starter death

When I was making my last sponge, I was so absorbed in its creation that I forgot to feed my starter.  By the next afternoon, it was moldy on the top and smelled unpleasant.  I was tempted to just scoop the green off, but that was too gross even for someone who would consider eating questionable foods.  I tossed out all my starter and was saddened.  Good thing I also maintain a starter at my boyfriend's house.

duty sponge

I love making bread, but sometimes when I'm busy, I don't feel as inspired.  When I feed my starter everyday, I tell myself that I should make bread soon before my crock overflows.  Great.  I've given myself a chore.

I start the sponge out of duty to my future self:  I will want that bread.  As for feel uninspired, the simplest breads are often the best.  AND lazy plus, the sponge can sit and ferment for awhile.  NO RUSH!

Today my sponge contains:  flour, sugar, starter, water and steel cut oats.

lazy loaf

I started this sponge and then got busy.  For a couple of days it sat, in which time I fed it like I do the starter.  Finally it reached a point where I either had to make bread or toss it.  I kneaded the mass, cut it into quarters, rolled each quarter in oil and nestled them all in my 7.25 quart cast iron oven.  I let them rise only once and then baked them.  Not too bad.  The sections break off where the oily sides met.  Very little fuss.  For busy and lazy bread bakers.

Bread with beer

Some for the sponge, some for me.