zero…the thermometer said zero. by nashville standards, that is beyond cold. staying warm in that kind of cold is a challenge. there is only so much clothing one person can wear. the thermostat can only go so high before you run up a tremendous bill. it is also a perfect excuse to turn on the oven and bake a batch of bread.
this week, the tuesday with dorie bakers mixed up a batch of country bread. this simple loaf is a perfect addition to a pot of hot soup. 
the recipe uses a sponge that sits for a few hours but i let mine sit overnight. the kitchen was pretty cool due to the cold weather. that extra time allowed the bread to develop more flavor. the recipe also called for using a bread basket-a banneton. amazingly, i do not own one! instead, i use this little basket. the pattern it makes on the loaf is eye catching.
the loaf gets folded and shaped and folded and shaped and folded and shaped again. i cut 4 slits across the top-it seemed like a good idea. here it is on the peel, ready to go in the oven.
the crumb is nicely textured with a little chewiness from the whole wheat and rye flour used in the recipe. to see the recipe, visit the site of a fellow tuesdays with dorie blogger, one clever mom, who has posted the recipe. to see the posts of the other bakers, visit the tuesdays with dorie website.
will garden for cake 
Now that looks more like how I expected my bread to turn out 🙂
This cold has been insane – its crazy that it has extended so far south. Hopefully, this week is an improvement for you.
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I can imagine how turning on the oven was the perfect idea!!! I loved this recipe 🙂
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Lucky you with the proofing basket! Love the texture on your bread…beautifully done!
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Your basket is beautiful. The crumb looks perfect.
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Oh I love your proofing basket! I love going to thrift stores, I have found so many wonderful and useful items on my trips!
Your bread is beautiful…with a lovely crumb.
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The patterned crust looks very groovy! Hope the weather is better in Nashville by now.
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Great looking bread. The basket was a nice way to texture your bread.
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It was a wonderfully crunchy crust, wasn't it. Love the basket you use.
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Beautiful loaf and perfect crumb! This did make a huge loaf didn't it. I sent half to work with my husband – one guy swooped in and took the whole thing home. I was told it was gone in no time. 🙂
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Wow, look at your loaf: it's beautiful. I love the “artisan” look of it and the flour pattern on it.
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