Multi-grain Cream Cheese Onion Bread

  This is a healthy and tasty loaf.  The cream cheese really created a moist semi-open crumb.

I had just returned from a business trip in Vegas so I used my newly refreshed AP mother starter for this one and decided to add some dehydrated onions for some extra flavor.

I brought one loaf into work and it didn't last too long so I guess it was pretty good :).

Formula

Download the BreadStorm formula here.

Levain Directions

Mix all the levain ingredients together for about 1 minute and cover with plastic wrap.  Let it sit at room temperature for around 7-8 hours or until the starter has doubled.  I usually do this the night before.

Either use in the main dough immediately or refrigerate for up to 1 day before using.

 Main Dough Procedure

Mix the flours, barley flakes and 350 grams of the water together in your mixer or by hand until it just starts to come together, maybe about 1 minute.  Let it rest in your work bowl covered for 20-30 minutes.  While the flour is hydrating, mix the dehydrated onions if using with the balance of the water and set aside.  After 30 minutes or so  add the salt, starter (cut into about 7-8 pieces), cream cheese and walnut oil and mix on low for 6 minutes.    Remove the dough from your bowl and place it in a lightly oiled bowl or work surface and do several stretch and folds.  Let it rest covered for 10-15 minutes and then do another stretch and fold.  Let it rest another 10-15 minutes and do one additional stretch and fold.  After a total of 2 hours place your covered bowl in the refrigerator and let it rest for 12 to 24 hours.

When you are ready to bake remove the bowl from the refrigerator and let it set out at room temperature still covered for 1.5 to 2 hours.  Remove the dough and shape as desired.  Place shaped dough into your proofing baskets and cover with a moist tea towel or plastic wrap.  Either place in your proofer for around 1 hour or leave at room temperature for around 1.5 to 2 hours.  Let the dough dictate when it is read to bake not the clock.

Around 45 minutes before ready to bake, pre-heat your oven to 550 degrees F. and prepare it for steam.  I have a heavy-duty baking pan on the bottom rack of my oven with 1 baking stone on above the pan and one on the top shelf.  I pour 1 cup of boiling water in the pan right after I place the dough in the oven.

Right before you are ready to put them in the oven, score as desired.  Next add 1 cup of boiling water to your steam pan or follow your own steam procedure.

After 1 minute lower the temperature to 450 degrees.  Bake for 35 minutes to 45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 200 degree to 210 degrees F.

Take the breads out of the oven when done and let them cool on a bakers rack before for at least 2 hours before eating.