Bacon and cheddar loaves p.104

Thursday 17th January 2013.

Challenge no.1

Follow Paul's method ... using your hand as the mixer is well worth doing because you can feel the consistency - and I find it such an almost sensual, earthy experience ... go on - try it.

The first phase of dough about to be placed in slightly oiled bowl for proving :

Loaves are currently proving, and awaiting to be baked.


Following the recipe and method precisely, the loaves have been easy to prepare and the tasting panel have been alerted.
Only three takers today .

After 3 hours (more because I was preparing a buffet than it had to be left that long - but it won't harm the dough .... indeed it was was four times its original size) added the grated cheese and chopped bacon - fully incorporating them into the willing, smooth and soft dough.   I then divided it into four  :

I then shaped into small oval loaves, placed onto baking trays and covered with clean plastic bag (they cost 5p in Wales - I suggested you get a lots for bread making if your are outside Wales - they'll be your baking bags ! :

An hour to rise and into the oven - they're off !

Mmmmmmm - smell that ....the room filling with baking bread with grated cheddar and chopped pieces of smoked bacon mixed in - can't wait.

OMG ... not as mini oval loaf shaped but soooo deliciously good.  You've got to try these on their own, with chilli (instead of fork and spoon), with more cheese, maybe  made as small burger buns ..... the ideas are seemingly endless.

I do need to address their shape :

More tear & share than oval as in Paul's book ... to be worked on ... and I guess eaten along the way ... the sacrifices I have to make :) ... and of course my trusty taster panel.