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DOUBLE CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO SOURDOUGH BREAD RECIPE

Double Chocolate Espresso Sourdough Bread offers a delightful blend of tangy sourdough and rich chocolate flavors. This indulgent loaf is packed with cocoa powder, filled with dark chocolate chunks, and subtly sweetened with brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon. Enjoy it warm, slathered with high-quality butter, for a truly satisfying sourdough experience.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

RICH CHOCOLATE FLAVOR

Indulge in the decadent taste of Double Chocolate Espresso Sourdough Bread, brimming with rich chocolate goodness. With natural cocoa powder and generous chunks of melted chocolate, this bread will keep chocolate lovers coming back for more.

NO-KNEAD, EASY RECIPE

Say goodbye to the hassle of kneading! This simple recipe requires just a few sets of stretch and folds, allowing you to create the perfect structure for your Chocolate Sourdough Bread without the need for a stand mixer or intensive hand-kneading.

DELICIOUS FERMENTED SWEET TREAT

Enjoy the benefits of long fermentation with this Chocolate Espresso Sourdough Bread. The sourdough starter aids in breaking down the phytic acid naturally present in flour, making it easier for your body to digest while providing a delightful flavor.

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 Tablespoons boiling water
  • 1 Tablespoon instant espresso (or 50g brewed coffee as a substitute)
  • 50g active, bubbly starter (approximately 2 tablespoons)
  • 325 ml warm water (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 50g brown sugar (about 1/4 cup)
  • 470g bread flour (approximately 2 1/2 cups)
  • 11g salt (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 30g unsweetened cocoa powder (approximately 1/3 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3g)
  • 180g chocolate chunks (about 1 cup)

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Espresso

  • In a small bowl or coffee cup, mix 4 tablespoons of boiling water with 1 tablespoon of instant espresso. If you don’t have espresso powder, you can use instant coffee as a substitute. Mix well and set aside. Alternatively, you can use 50g (about 4 tablespoons) of brewed coffee.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 50g of your mature starter, 325 ml of warm water, the prepared espresso, and 50g of brown sugar. Mix until it resembles a milky liquid.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 470g of bread flour, 30g of cocoa powder, 3g of ground cinnamon, and 11g of salt. This helps ensure a consistent color in your bread.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until all the flour is incorporated. The dough will be shaggy at this stage.
  • Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel or a reusable shower cap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Stretch and Fold

  • After resting, use slightly wet fingers to scrape the dough from the sides of the bowl. Stretch a section of the dough above the bowl and fold it over itself.
  • Rotate the bowl a quarter turn and repeat the stretching and folding until you’ve gone all the way around. The dough will begin to look smoother.
  • Cover and let the dough rest for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate the Chocolate

  • Gather 180g of chocolate chunks and sprinkle them over the top of the dough.
  • Perform another set of stretch and folds, incorporating the chocolate into the dough. Don’t worry if some chunks break through.
  • Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
  • Repeat the stretch and fold process three more times, allowing 30 minutes of rest between each round.

Step 5: Bulk Fermentation

  • After completing all stretch and folds, cover the dough again and leave it to bulk ferment on the countertop. The duration of this step will depend on your room temperature:
    • 68-70°F: 6-9 hours.
    • Look for signs that the dough is ready:
      • It has increased in size by 50%.
      • It appears light and jiggles when shaken.
      • It pulls away easily from the bowl.
      • Visible bubbles should be present.
      • It passes the windowpane test.

Step 6: Pre-Shape the Dough

  • With wet fingers, gently release the dough from the bowl without deflating it too much.
  • Tilt the bowl to allow the dough to fall onto a floured surface.
  • Perform a stretch and fold again to shape the dough, then let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare the Proofing Basket

  • While the dough rests, prepare your proofing basket (banneton or a bowl lined with a tea towel) by dusting it with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Final Shaping

  • After resting, flip the dough so the floured side is down.
  • Fold the bottom of the dough towards the center, then do the same with the sides and the top.
  • Flip the dough seam side down and gently cup your hands around it, turning it to create a tight, round shape.
  • Transfer the dough to your proofing basket, cover it with cling wrap or a shower cap, and place it in the fridge for a cold proof of 8-72 hours.

