San Francisco Sourdough Bread

TO MAKE THE WILD YEAST FERMENT

Step 1: Combine the proofed mother starter, flour and water in a mixing bowl and stir until well blended. The dough should feel dough like, tacky and slightly sticky. If necessary add additional flour or water as needed.

Step 2: Transfer mixture to lightly floured work surface and knead for 30 seconds. Place dough in clean, lightly oiled bowl; cover loosley and leave at room temperature for 6 to 8 hours The starter should be 1 1/2 times it's original size. Cover and place in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

TO MAKE THE DOUGH

Step 3: Remove the Wild Yeast Ferment from the refrigerator and cut into 10 to 12 pieces and put them in a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Pour in the water and mix with the paddle attachment (or large spoon)on the lowest speed for about 1 minute.

Step 5: Add the flour, salt and yeast (if using purist method, eliminate the yeast). Using the dough hook and mix on lowest speed for 2 minutes, to form a course ball of dough that's very tacky and slightly warm. Let the dough rest for 5 minutes.

Step 6: Mix on medium-low speed (or by hand) for 4 minutes, adding more flour or water as needed. You should have a soft supple, slightly sticky ball of dough.

Step 7: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead by hand for 1 minute. Form into a ball and allow to rest (uncovered) for 10 minutes.

Step 8: Stretch and Fold: Reach under the front of the dough stretching it out, then folding it back on top of the dough. Do the same from the back of the dough and then from each side. Turn the dough over and tuck into a ball. Cover and allow to rest for 10 minutes.

Step 9: Do another stretch and fold and immediately form into a ball, place in a large clean, lightly oiled bowl and cover.

Step 10: If using the mixed method (with yeast), immediately refrigerate the dough. If using the purist method (wild yeast only) let the dough sit a room temperature for 1 1/2 to 2 hours before refrigerating. The dough will be ready to use the next day, and for up to 3 days.

Step 11: BAKING DAY: Remove only the portion you plan to bake.

Step 12: If using purist method (no yeast) remove the dough from the refrigerator 4 hours before you plan to bake. Proof dough for 2 hours, then shape and let it rise for two hours.

Step 13: If using the mixed method (with yeast) remove the dough from the refrigerator 2 hours before you plan to bake. Immediately shape the dough and allow to rise for 2 hours. The dough should be 1 1/2 times it's original size and be springy yet hold an indentation when pressed with a finger.

Step 14: Preheat oven to 500 degrees F for 20 minutes. If using a baking stone preheat the oven and stone for 45 minutes. Place a broiler pan or cast iron skillet on the bottom shelf and preheat.

Step 15: While the oven is preheating score the top of the dough. Transfer the dough to the preheated oven, pour 1 1/2 cups of hot water in the steam pan; reduce temperature to 450 degrees and bake for 12 minutes.

Step 16: After 12 minutes check to see if the pan needs to be rotated. Bake another 15 to 35 minutes (depending on the size of the loaf). When fully baked, the crust should have a rich caramel color and it should sound hollow. Internal temperature should be about 200 degrees F.

Step 17: Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour before slicing.