Basic Sourdough Bread

Instructions

1. HERE'S HOW I DO IT - NOTE: I HAVE PIZZA STONES IN MY OVEN:
2. In a big bowl, mix the water, the starter, and part of the flour with a whisk, vigorously ... you will probably see bubbles.
3. Add the rest of the flour and start working it in by hand.
4. Once everything is all nicely mixed, cover, and let it rest for 2 hours.
5. 2 hours later, add the salt and do some stretch & folds.
6. For the next 2 hours, do stretch and folds every half hour (4 times).
7. Put it in the refrigerator over-night.
8. In the morning:
9. Cut into 2 equal sized loaves.
10. Line 2 baking tins with parchment paper.
11. Form the 2 loaves and put into baking tins.
12. Put it in the oven (oven OFF) for a few hours (depends on weather) until proofed.
13. Take loaves out of the oven and set oven to 400F.
14. Put 2 big bowls of boiling water from the kettle at the bottom of the oven.
15. When oven reaches 400F, put the loaf tins into the oven.
16. Bake 40 minutes.
17. Pop out the loaves and place directly onto the pizza stones and bake an additional 20 minutes.
18. After the 20 minutes, turn off the oven and open the door halfway (to cure the crust)
19. After 20 minutes of allowing the crust to cure in the open oven, place onto cooling rack and allow to cool.
20. OPTIONAL: sesame seeds - SO MUCH YUMMIER!!!