Mix
for an additional 4 minutes, check for good gluten
structure. If
dough sticks to bottom of bowl, go to “bowl clean-up” for good
gluten structure.
Pull
dough from bowl with a little olive oil down the side of bowl while
mixer is in final motion, to help release the dough from bowl more
easily. Place
in covered container for 2 hours or until double in bulk.
Gently fold dough over on itself to de-gas and return to well oiled
bucket. Let
dough rise for an additional 20 minutes.
Divide dough into desired weights. Usual dough weight for Sourdough loaf is:
1.50 lb for a small loaf
2.50 lbs for a large loaf
Round
dough. Cover
and let rest for 30 minutes. Mold dough gently
into desired shape, (do not de-gas). Egg wash loaves
with egg white water mixture. Sprinkle with
pearl sugar.
If a stronger flavor is desired, place in proof box
for 2 hours then retard loaves, cover, place in refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours. Remove from refrigerator. Let loaves rest in room
temperature proof box 1 hour before baking.
If no retarding is being used:
Place molded
loaves in proofing cabinet (with no moisture or heat) for 1 1/2 to 3 hours.
Large bubbles should be visible near the surface of the dough when ready for the
oven. Remove from proof
box.
Dock loaves with a lame, docking knife or single
edge razor blade. This allows for the further expansion of the loaf in the first
18 seconds of oven time. Make cuts
(holding implement on a 45°
angle to the dough) clean and deep for maximum expansion.
Bake in
pre-heated 475°
F (246°
C) oven. Using some
humidification method, minimally spray loaves with water. Too much water will
remove sugar decoration. Close oven door
and after 5 minutes lower heat to 400°
F (204°
C). Bake until dark golden brown. Internal
temperature of finished baked loaf is 180 degrees F and should not exceed 220
degrees F.
When loaves are done, turn off
oven, leaving oven door open, for 10 minutes to harden-off the crust. Remove from oven,
place on cooling rack, for good air circulation until loaves come to room
temperature. Do not place
bread in area with strong air circulation such as a fan.