Robert,
I can't answer the questions regarding the stone, however I can about the
starter. I was given a starter by a friend, from Nancy Silverton's "Breads
of the La Brea Bakery". It is the first starter I have had any luck
maintaining, and have been producing the most wonderful breads for months,
now. I have dried batches just in case something should happen to it.
Here is my favorite sour dough recipe, which makes a wonderful pizza crust.
* Exported from MasterCook II *
Sour Dough Sun Dried Tomato Bread
Recipe By : Ronda Warywoda
Categories : Breads
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
*****Sponge ******
1/2 C Sourdough Starter
1 C Flour
1/2 C Warm Water -- 105°
*****Dough*****
1/2 C Oil Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes* -- sliced
1/2 C Chopped Onion
3/4 C Warm Water -- 105°
1 tsp Salt
2 tbsp Olive Oil -- approx
2 1/2 C Flour -- to
3 1/2 C Flour
Corn Meal
1> Sponge: Mix the starter, flour and water in a large glass or pottery
bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let ripen for 12 hours.
2> When ready to make bread, drain tomatoes. Add onion, water, salt,
tomatoes, oil (add to reserved oil to make 2 Tbsp) and 2 cups of flour.
3> Mix on medium for two minutes. Add remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time
until it pulls away from the sides of bowl. Continue kneeding unitl elastic.
4> Place in an oiled bowl, turn and cover with a damp towel. Let rise until
doubled. (If making pizza, this is the best time to roll and make.)
5> Gently work with hands to release air. Let rise a second time.
6> Form into a round, flat loaf on a pan sprinkled with cornmeal. Brush with
olive oil. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes.
7> About 15 minutes before baking, preheat oven to 400°. Put a shallow pan
in the bottom rack. Place bread on the center rack. Immediately place 1
cup of ice cubes in shallow pan and close door. Bake 25 to 30 minutes.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NOTES : * If using dry packed tomatoes, place in a small skillet with the
oil. Heat over low heat for 8 minutes.