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Classic Country-Style Hearth Loaf Part 1

A home-style Classic Country-Style Hearth Loaf Part 1 made with Water, Dry Yeast, Flour, Yeast, and Sea Salt. Keep it handy for the next time you cook it.

Ingredients

• 4 oz
• 1/2 tsp
• 3/4 cup
• 20 oz
• 1/2 tsp
• 6 1/4 cup
• 1 tbsp

Method (preview)

1. 1

   Make the Poolish: Mix 4 oz water and 1/2 teaspoon yeast in a medium bowl.

2. 2

   Let stand for 1 minute, then stir with a wooden spoon to dissolve yeast.

3. 3

   Add the flour.

4. 4

   Stir until the consistency of a thick batter.

5. 5

   Continue stirring for about 100 strokes or until the strands of gluten come off the spoon when you press the back of the spoon against the bowl.

6. 6

   Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula.

7. 7

   Cover with a clean damp towel or plastic wrap, and place in a moderately warm, draft-free place until mixture is bubbly and has increased in volume.

8. 8

   Mix and knead the final dough: Measure out the remaining ingredients.

9. 9

   Bring the bowl with the poolish to your work space. the poolish should be soupy, bubbly, and puffy and it should have a wheaty aroma.

10. 10

    Scrape the poolish into a large 6-quart bowl.

11. 11

    Add the water and yeast.

12. 12

    Break up the poolish well with a wooden spoon and stir until it loosens and the mixture foams slightly.

13. 13

    Add 1 cup (5 ounces) of the flour and stir until well combined.

14. 14

    Add the salt and only enough of the remaining flour to make a thick mass that is difficult to stir.

15. 15

    Knead the dough by pushing it down and forward with the heel of one hand, then pulling back from the top and folding the dough over with the other.

16. 16

    The dough may be very sticky at first, and it will help to push the dough forward with the heel fo one hand and fold it over using a dough blade.

17. 17

    Gradually add the remaining flour as you work the dough and knead vigorously for 15-17 minutes.

18. 18

    If the dough remains wet and sticky, it may be necessary to knead in additional flour.

19. 19

    As the dough develops, it will become smooth, elastic, and strong.

20. 20

    You will feel the gluten strengthening, making the dough more difficult to knead.

21. 21

    Don't be afraid to really work the dough.

22. 22

    Match your muscle with that of the gluten.

23. 23

    Use your legs and knees to help you create a forward and back motion with the dough.

24. 24

    Don't be afraid to end up with a slightly tacky dough.

25. 25

    Pull a little dough from the mass and let it go.

26. 26

    If is springs back quickly, it’s ready.

27. 27

    Press your finger into the dough and remove it.

28. 28

    If the dough springs back, it’s ready.

29. 29

    Shape the dough into a ball.

30. 30

    If it holds its shape and does not sag, it’s ready.