Step 9: Score and Bake

  • 30 minutes before baking, place the dough in the freezer to firm it up for easier scoring.
  • Remove the dough from the fridge. Cut a piece of parchment paper large enough to catch the dough.
  • Flip the banneton over onto the parchment paper, allowing the dough to release with the floured side facing up.
  • Use a lame or sharp knife to score a design on the top of the dough.
  • Place the dough (on parchment) into a cold Dutch oven, then put the Dutch oven on a cookie sheet. Preheat your oven to 450°F and bake for 50 minutes (this includes preheating).
    • Alternatively, if using a hot Dutch oven, preheat it at 450°F for 30 minutes. Bake covered for 27 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the crust is as crispy as you like.
  • After baking, remove the lid and continue to bake for 5-15 minutes more, until the crust is golden and crispy.
  • Carefully lift the bread from the Dutch oven using the parchment paper and transfer it to a cooling rack.
  • Allow the bread to cool for 1 hour before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.

Enjoy Your Bread!

Once cooled, slice into your delicious Double Chocolate Espresso Sourdough Bread and enjoy with butter or your favorite spread!

BAKER’S SCHEDULES

Baker’s Schedule #1

Day 1

  • Feed starter before bed with a 1:4:4 ratio (e.g., 25g starter / 100g flour / 100g water).

Day 2

  • 9 AM: Mix ingredients.
  • 9:30 – 11:30 AM: Perform stretch and folds every 30 minutes.
  • 5 PM: Pre-shape the dough.
  • 5:30 PM: Shape the dough and place it in the fridge.

Day 3

  • Score and bake in the morning.

This schedule is designed for a 68-70°F environment. Higher temperatures will speed up the process, while cooler temperatures will slow it down.

Baker’s Schedule #2

Day 1

  • Feed the starter to ensure it’s active, bubbly, and at its peak (4-12 hours before mixing dough).

Day 2

  • 8 PM: Mix ingredients.
  • 8:30 – 10:00 PM: Perform stretch and folds every 30 minutes.

Day 3

  • 5 AM: Pre-shape the dough.
  • 5:30 AM: Shape the dough and place it in the fridge.
  • Score and bake in the evening.

This schedule is also for a 68-70°F environment. Adjust times based on the temperature of your surroundings.

ADORABLE CHUNKY KNITTED CAT BED: 7-STEP PROJECT

I have a co-worker who is absolutely smitten with her cat. It’s quite something to see someone so devoted to their pet! She talks about him constantly and has an endless collection of his photos on her desk. She even uses a special name just for him when they’re having a chat.

She finds it unbearable to be away from her furry friend for too long. Whenever she goes out, she ensures her cat tags along. Thankfully, our workplace is pet-friendly, so she doesn’t have to leave him at home.

Last month, her cat celebrated his birthday, and I wanted to find the perfect gift for the occasion. After some thought, I came across a DIY knitted cat bed and knew immediately it was the right choice. This bed is not only cozy for cats but also straightforward to create.

Knitting is a timeless craft that people of all ages enjoy. It’s a relaxing and therapeutic hobby that allows for the creation of beautiful and unique items. There are various knitting methods, from traditional hand-knitting to machine knitting, each with its own techniques and styles. Traditional hand-knitting, the most common form, uses two needles. Factors like needle size, yarn type, and stitch patterns influence the final product. In contrast, machine knitting employs a knitting machine to produce intricate patterns and designs that would be challenging to achieve by hand.

For this chunky knitted cat bed, I used a technique called the Ohhio braid. Ohhio Braid is a thick, chunky yarn that’s ideal for various projects. It’s a seamless cotton tube filled like a pillow, making it incredibly comfortable to work with. Whether you’re making a cozy blanket or a standout clothing piece, Ohhio Braid is a fantastic choice.

Not only is this chunky knitted cat bed comfortable for your pet, but it also enhances your home décor. The soft, cozy material is sure to be a favorite for your cat, and it’s easy to clean, too. Your cat will love the extra comfort and security this bed provides.

If you’re searching for a simple, beginner-friendly project that will make delightful gifts for your animal-loving friends and family, this tutorial is just what you need. You’ll find it easy to follow, and the final product is truly charming. Why not give it a try?

