I am writing today's post from my very own office all set up with a desk and everything. We scoured IKEA for 3 hours yesterday then spent a good 3 hours building in the afternoon and no I am officially set up. No more moving from one random spot to the other around the house, Claire K Creations has a home! I'll share some pics soon if you're interested (I actually got the set up idea from another blog so it might inspire someone).
Back to the food...Monday - ciabatta day again! I did promise I'd have a go at sourdough ciabattas and I kept that promise.
I used Celia's sourdough ciabatta recipe. I won't re-post it because the only thing I changed was using all baker's flour instead of half semolina (I also reduced the liquid by 5% like Celia says to do). The sourdough version was just as easy to throw together as the yeast version but does take a little bit longer to rise so you need to think ahead (which is not my strength).
I loved these rolls and had I not tried the yeasted version the week before I would have thought them just perfect but I have to say, I preferred the yeasted version. My only reasoning is that they tasted more like the ciabatta that I used to buy from the markets every weekend. If I'd never had the yeasted version then I would say that the sourdough ciabattas were just right.
The crust was nice and crispy and the crumb full of holes and a little glossy in appearance due to the high water content of the dough.
I don't think there will ever be a time in the future that I don't have at least a couple of homemade ciabattas in the freezer ready for lunch at a moment's notice. They'd also be lovely sliced up and toasted for bruschetta or I imagine would make really good crackers if you bake thin slices spread with olive oil and salt.
Personally I could just chow into a loaf fresh from the oven maybe with a little butter if I feel like indulging. Enjoy!
What about you? How would you enjoy a fresh ciabatta?
The Life of Clare says
How fantastic is homemae ciabatta! It's absolutely delicious! We've used it a lot with soup and alsoas a base for bruschetta!
Claire says
So so good Clare. Just made another batch today!
The Café Sucre Farine says
Yum, Claire! These look like they come straight out of a European bakery! I'd love to see your office!
Claire says
Aww shucks Chris! Ok once I'm fully set up I will share it.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
Look at that texture!! You did a fabulous job Claire! And congratulations on your new space :)
Claire says
Thanks Lorraine!
Hotly Spiced says
How nice for CKC to have a base! My 'base' is of the mobile variety and it's not actually very good for your health or your posture. I'd love to see images when you post them. You are becoming quite a whiz in the bread department. These rolls look very good. I'm looking forward to embarking on the bread adventure in a few weeks time xx
Claire says
That's true Charlie, it's an investment in my back too. Sitting at the kitchen bench was not good. Looking forward to seeing your bread adventures x
Stephanie@Henry Happened says
I don't like planning food ahead, but I bet I'd love these babies in the morning with some butter & salt.
Claire says
You'd have to make them the night before but it would be worth it Stephanie!
Jo Smith says
Looks fantastic Claire.
Claire says
Thanks Jo!
Kyrstie @ A Fresh Legacy says
These look great Claire. I have gone back to making our bread since finishing my work contract. I love it. Time to re-try sour dough I think and see if I have more luck this time around :)
Claire says
Good luck Kyrstie!