I came across this steaming method on another bread forum about a year ago. I've modified it slightly, but it's been my preferred method ever since. I find it superior to the boiling water or icecubes in a heated tray approach, but it's probably not as good as baking under a cloche for the initial steaming period (haven't tried that...oven too small).
Anyway, here's what I do.
Put a tray in the bottom of the oven during the pre-heating stage prior to baking.
Soak a piece of towelling material in water (mine's an old handtowel about 100cm x 60cm, but bigger would probably be better, depending on the size of your tray), wring it out, fold it in 4, and microwave it in a covered container for 4 minutes. Meanwhile, boil some water. When the 4 mins is up, whip out the heated tray (the poster who alerted me to this method leaves it in the oven, but I don't like bending over face-first in the vicinity of a steaming tray), evenly lay the folded towelling over the base, pour a little boiling water on the towelling and get the tray back in the bottom of the oven ASAP. Note: you never have it so wet that it's sloshing around. The towel should absorb all the water.
Give it a few minutes, then you're ready to load your bread. I boost the initial steam with a few quick sprays of water around the sides of the oven via a plastic spray bottle as soon as the dough is in, then again a couple of minutes later, taking care each time to get it over with and close the oven door ASAP.
Steaming period is maximum 15 mins (I've taken it down to 12 in recent times, and generally prefer this), so the towelling doesn't scorch. If it does, you need to make sure you moisten it more evenly next time.
Still doesn't provide enough steam to get a really good shiny golden finish on baguettes, say, but for SD breads it's the best domestic oven method I've come across so far (heated nuts and bolts or lava rocks are not for me, but from all accounts that yields a lot of steam if that's what you need).
Hope this may be of help to folks who are not thrilled with their current steaming method.
Cheers
Ross
Replies
So I need at least one sacrificial towel to try this? Sounds like it would give a nice even steam for those loaves that won't fit under my metal bowl (actually a large metal mixing bowl that's fine for a small boule in a dual purpose microwave/convection oven).
I must try this method - thanks, Ross.
I'd like to try your cloche/metal bowl method, but as mentioned, that's precluded by my unusually small oven (not my choice, but can't complain - it's good otherwise).
PS: Yeah, I wouldn't go using a towel that's a favourite. Mine is an old ragged thing that's wearing its age, but the frequent microwaving and heating doesn't appear to have done it any further damage.
With apologies to Douglas Adams, I suppose!
Yes indeed!
Reach for the panic-sensitive sun-glasses!
Do I find those next to the Peril-sensitive Sunglasses? Could do with a pair of both! Or maybe bifocals, combining 'peril' with 'panic'. Beats Zoloft.
Senior moments again.
F
There are no ravenous bugblatter beasts of Traal here - and nothing to sign in triplicate.
Farinam and Merrid, your posts are hanging in the air precisely the way a brick doesn't.