BAGUETTES & PICNIC ESSENTIALS

Combine 360 grams (about 1.5 cups) of water and 12 grams (about 2 teaspoons) of salt in a large bowl. Incorporate 100 grams (about 1/2 cup) of active sourdough starter into the mixture, stirring briefly. Add 450 grams (about 3.5 cups) of bread flour to form a wet, sticky dough ball. Cover the bowl with a tea towel or cloth bowl cover, allowing it to rest for 30 minutes. Incorporate the salt by kneading briefly, and then let the dough sit for another 30 minutes, covered.

For stretches and folds, wet your hands and pull one side of the dough up to the center. Rotate the bowl a quarter turn and repeat the process, making a full circle. Repeat this procedure three more times at 30-minute intervals over four hours, totaling four sets of stretches and folds.

Transfer the dough to a straight-sided vessel and cover with a towel for bulk fermentation. Allow the dough to rise at room temperature until it nearly doubles in volume. This duration varies based on environmental factors and starter strength. Cover the vessel with a lid or towel, slicking the dough's top with oil to prevent drying. Place the vessel in the fridge overnight.

For shaping, remove the vessel from the fridge and sprinkle the dough's top generously with flour. Turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and shape it into a rectangle. Divide the dough into two vertically using a bench scraper. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and transfer each rectangle onto the prepared pan, gently pulling outward. Cover the pan with a damp towel and let it stand for an hour.

Preheat the oven to 475ºF. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to 450ºF, rotate the pan, and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and transfer the baguettes to a cooling rack. Allow them to cool for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing and enjoying.

*Using a kitchen scale for measuring ingredients can be a game-changer in your baking journey. Not only does it simplify your process by reducing the number of dishes used, but it also ensures precision in your measurements. By placing your mixing bowl on the scale and directly adding ingredients, you eliminate the need for multiple measuring cups and spoons, streamlining the process and minimizing mess. This approach guarantees accurate measurements, which is crucial for achieving consistent and reliable results in your recipes. So, consider making a kitchen scale your trusted ally in the kitchen - it's a small investment that brings big benefits to your baking adventures.