Stilton and walnut sourdough
400g unbleached, organic strong white flour
100g khorasan flour
120g sourdough starter
35g walnuts (chopped)
60g Stilton (grated)
15g chia seeds
280g bottled water
20g olive oil
4g baker’s yeast
10g kosher salt
Put the flour in a mixing bowl and add the water, sourdough starter, olive oil, chia seeds, salt and baker’s yeast. Mix together well and knead the dough for 6 to 8 minutes. Add the walnuts and Stilton and mix in well. Leave to rise covered by a tea towel for 90 minutes to 2 hours. Take the dough from your bowl and flatten slightly into a disc. Fold in 4 edges to the centre and shape into a ball. Leave the dough to rise on a greased flat baking tray or well floured banneton (seam upwards) for about 2 hours or until it has doubled in bulk. Dust with rye flour and slash a cross on the bread with a lame or a razor blade. Pre-heat the oven @ 220°C with a shallow tray of water at the bottom of the oven to create steam. Bake for 26 minutes. Allow to cool on a wire tray, covered with a tea towel.
Walnuts
Walnuts are an excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 essential fatty acids, in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Walnuts are also rich in antioxidants, including being a very good source of manganese and copper. They are also a good source of molybdenum and the B vitamin biotin.
Stilton
I use Cropwell Bishop Stilton, as it is my favourite. The dairy is only a few miles away from my home! Cropwell Bishop craft this cheese carefully by hand, using methods that have changed little since the 17th Century. It is made using vegetarian rennet, and around 78 litres of fresh, local milk. To allow this Stilton to develop its unique flavour, they age it for up to 12 weeks.