has brought a unique challenge to my recipes. Unlike store-bought flour, the nature of fresh milling requires adjustments, particularly in the water content. My recipes now incorporate more water than the typical sourdough formula, allowing the flour to showcase its distinctive fresh milled qualities. 

Another key realization, which I believe will make my future loaves even better, is a shift in the proofing and baking schedule. Transitioning from proofing overnight and baking in the morning to proofing during the day and baking at night provides me with some extra hours to allow a full second rise.  It was hard to fit it all in with with work and busy kiddo commitments but this easy baking schedule change will make it much easier! 

My absolute favorite part of sourdough is the fragrance wafting through my kitchen as the bread bakes. The tangy aroma is a testament to the unique character of sourdough, making the anticipation of the first slice all the more exciting.

I also added in all-purpose flour in my second loaf to aid the rise and achieve that perfect balance.  The bran in the whole wheat flour can pose a challenge to obtaining a good rise, but this addition proved to be a helpful ally. The result is a loaf filled with all the nutrients of a truly whole grain bread, with no additives or preservatives, and my the kiddos loved! 

A crucial tip is to pull your starter from the fridge well in advance and let it reach room temperature before incorporating it into a recipe. This simple step ensures the starter is at its peak performance to make the best sourdough.  

Stay tuned for next week's sourdough adventure.  I am excited to share my  discoveries and enhancements as I continue to learn, adapt, and savor the delicious rewards of homemade sourdough perfection. Happy baking!

Sourdough Sandwich Loaf

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Category

Bread

Cuisine

American

Prep Time

10 minutes

Cook Time

45 minutes

A heavenly sandwich loaf using hard white wheat flour. Tweaking the water content for fresh-milled whole wheat flour, each loaf surpasses the last as I refine my technique. Switching to daytime proofing and nighttime baking ensures a fluffy texture, while the tangy aroma promises a sensory delight. To conquer the challenge of a shortened second rise, I've incorporated all-purpose flour, resulting in a nutrient-rich, additive-free whole grain loaf. Pull your starter from the fridge and stay tuned for more updates in my ongoing sourdough journey.

Ingredients

• 375 g (3 cups) white whole wheat bread flour

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• 125 g (1 cups) all purpose flour

• 12 g (1 tbsp) sugar

• 4 tbsp butter salted

• 6 grams salt

• 100 grams (½ cup) sourdough starter (room temp.)

• 2-3 cups warm water

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Directions

1. Using your paddle attachment in your mixer, combine flour, butter, sugar, salt. It should resemble crumbs.

2. Add starter and water ½ cup at a time until the flour is fully absorbed. You will want this dough to be very sticky. With hands make a loose ball and return to bowl.

3. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes. Meanwhile replenish your starer.

4. Once dough has rested, switch to dough hook and knead for 6-8 minutes on low. The dough should feel soft and supple.

5. Recover dough and let rise for 10-12 hours. You want it to double in size.

6. Grease a 8.5x4 inch loaf.

7. Roll the dough into a log, tucking ends underneath. Place seam side down in pan. Be careful to not take to much air out of our loaf when shaping it.

8. Preheat oven to 500 degrees, reduce to 375 and back for 45-50 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes and then transfer to rack to cool completely.