Spooky Halloween Sourdough Bread Recipe

Bring a little fun to your bread with this Halloween-inspired sourdough loaf! Naturally colored with curcumin powder for a vibrant orange hue and black cacao powder for that spooky black, this bread not only looks amazing but is packed with superfood goodness.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 500g bread flour
• 350ml water
• 100g active sourdough starter
• 10g sea salt
• 1 tsp curcumin powder (for the orange color)

For the Decoration:

• 2 tbsp black cacao powder (for the black design)
• A little extra flour for dusting

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• In a large bowl, mix the bread flour and water until combined. Let the dough rest (autolyse) for 30 minutes.
• Add the active sourdough starter and sea salt to the dough. Mix well until fully incorporated.
• Knead the dough using the stretch-and-fold method. Do this every 30 minutes for about 2 hours.

2. Add the Curcumin:

• Once the dough has developed a good gluten structure from kneading, add 1 tsp of curcumin powder to the dough. Gently fold it in until the dough has an even orange color.
• Continue to let the dough ferment at room temperature for another 2-4 hours or until it has doubled in size.

3. Shaping the Dough:

• Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a round boule (or your preferred shape).
• Place the dough into a proofing basket or a bowl lined with a floured kitchen towel.

4. Create the Design:

• Using a fine mesh sieve, dust the surface of the dough with a thin layer of flour.
• In a small bowl, mix black cacao powder with a few drops of water to form a thick paste.
• Use a small brush or stencil to create your spooky Jack-o'-lantern face on the dough. Carefully apply the black cacao paste for the eyes, nose, and mouth.

5. Final Proof and Baking:

• Let the dough proof in the fridge overnight (or for at least 12 hours) to develop flavor.
• Preheat your oven to 230°C (450°F). If you have a Dutch oven, place it inside to heat as well.
• Once the oven is ready, carefully transfer the dough into the hot Dutch oven or onto a baking stone. Bake covered for 20 minutes.
• After 20 minutes, remove the lid and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

6. Cool and Enjoy:

• Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This allows the crumb to set properly.
• Slice into your spooky creation and enjoy the natural, superfood-powered goodness!