Two side by side trials
I split a batch of 72% hydration dough into four 425 gram boules. (Bulk Fermentation at 85° for 8 hours, refrigerated shaped loaves overnight. Did 2 side by side tests in preheated 480° oven on baking tile. Baked under $5.99 Walmart stainless steel bowl covers for 15 minutes, uncovered for 20 minutes.
TEST #1 PREHEATED COVERED vs COLD COVER - boule in the left got preheated cover, boule on right got cold cover. Conclusion: slight, but not significant increase in oven spring on preheated cover boule. Future testing : side by side baking in preheated heavy cloche vs lightweight cover.
TEST #2 - Final Proofing vs No Final Proofing. Boule on left was final proofed at 66° room temperature for 25 minutes, boule on right went from refrigerator to oven. Conclusion - no significant difference (boule on right appears larger, because baked up more oval than round). Future test - increase Final Proofing time and temperature.
Anybody want to follow up on these?
1. Heavy cloche vs lightweight cloche
2. Longer warmer Final Proofing
2. Covered boule vs uncovered with steam
Thanks for sharing your experiments.
I'm always curious as to what formulas people use. So, while you don't need to repeat the formula in every post, it would be convenient for your followers if you linked to the post that had the formula that you're using. And then note/spell-out any changes for the test.
Nice pics. Good oven spring.
I used Bake With Jack’s Beginner’s Sourdough 72% hydration formula
This is the first time I use White Lily’s bread flour which is all that was available at the store I was shopping at. I have since determined that the protein content is comparable to KA’s AP flour. It handled quite nicely.
There should not be much difference - these steel thingies store very little heat and only serve as vapor barriers.
Try covering the loaf and adding steam by leaving a slight overhang when placing the cover, and positioning a pan of water right under the overhang. Just like in this video. I tried it in my latest bake it and worked beautifully.
It’s on my list to try. Stay tuned.