The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Quest on Baguette Making

jennyloh's picture
jennyloh

Quest on Baguette Making

I've on a quest to make baguette,  fluffly,  thin crust,  light, open crumbs.  My baguettes so far has been on a thicker crust,  not so open crumbs and a little too chewy. I'm not sure when I will be able to to achieve what I want to achieve, but I'm starting to keep track of this records in my blog.  https://sites.google.com/a/jlohcook.com/jennycook/latest-postings/baguette-experiment2

So far,  I've done 3 experiments,  they are still not ideal at all.  I'm looking to improve my techniques before I go for taste.  Currently,  I'll stick to a recipe from Peter Reinhart on french loaf. I'm going to continue trying until the day that I can consistently achieve what I'm looking for.

Perhaps I'm so used to having Asian baguettes, especially the Japanese bakeries here.   Actually I have no idea how a french baguette looks or taste like,  only from the local french bakery here,  not sure if it is authentic.  Anyway,  we like the taste of baguettes that are really light,  crusty, flaky crust,  open crumbs and doesn't quite fill your stomach even when you eat up a full loaf.

I'd be happy to hear from anyone who has suggestions for me on my techniques.  Here are also some pictures to show you what I've done so far.

 

Comments

Yerffej's picture
Yerffej

The best "teacher" that I have seen on this subject is in the form of youtube videos.  Some from KA flour and also from Ciril Hitz.  A search will lead you to these videos which I found to be very helpful.

Jeff

bnom's picture
bnom

Whatever you do DON'T take lessons from this guy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ow5b4WIGOY&feature=relmfu   (Although it is pretty damn funny to watch). 

 

 

jennyloh's picture
jennyloh

Haha....this is a definitely a "not to do" list. I guess his baguette is going to be oblong in shape?!

jennyloh's picture
jennyloh

Indeed, Ciril Hitz makes a great teacher, shaping of baguette seems so simple in his hands.

Yerffej's picture
Yerffej

His hands are clearly the hands of an artist.

Jeff