Had a few days off work so I decided to try the yeast bread recipe from Tamasin Day Lewis's Weekend book...got it as an Xmas pressie. Made the starter dough last night and the bread today. Its just out of the oven and it worked!!! I always used dried yeast in the past but the taste is so different I dont think I will again. I'm feeling very chuffed with myself!

Hi Kilkenny - is that where you are based - what goes into the starter dough?

Based in South Kilkenny Sugarpuff....depths of the countryside! The starter dough was made up with a pea sized piece of yeast dissolved in 4fl oz of hand hot water, whizz it a bit to break it up and leave for 10 min. Then add it to 7oz of strong white flour...mix it in until it coheres(TDL words not mine!) and cover with damp tea towel. Leave for 12 hours and proceed from there. just had some this a.m. with scambled eggs!! Yum.