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The Tale of Two Ciabattas (British Baking Show - Bake #3)



The simple  Paul Hollywood Ciabatta Recipe.  How simple is it?  The ingredients are few and the technique seems simple but there is also a bit of practice makes perfect needed here. So far I have made two tries at it.   The flavor was good in both but I made a crucial error on the 1st try so it was a bit dense.  I should have paid attention tot the kind of yeast - Instant Yeast means Fast Acting Yeast and I just breezed right past that distinction the 1st time.   I have some pics of both tries below.

They both mixed up very well and formed a lovely dough ball.
Gluten is really amazing to watch form.
Try 1
 
Try 2
Try 2

The problem was in the rise - see difference in size of dough before and after proofing

             
Try 1 Before
Try 1 After
             
Try 2 Before
Try 2 After

The shaping of the dough is a little harder than it looks. 
The dough is quite soft and sticky so you have to be decisive with your cuts and getting it on the cooking stone or tray.  

             
Try 1 
Try 2 

This shows the difference in rise between 1st and 2nd try.   


But they both tasted delicious. I can't believe how three ingredients and water can make something so delicious and how you can use the same ingredients in a different way to make a different bread.    
   
Try 1  - They look great
Try 2 - They taste good too!





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