Do you have to boil bagels? The short answer is yes, you do have to boils bagels. This may come as a surprise to some home bakers who are used to the no-knead, no-rise simplicity of baked goods like rustic loaves or sandwich breads. But the boiling step is essential to creating the chewy texture … Read more
Is it OK to put Risen Dough in a Refrigerator? This was a question that I heard my wife Carrie and my mom debating a few years back on Thanksgiving. After much discussion, and my mom’s prompting (sorry mom) they decided not to put the rolls in the fridge over concerns that the dough might … Read more
When it comes to baking bread, there are many terms and practices that can be confusing for new home-bakers. Two of these terms that are commonly mixed up are starters and levains. So, what’s the difference between a starter and a levain? A starter is a small amount of dough that is used to inoculate … Read more
Enriched dough is a type of dough that contains high levels of fat and sugar. It is often used to make sweet breads, such as brioche, and rich savory dishes, such as croissants. Enriched dough is made by adding fats, such as butter or eggs, and sugars, such as honey or molasses, to the flour. … Read more
When it comes to baking bread, many recipes call for purified or chlorine free water. But why? After all, history books don’t mention bottled water being around when early Egyptians were cranking out Pharaoh’s royal bread. So what’s the deal? It turns out that using purified or chlorine-free water is actually important for making a … Read more
How do you know when bread dough has risen enough? This is a common question from beginner bakers, and it can be tricky to answer. The truth is that there is no one perfect answer, and it often takes a bit of practice to get a feel for the right consistency. However, there are some … Read more
How to Tell When Bread is Done Baking? There are a few simple ways to know when bread dough is done baking, without much guessing involved. The first way is to look at the color of the bread. If the bread is golden brown, it is most likely done baking. Another way to tell if … Read more
Dutch ovens are perfect for baking bread because they create an ideal environment for trapped heat and steam. The hot walls of the pot help to encourage a nice rise, while the steam helps to create a crispy crust. When using a Dutch oven, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make … Read more
Can you bake bread in a Dutch oven? I was recently asked this question, and my answer is a resounding yes! A Dutch oven is a fantastic dish for baking most kinds of bread. In fact, many no-knead and other artisan-style breads are actually better when baked in a Dutch oven, compared to a sheet … Read more
One of the biggest problems when it comes to making bread at home is managing cold temperatures during winter. The irony is that many people often catch the baking bug during the winter. Right when baking bread takes just a bit more planning. Cold weather is a challenge because many recipes are written for average … Read more