When will I learn? Hahaha. I just don’t seem to be meshing with the no-knead bread craze!
Whenever I try, it always seems like more work to me, and always makes me feel intimidated by the sticky flimsy dough! Very frustrating. But I keep trying. I’m sure this will not be my last attempt, especially now that I think I know the error of my ways!
I googled and found another no-knead recipe for 100% Whole Wheat Bread – http://www.sugoodsweets.com/blog/2007/03/no-knead-wwbread/
Of course, being in a semi-rush, I didn’t read the recipe notes, I just threw myself into the ingredients. sigh.
Looking back at the recipe now, it clearly states that a 1:1 ratio of flour & water is necessary. And she used a regular loaf pan, something I probably should have done as well, since I like the shape better. And of course I didn’t dust with more flour to make the dough less sticky and easier to work with!
I won’t even bore you with my baking notes, since it really wasn’t a triumph. In the end though, the bread was tasty, and I guess that is all that matters. It was just a bear to work with and I would love to say ‘NEVER AGAIN’ but I’ll probably be trying another batch of no-knead when time permits!
I found two no-knead books at the library: Jim Lahey’s My Bread: The Revolutionary No-Work, No-Knead Method, along with the Kneadlessly Simple: Fabulous, Fuss-Free, No-Knead Breads book.
So, here are a few photos from my no-knead experience earlier this week:
I actually divided the dough to make two breads: one round baked in my 2 qt cast iron and one small loaf in a mini pan.
The Crumb!
Small loaf made in (parchment paper lined) mini loaf pan
The bread tasted best after it was toasted!