Baking Goals

Another goal I've added for 2011 is to bake something every week. Last year I set out to learn how to make bread, which was really fun to learn through Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes. It took all the kneading and intimidation out of baking bread. But now I'm ready to move on to something more. I recently bought Tartine Bread and I have to admit I'm a little nervous buying new equipment and attempting my own starter, but it ties in to one of my other goals: taking more risks. It might not be a big risk, but it's still something to me. It will require more time, effort, and money. But if this is something I'm thinking about pursuing I need to take the next step.

In the boule above the hydration percentage is higher than my usual.  I also tried out the spray bottle method in addition to pouring a cup of hot water in a broiling pan.  Both of these methods create steam in a home oven to get a nicer crust.