# Sometimes, ya gotta go back to basics

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sometimes-ya-gotta-go-back-to-basics/955036>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Tags:** food-cooking\
**Created:** [November 27, 2021, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sometimes-ya-gotta-go-back-to-basics/955036 "2021-11-27T20:37:55Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\
**Post date:** [November 27, 2021, 8:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sometimes-ya-gotta-go-back-to-basics/955036/1 "2021-11-27T20:37:55Z")

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I’ve been experimenting with bread making with wild yeast, whole wheat and hydration percents, cold rise overnight in the fridge and just a whole bunch of variables. Today I decided to go back to the basics.  
Active dry yeast instead of sourdough.  
Loaf pan instead of artisanal  
Knead, rise, punch, second rise, bake

I did make some additions that I guess are not basics  
Let the flour hydrate for 30 minutes before kneading  
Using olive oil rather than a flavorless oil or butter.

Right now it is having its first rise, but my question for the SD cooks/chefs/bakers is do you ever get so caught up in the latest & greatest recipe ideas and techniques and flavor enhancers that sometimes you need to go back to the simple elegance of the basics and reground yourself?

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**Author:** ![Johnny\_Bravo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_bravo/32/493_2.png) [@Johnny\_Bravo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Bravo)\
**Post date:** [November 28, 2021, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sometimes-ya-gotta-go-back-to-basics/955036/2 "2021-11-28T04:35:19Z")

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I challenge the notion that you’ve gone back to basics. Sourdough starters and dough shaping are ancient techniques - as old as civilization. If anything, you’ve abandoned tradition in favor of modern shortcuts!