Rak, it just takes occurred to me about the yeast I use, it Fleischmann's Bread Machine yeast. That is what is on the label. I like it a lot even though I never use a bread machine.
Not the baker that MacKenzie is (we're not worthy! ), but the flour can often make a difference. I'm a King Arthur flour fan. I have pizza flour, pasta flour, and bread flour in addition to the AP everyday flour.
Rak, Robin Hood makes a bread flour. I think you would be able to find it at any supermarket. I think it had a little more gluten than the regular all purpose flour they make but I'm not sure maybe they have just added a bread enhancer to the regular flour. All purpose will work though.
Canadian bacon is coming along, it is out of the cure and into the fridge until tomorrow. I'm hoping to be able to smoke it then.
There is a second piece on another shelf.
In the meantime I cut off some loose pieces for a taste test, gooood and should be even better after smoking.
Also made another perfect KK loaf of sourdough bread this morning.