Are proofing baskets really necessary?

Hi Alex,

So I've used Proving Baskets and not used proving baskets.  I think that I get a better form when I use the proving baskets, but ever since I got this pan for my loaves, this is what i mostly use.  http://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/goldtouch-nonstick-french-bread-...|4|1||4|bread||0&cm_src=SCH   Other than that, I use regular bowls for when I want to make bread bowls and then my proving baskets when I want a specific looking loaf.

So - in the end I'd say I found proving baskets better than regular pans with tea towels and items to keep the bread propped up, but I found that pan and bowls to work better than the proving baskets.

In the end, I feel like Sourdough is all about testing things, you know?

Good luck!

[quote=alexblyth] Good point about testing or experimenting with what I'm doing. Just knocked together my makeshift proofing rig - Ill post pics later.

Ill pass judgement on it after I bake tomorrow.

Cheers

Alex

[/quote]

Hi alex, any more info on proofing rig ?

I started to proof in a " turtle " basket as you can see here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/47414261@N07/4378613468/

but later on, as I started to make wetter doughs, I swithced to a regular bowl, as you can see here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/47414261@N07/4417087388/

So far, both worked great.

Happy baking,

iulian