
I know, this has become a bread blog.
I am sorry. Art is being made and worked on too. I will upload photos of that soon. I am just not ready for that yet. I am ready to perfect the darn ciabatta, though. and boy am I getting better at it.

This bread tastes good, it is my very first loaf that I think tastes good. The brumb is moist. the holes are bigger. And I think they could have been even bigger...
I took my mom's advice and retarded the bulk rise in the refrigerator overnight.
What I did wrong was I didn't form them into loaves first. I flipped the dough out onto the table and then shaped them for the final (short) rise before baking. Had I done the fridge rise in loaf shape, I think I would have those large holes I have been pining over.
Needless to say, these are the best, tastiest loaves yet. I am a fridge rise convert. I also cooked them longer and omitted the oil from the dough so this is a lean, crunchy crust.
I know late commenting, but I would love a pc. with butter please.
Jod
You crack me up. I love the focus you have. There's a beauty in taking time to perfect something so I really appreciate this. Plus the bread looks SO GOOD! Bread is my weakness...
Posted by: kristine at September 21, 2007 11:12 AMI have never tried cold rising an already shaped loaf. Will try it when I get home (and have some free time - in a few weeks!) Your bread looks delicious, I can't wait to try it.
I have decided to attempt hard rolls, the ones I had as a girl - flaky crust, soft chewy innards...thanks for the inspiration.
Love!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: mom at September 18, 2007 08:53 PMHi Melanie, you're a woman after my own heart: I love how you're doing this bread again and again until you get it the way you want it. It looks great!
Your art is beautiful. I have always loved fiber arts and used to be a weaver years ago.
Posted by: Susan at September 18, 2007 08:51 AM