Elis Bread
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rye flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons malt syrup, or 1 teaspoon packed brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups warm (104 to 110F) water
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons salt
- Prepare the starter: In a bowl, combine 2 cups of the all-purpose flour with the rye flour, malt syrup or brown sugar, salt, and 1 cup of the warm water.
- Mix well.
- Cover with plastic wrap, and set aside in a warm place for 24 hours.
- Discard half of the day-old starter.
- Place the remaining starter in a large bowl and add the remaining 2 cups of all-purpose flour and the remaining 1/2 cup of warm water.
- Knead to combine.
- Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm place for 24 hours more.
- This makes the chef.
- Prepare the bread: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, water, and salt.
- Add half of the chef and mix (see Note).
- If using a mixer with a dough hook, beat for 8 minutes on low speed to combine well.
- If using your hands, knead for 10 minutes.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and set aside to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, 8 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 500F.
- Cut the dough into 12 equal pieces.
- Flatten (dont punch) each piece of dough into a long stick about 12 inches long.
- Place 6 of the sticks on each of 2 baking sheets and dust lightly with all-purpose flour.
- Using a sharp knife, cut 4 diagonal slashes on each stick
- Place the loaves in the hot oven.
- Using a plant mister, spray the inside of the oven every 5 minutes, and bake until the loaves are golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Eat these ficelles while they are still warm.
allpurpose, rye flour, malt syrup, salt, warm, allpurpose, water, salt
Taken from www.cookstr.com/recipes/elirsquos-bread (may not work)