Real quick, I just wanted to share with you a lesson I learned in bread baking.
In Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day, it consistently instructs us to pour 1 cup of hot water into a hot broiler pan under the pizza stone. This creates steam in the oven and helps the bread to have a crackling crust.
Well the other day, I prepped two loaves of Bran Enriched White Bread to take to a dinner party. I got distracted and completely forgot to use the broiler pan and hot water. To my surprise, they came out with a paler and thicker crust. I could actually knock on them.
I still took them to the party and called them "rustic peasant bread" made from scratch. Every one chowed down and were thrilled to eat home baked bread. They were not ruined by any means, the bread just had a thicker crust and soft in the center.
Anyways, back in the kitchen while the oven was still hot. I pulled, dusted and shaped another loaf for sandwiches. This time, I did not forget the broiler pan and water and the loaf came out beautifully! See the loaf on the left in the picture?
The loaf on the left came out a beautiful golden brown, it crackled & sang as it cooled, and I could gently squeeze the crispy crust and make it sing some more. PERFECT!
Good to know, thanks Jill!
Thanks for sharing, now I know it's not the end of the world if I forget the hot water…both instances – the bread looks fab!
This is a brilliant explanation and I love the photo evidence! I've been talking a lot about alternatives to baking with steam at artisanbreadinfive.com. Like using a disposable lasagna pan or a Dutch oven to trap the steam while you bake the bread. Really fun ways to create perfect crust!
Thank you so much for sharing your enthusiasm for the bread you are baking from the book! I just love to see all of your gorgeous loaves!
Happy Baking! Zoë
WOW, thank you Zoe!
Someone asked me the other day about using a dutch oven, I had no idea. I’m heading over to artisanbreadinfive.com to learn more.
Thank you for coming by! This was a BIG THRILL for me.
That is funny. I just posted another comment to you asking why the broiler pan of water was needed. Now I know. thanks
Kelli,
Did you see the response I left for you under the Soft White Sandwich Bread Recipe?
Here’s the quick link:
http://simpledailyrecipes.com/5775/soft-white-sandwich-bread-baked-from-home/