BBA Challenge: Ciabatta

OK, I got through this one.  I thought I followed the instructions to the letter, but something went awry.  The bread turned out fine - it was moist, edible, and toasts up beautifully - but it was not the ciabatta I was hoping for with those big holes and chewy crust.  Don't get me wrong, it was good.  Real good, even.  But not quite there.

The poolish

The dough after mixing

After shaping, I put the loaves into a couche I made out of (well laundered) scrup tops!

The ciabatta

As I mentioned, this one disappointed a bit, and it was the first of the BBA breads I wasn't blown away by.  I'll make it again with more hydration and more rest next time,  but for now it is on to the next: cinnamon buns!!

Challah

Finally getting back to the BBA challenge.  The kitchen has been busy with the holidays, but now it is time to get back to bread making.  Challah bread is next - just in time for the new year!

First, bringing the dough together and the separation into three boules:

Next, I made the snakes and braided them into the loaf.  Some egg white wash and sesame seeds were added:

Finally, it baked up beautifully:

The recipe made two loaves, and even a few days later the toast was delicious.  While I really like the character of the breads in the BBA that undergo overnight retardation, it is nice to know I can have something like this come out of the oven on the same day!