First attempt at French loaf

Here's the recipe I (mostly) followed

I used about half whole wheat flour. I also kneaded by hand. I kinda just like the process of doing it by hand more, feels more personal? I'll probably get tired of it eventually lol.

Didn't get 100% the rise I hoped for which I think has to do with the whole wheat probably. I was intimidated by the shaping process but actually thought I did pretty well for first try! I'm keen to try a few more complicated shaped breads, like maybe pretzels soon.

More pics:

Ate some with PB and Jelly for breakfast, and had the rest of one loaf with potato soup.