Loaf 97 – Lean Loaves for Family
I’m on a holiday bread-gifting roll. I baked these loaves for my Mom and sister.
Even nicer looking gifts.
Happily I got the “pretty loaf mojo” back – these popped in the oven beautifully, making nice ears and a wonderful golden crust. I proofed them for 1:40, only 10 minutes less than Loaf 95, which didn’t open up. Both batches were proofed in a cool oven. These were batards rather than bannetons, and I uncovered the halfway through; perhaps that kept them from rising as much.
To make the crust extra crunchy I left them in the oven with the door cracked open for a few minutes after they were done. The extra dry heat dries out the crust even more.
They fit perfectly in wine bottle gift bags.
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- Divided and resting.
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- Closeup of resting dough.
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- Shaped, proofing starts.
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- 1:40 later, ready to bake.
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- Scored (properly).
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- Done baking, crisping up the crust.
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- I love this look.
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- Nice looking gifts.
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- Even nicer looking gifts.
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- I got to eat some of this one.