Materials

  • Ohhio braid

Tools

  • Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preparing the Ohhio Braid
Lay out your Ohhio braid on a flat surface. Decide on the size of the cat bed you want to create. A typical diameter for the base is about 15-20 inches, but feel free to adjust this according to your cat’s size and preferences.

Step 2: Creating the Base
Start by making a slip knot at one end of the Ohhio braid to create your first loop. Ensure this loop is loose enough for your fingers to fit through but tight enough to maintain its shape.

Step 3: Knitting the First Row
Insert your hand through the loop, grab the braid, and pull it through to form a second loop. Repeat this process to knit the first row. The number of loops you create will determine the diameter of your cat bed’s base. A good starting point is around 15 loops for a medium-sized bed.

Step 4: Building the Sides
Once the base is complete, start forming the sides by knitting into the back of each loop from the previous row. This technique will help curve the bed upwards, shaping the sides. Continue adding rows this way until you reach your desired height, typically around 5-7 rows for a cozy sidewall.

Step 5: Closing the Bed
To finish the bed, cut the Ohhio braid, leaving a tail of about two feet. Thread this tail through each loop of the last row, pulling gently to gather them. After all the loops are threaded, pull the tail tight to close the top of the bed, then securely knot it to the base to ensure it stays closed.

Step 6: Finishing Touches
Use the remaining tail of the braid to weave in and out along the bed’s edge, tucking in any loose ends for a tidy finish. You can also adjust the bed’s shape during this step, ensuring it’s perfectly round and snug.

Step 7: Presenting the Bed to Your Cat
Place the completed chunky knitted cat bed in your cat’s favorite spot. For added comfort, you can include a soft blanket or cushion inside, though the Ohhio braid itself is already quite soft and inviting.

GUIDE VIDEO 

BENEFITS OF CRAFTING FOR PET OWNERS

Crafting offers pet owners a wonderful combination of creativity, personal fulfillment, and the joy of providing for their furry companions. Engaging in DIY projects, like making a chunky knitted cat bed, not only results in a tangible product but also brings numerous benefits that enhance the well-being of both the creator and their pet.

Fosters Creativity and Personal Expression

Making a chunky knitted cat bed is a creative journey that allows pet owners to express themselves. Beyond functionality, it’s a chance to make artistic choices that reflect personal taste and the unique personality of their pet. Every decision, from selecting the perfect yarn color to choosing a soft texture, infuses the bed with personal stories and love. The design’s versatility allows for endless customization, whether incorporating special patterns or experimenting with techniques, turning the project into a canvas for self-expression.

Enhances the Bond Between Pet and Owner

Creating something special for a pet, such as a chunky knitted cat bed, deepens the emotional bond between the pet and owner. Pets often recognize the comfort and security of handmade items, fostering trust and affection. This strengthened connection is invaluable, nurturing a deeper relationship.

Offers Therapeutic Benefits

Crafting is known for its therapeutic effects, including stress reduction and anxiety relief. Working on a chunky knitted cat bed can serve as a meditative practice, helping pet owners focus on the rhythmic movements of knitting, promoting relaxation and benefiting overall mental health.

Encourages a Sense of Achievement

Completing a DIY project like a chunky knitted cat bed provides a rewarding sense of accomplishment. Overcoming challenges, learning new skills, and creating a cozy space for a pet boosts self-esteem and confidence, knowing that your effort contributes directly to your pet’s comfort and happiness.

Promotes Eco-Friendly Practices

Crafting a chunky knitted cat bed allows pet owners to make environmentally conscious choices, like using sustainable materials such as eco-friendly yarns. This not only benefits the pet and owner but also contributes to a healthier environment. By creating rather than purchasing, pet owners can reduce their carbon footprint and support a more sustainable lifestyle.

Provides Customizable Pet Care Solutions

A chunky knitted cat bed can be tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of both pet and owner. Whether adjusting the size, shape, or material, DIY projects offer flexibility that store-bought items often lack, ensuring that the pet receives a bed that suits their comfort perfectly.

Looking to create a cozy haven for your feline friend? Why not knit them their very own bed? This chunky knitted cat bed is a heartfelt way to show your pet some love, and it’s easy to make by following this tutorial video.