As the weather has been pretty foul for the last few days I have been doing indoor things instead. One of these has been experimenting with my breadmaker and some sourdough recipes. The easiest and probably the tastiest and most reliable recipe has produced this loaf.

It is called Pain de Campagne and is absolutely delicious. The dough is produced in two stages ....first a "poolish" is produced and left in the machine to age for up to 8 hours....then the rest of the ingredients are added and the dough cycle run again. The dough is removed then, shaped, left to rise, then baked in the oven.

Here is the recipe.....
Put 200ml water, 225g spelt flour (or a mix of wholemeal and white bread flour) and 1/4 teaspoon easy-blend yeast into the breadmaker pan and run the dough programme. Then just leave the "poolish" in the pan for up to 8 hours depending on how sour a taste you like.

Then add 120ml water, 275g spelt flour, 25g rye flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon easy-blend yeast. Run the dough programme again.

When finished take the dough from the pan and knock back on a floured board. Shape into a plump, round ball. Place on a greased baking sheet. Cover with a large bowl and stand in a warm place to rise til doubled in size....about half an hour.

Dust top of loaf with flour, cut slashes in both directions on the top.
Bake at 220degC/325degF/gas mark 7 for 35 minutes....or until golden and it sounds hollow when tapped on the base. Cool on a wire rack.

Now I must go and try to mow the lawns. If it is still too wet I might be back!!!!!!!