A Brief Respite

Having survived a couple holiday dinners (one out at M'Tucci's, the other at our place), the main events were visits out (open house at Deb & Nat's, Christmas Eve dinner at Debbie's).  Then followed the Jane and Tommy take-out / eat-in evening.  Now, finally, we've had a couple days to ourselves to recoup.  

Today's effort is a batch of baguettes.  With 520 ml of water in 700 g of flour, it's a wet, sticky dough.  But after 3 risings, it's stretchy and alive.  

Now for shaping before the final rise.   

And finally, baking.  First above a pan of boiling water, then finishing in dry heat until golden brown and delicious. 

Now I just have to keep my hands off them until they're cool enough to slice for tonight's charcuterie board.