Rustic Sourdough Bread

This is the recipe I use the most often for just basic sourdough bread. It is my most requested bread. I will often use this recipe for the base of other recipes.

King Arthur Flour's
Rustic Sourdough Bread

1 cup "fed" sourdough starter

1 1/2 cups lukewarm water

2 teaspoons yeast

1 tablespoon sugar

2 1/2 teaspoons salt

5 cups flour

 

1) Combine all of the ingredients, kneading to form a smooth dough.

2) Allow the dough to rise, in a covered bowl, until it's doubled in size, about 90 minutes.

3) Gently divide the dough in half; it'll deflate somewhat.

4) Gently shape the dough into two oval loaves; or, for longer loaves, two 10" to 11" logs. Place the loaves on a lightly greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise until very puffy, about 1 hour. Towards the end of the rising time, preheat the oven to 425°F.

5) Spray the loaves with lukewarm water.

6) Make two fairly deep diagonal slashes in each; a serrated bread knife, wielded firmly, works well here.

7) Bake the bread for 25 to 30 minutes, until it's a very deep golden brown. Remove it from the oven, and cool on a rack. For more trusted sourdough recipes: http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/sourdough

Apple Butter

OLD FASHIONED APPLE BUTTER
1 peck of Apple's (10-12 pounds)
2 cups of water or apple cider
2 cups white sugar
4 cups brown sugar
2 Tablespoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon allspice

If you have a strainer, quarter then steam your apples. Process through apple strainer. If  you don't have a strainer, Peel, core then quarter your apples. Steam apples then process in food processor or blender.
Combine all ingredients in large heavy-duty Dutch Oven. Bring to boil, lower heat and simmer for about 2 hours until water is evaporated. While cooking adjust spices to taste. When finished, refrigerate or can using proper canning methods.

I love Apple Butter and there are many recipes out there for crock pot Apple Butter, they are fantastic. For me this is faster and makes a much bigger batch for canning. I use it most often.  To check if apple butter is done, spoon a small amount onto a spoon or plate, if holds it shape it is ready! Enjoy!