Bumper crop

This year has been a very good year for blackberries up our way. The Memsahib has decided to have a go at blackberry infused Gin, (seeing as we can't find any Sloes in our hedgerows).  We have also been eating more than our fair share of blackberry  and apple crumble, pie and any other pus you can put blackberries in. There is (in my mind anyway) something strangly ironic about the fact that in the very year that Blackberry, the electronics company are having a bad one and laying of part of the workforce the humble blackberry (hedgerow fruit) is having a cracker of a year. Just an observation :-)

First nip

Today the air had the first nip of Autumn in it. You could just about see your breath and hands were kept firmly in jacket pockets, jacket remained done up for the entire walk. The dogs didn't seem to mind though. 

Bloomers a la Paul Hollywood

Man that's a well risen dough, and lots of it too :) better make me a couple of spanking bloomers. 

Sourdough take 2

Second attempt at sourdough bread and this time I prepared it the night before and left it to prove a second time overnight. As you can see it has risen well and so in the oven it went. Again a slight change 15 mins at 220 fan assist and 15 mins 180 fan assist. We'll see what that does. 

Well here is the finished article and it is not as well risen as the last loaf and not quite as fluffy inside. I will have to adjust things slightly again for the next try. Maybe I'll use the non-fan oven. 

First sourdough loaf

Here it is, finally after a couple of weeks of sourdough starter preparation I have baked my first sourdough loaf. Lets hope It tastes as good as it looks. If I'm honest I have skipped along a bit and so if the flavour is not there I'll adjust my method next time, here's hoping.

Addendum; it turned out nicely, lovely crumb and that subtle sourdough flavour.  I shall consider that a success and move on to the next loaf. I now need to work on the timings as this is a loaf that should not be rushed. Maybe I'll look at some other form as well, such as rolls. :-)

Sourghdough starter

I've only gone and cracked it :-) can't wait to make my first loaf on Wednesday. 

More fun with yarn.

It am me finished Rasta hat man :)