Second Time For Bread In New Cob Oven

Today I made my second attempt at baking bread in my new cob oven. I was really happy with the results!
I really wanted to expirement so I made four loaves using three starters. Last weekend I revived some Carl Griffith 1847 starter that I had dried and stored for nearly 2.5 years. I was surprised when it came right back after two feedings!!

For my two loaves I used my regular starter and made my regular recipe for sourdough but used rye flour for 5% of the total flour.
For one loaf I used the 1847 starter and made a 20% rye loaf.
For the fourth loaf I used my Australian starter and added 20% of the spelt flour I received from Australia.

All of the loaves ended up proofing for three hours out of the fridge because I had to wait a little longer for the oven to cool to baking range.

Here ar the four loaves in the oven after 17 min.

I really made an attempt to get more steam n the oven for this bake. The loaves were bigger, I sprayed water in the oven just before placing the door on and placed a damp towel around the door. All of this seemed to pay off.

The first loaf that was ready to come out was the 20% rye made with the 1847 starter.


Second out was one of the 5% rye loaves with my usual starter.


Shortly after I pulled the 20% spelt loaf with the Australian starter and spelt flour.


Last out was the second 5% rye with my regular starter. It was closest to the door so I gave it a little longer. I almost went too long with it.


This is a shot of all four along with the pizza peel I trimmed down for use in the oven with bread loaves.


Of the four loaves, we are keeping the Australian Spelt loaf. Here is a shot of the crumb. The other three loaves are going to neighbors.

The taste of this loaf is fantastic!

I'm really happy with how the oven performed today! I might have been able to get another loaf in the oven and the temps held well enough that I think I could have made two batches. That would give me a capacity of ten full size loaves in one session! Not bad for a little Earth oven! If I had room for that many loaves in my fridge I might give it a try sometime but I think I'll be limited to 4 or 5 loaves for now.