magic bowl
Side by side comparison of two different steaming techniques -- photos!
"Magic Bowl" effect with an aluminum foil roasting pan
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Covering loaves during the first third to half of the bake is one way of achieving a humid environment in a home oven, Its purpose is to approximate the effects achieved by injecting steam into commercial ovens. It enhances oven spring and the spreading of cuts (bloom) in the loaves. This technique has been discussed extensively and repeatedly on TFL.