Artisan Pepper Bacon Ring

These bread rings are simple to make and are loaded with flavor. small pieces of bacon dot the moist, well structured crumb. their salty richness is complemented by a healthy dose of black pepper in the dough. the crust is thin and softens as the bread cools. serve it in slices, plain or with a smooth, fresh cream cheese or goat cheese.

Steps

Make the biga 24 hours before you wish to bake.

Stir the yeast into the lukewarm water until dissolved.

Stir in 1 cup of the flour to make a smooth batter.

Sprinkle on the remaining 1 cup flour , stir to incorporate , and then knead the dough in the bowl until smooth , 3 to 4 minutes.

Set aside in a clean bowl or on a floured counter , covered with plastic wrap , to ferment for 24 hours.

Cut the biga into 4 or 5 pieces.

Place in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer.

Add 1 cup lukewarm water and stir in 1 teaspoons yeast to dissolve it.

By hand: break up the biga with your fingers in the water.

Add 1 cup of the flour and stir well to make a batter.

Sprinkle on the bacon , salt , and pepper and stir.

Add about 1 cup flour and stir to incorporate it.

Flour your work surface generously and turn out the dough.

Knead until satiny , about 8 minutes.

Using a stand mixer: fit the mixer with the dough hook.

Add 1 cup of the flour to the bowl and mix on low speed for 1 minut.

Ingredients

active dry yeast, water, bread flour, bacon, salt, black pepper, cornmeal, lard