Multigrain Sunflower Sourdough Bread Recipes

Steps:

• Measure all ingredients into bread machine pan, in order that they are listed. Set machine for dough cycle and start.
• At end of dough cycle, remove dough to lightly floured surface and shape into loaf.
• Place in greased loaf pan, cover and let rise until bread is 1 to 2 inches above edges of pan. Alternatively, form into one or two round loaves and place on cornmeal coated cookie sheet. Be patient, sourdough without the addition of commercial yeast can take up to several hours to rise.
• Bake at 375 degrees F for 40 to 50 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on wire rack. The top can be brushed with butter for a soft crust, if desired.
• NOTE: To proof your starter, feed it with equal parts of flour and lukewarm water, then let it sit overnight or up to 12 hours, covered. This is what develops the characteristic sour flavor and the longer the proof, the sourer it will be. If you start with 1 cup of starter and feed it 1 cup each of water and flour, you should have enough to make your bread and save the rest to start your next batch.

Steps:

• Starter: In large bowl, combine water, sugar, starter, flour, stirring until mixture is consistency of thick pancake batter, about 2 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap; let stand in warm place until bubbly and puffy, and yeasty/sour aroma develops, 8 to 12 hours.
• Stir in 4 cups of the flour, warm water, sunflower seeds, honey and salt, using a stand mixer or your hands, to make soft, somewhat sticky dough. Add the remaining 1/2 cup flour if the dough is too sticky.
• Turn out into oiled bowl; let rest for 30 minutes. Fold dough (like folding a letter), turn 90 degrees, fold again, repeat twice. Return to bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rest 30 minutes more; repeat foldings. Form into loaf - round or loaf shaped, cover, and let rise in warm place until doubled in bulk, 2 to 2 1-1/2 hours. You can place it in a greased loaf pan or cookie sheet, in a brotform -- whatever. I highly recommend using a brotform and a baking stone, or a clay baker, but it works well with a simple loaf pan.
• Preheat oven to 375. If using a stone, place it in while preheating, for around 20 minutes. If using a clay baker, follow the usual process.
• If using topping, spray with Pam or water, and sprinkle it on top. Slash top. Bake in centre of 375°F (190°C) oven until instant-read thermometer registers 215°F (102°C) and/or loaf is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on bottom, 50 minutes. Transfer to rack; let cool.