The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Challenger

Dsr303's picture
Dsr303

Challenger

Was just gifted a challenger Bread Pan.Does any one have one,and if so is there anything I should do before using it? 
Tommow is the day. Thanks for any advice

mdw's picture
mdw

You should wash it with warm water and mild dish soap, but that's about it. It needs similar maintenance to all other cast iron cookware ie; light seasoning occasionally to prevent rust and keeping it dry when not in use. The seasoning part is easy, just wipe it with an oily rag, remove as much oil as you possibly can, and bake it for an hour or so. I use parchment to minimize any need for cleaning between uses (and just wipe out the crumbs when they're cool). 

Another Girl's picture
Another Girl

Lucky you, mine was a gift, too.

I treat baking in my Challenger pan the same as any other heavy baking vessel: Preheat it for at least 45 minutes and use parchment to transfer the dough to to the pan, making it easier to avoid burning your fingers and the bottom of the loaf. That's about it.

I've seen some users complain about over-browned bottoms with the Challenger pan, but I have personally never experienced this. If you do find that the bottom of your bread is browner than you like, buffer it in some way next time. For example, place it on a rack further from the oven floor or, depending on your oven set up, on a rack above your baking stone instead of directly on it. 

Have a good bake and enjoy your new pan!

mdw's picture
mdw

I found the issue to be minimal but have a toddler who is slightly more picky about the crust. I've solved it by inverting the lid and placing the loaf back on top rather than simply removing it halfway through. That creates plenty of buffer from the head source (in my oven).

Dsr303's picture
Dsr303

I do not have a toddler,but a husband who is finicky about the crust. Thanks for the tip?

idaveindy's picture
idaveindy
Dsr303's picture
Dsr303

Thank you every body! I usually use the combo cooker and romertoff s.

Going to bake today.,can’t wait!