It’s a Marathon, not a Sprint – Olive Batard
Second attempt at the Kalamata Olive Batard.
Aside from baking, I’ve been really into learning more about web development, and those who know me will agree that there is not one strand of DNA in my genes that resembles anything close to an aptitude for code. But I have a deep appreciation for the developers of our time and the game-changing contribution they have made to making the web more accessible to people like me who are using this medium as a form of self-expression. At any rate, I like to follow Matt Mullenweg’s blog and happened upon The Creed this evening which was perfect for keeping me in check.
Recently, I was asked how far along I was in my project. My answer was exactly 42% give or take. And to be honest, having to answer that question stung a bit. I started to feel like I should be moving faster, baking more, writing more often–and feeling badly that I wasn’t as far along as I would have liked. Part of the reason is that I’ve been in bread making mode–working on my technique, experimenting with different starter ratios, and observing. But doing so has obviously taken up time I could have been spending baking new recipes and getting me closer to my goal.
Enter The Creed from Mullenweg’s blog: I am in a marathon, not a sprint, and no matter how far away the goal is, the only way to get there is by putting one foot in front of another every day. I’m going to get there. No doubt. But sometimes you need to pause and take the time to enjoy the journey there.
On that note, this is my 6th bread attempt and my 2nd try at the Olive Batard. I’ve noticed that Paco, my starter, isn’t super active. So this time around I increased the ratio of starter by 50g and came out with a pretty decent loaf. Check out the “holes” in the bread, which I think is looking more and more like how it should be. For the recipe and a great how-to overview, check out Sarah from Scratch.
Taste: Savory and salty - I’d use unsalted butter if you’re going to butter the bread.
Ease of recipe: Arduous
Time: 12+ hours
Total calories* per recipe (based on 500g of flour): 2374 <--highlight this area with your cursor to see the calories