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I made the best bread of my life

But you don't get to see it. Sometimes I can't believe how incredibly stupid I can be. See, I set to make Ciabatta, the Italian flat-ish bread used to make sandwiches. I picked the best recipe there is, from the fine folks at King Arthur's Flour. And it was a lot of work. You make a sponge overnight. Then you knead this dough with a processor. It's so soft, almost batter like, that my favorite kneading by hand method is impossible.

The first rise was impressive, but the dough was still too soft. Which should have told me to use parchment. But stupid me went ahead and plonked the ciabattas on a greased baking sheet. It rose, it browned, it smelled wonderful. But it stuck! I could not get the bread off the baking sheet.

Now that it's cooled and mellowed a bit, I've been able to take it off in parts. It's not the prettiest bread there is, but it's surely the tastiest I've ever eaten. I think I've discovered the secret of light, holey bread - use a lot less flour than I do when I knead by hand. And you should go make this too. Just remember to use parchment.
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CurryLeaf said…
I never use parchment and always lined and greased baking sheet.I have never worked with sponge as well.Your baking is wonderful Simran.I too will try the same recipe er as and when I am ready -I am not confiident about my baking
December 8, 2009 at 3:51 PM
Usha said…
I have always wanted to make ciabatta, but haven't gotten around to it. All that extra work sounds pretty daunting to me :-)
December 8, 2009 at 8:42 PM
Parita said…
Ciabatta is on my to do list..now will use your recipe when i make :-)
December 8, 2009 at 8:51 PM
Ann said…
Wow, I've never used parchment. How do you know the parchment wouldn't have stuck to the bread, either? That was my unnecessary devil's advocate voice BTW. I have some huge trepidation when it comes to bread baking. I've NEVER done it, and I even have the bible "Artisan Bread..." sitting on my shelf and staring at me.
Good to know the ciabatta came out OK though. I've heard from other bloggers too that King Arthur's site has some really good recipes.
December 9, 2009 at 8:57 AM
Laura said…
Oh don't you hate that--reminds me of when I made naan from scratch and my dog hate the leftovers I was going to photograph! The bread sounds lovely.
December 9, 2009 at 9:43 AM
CurryLeaf said…
Simran,did you go to UpperCrust Show,do let me know.This time they are conducting one in Hyd as well.If yes,then waiting for a detailed post here.Cheers
December 9, 2009 at 7:21 PM
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