I managed to bake two types of bread on Sunday morning, classic baguettes (left) and simple French bread (right). Thankfully I was able to keep everything straight as, of course, the timing of the steps for each are different. I think both turned out well but for the French bread getting maybe a bit overdone. And while the demi baguette size is handy it is more of a pain to make. I've tried making them from smaller cuts of dough and regular size cut in half, as here. I think I may just stick to making the full size 15-inch baguettes going forward.
The last thing I really need to figure out is the cuts.
I started with various sharp knives that we have, settling on the serrated bread knife. It does give some good cuts most of the time, though I don't really get an 'ear' on the cuts during baking. It's also a pretty big knife for a small job and I wanted something better.
Eventually I bought a
UFO lame - which is one of the most dangerous things I think I've ever had in my kitchen. Two round pieces of wood that screw together with a razor blade between them. One slip when tightening and your finger would go right into the blade, or if a corner of the blade is left peeking out, or if it loosens and the blade moves outside the wood - all of these can spell bloody disaster. I tried it anyway but it seemed to grab the dough much more than the knife, resulting in ugly and ineffective cuts.
Recently I picked up a baker's lame, which has a curved razor blade that is supposed to help in creating that 'ear' on the cuts, those raised ridges on either side. Similar to the UFO lame, I found it grabbed the dough more than the serrated knife and also resulted in ugly, ineffective cuts.
My wife says I'm too hard on myself, the cuts don't affect how the bread tastes, after all. But I know it can be done so I will keep trying. I do know that it should be sharp, quick cuts, so maybe I hesitate because I'm expecting it to grab. I think next time when it's still early in the process I will practice my slices on raw dough.
In other news, we went from high temperatures in the 80's to highs in the 50's within a week, with a frost warning last night and tonight. Autumn is definitely upon us. Yard work beckons but this weekend will be cold and wet, and there still should be plenty of time yet. I did mow again today, so now I think I've mowed the whole yard 5 times and only the back yard twice this year. I'm losing track, not that it matters. I just find it notable for how few times it's had to be done this year.
I'm planning on going down to my Mom's on Saturday in time for the Badger game that afternoon, then coming back Sunday to relax and fix the refrigerator. I'll talk more about the refrigerator later as I'm planning on posting about it.
My work situation has not improved, but I just deleted the rant I wrote to spare you. Suffice it to say I am not a happy camper, but you knew that. So on that note, I guess that's enough writing for now. I hope everyone is doing well!
9 comments:
Grief, that UFO Lame is scary! I can see those being used for bad things, in the wrong hands. I think a serrated blade will always cut dough best. Have you a smaller serrated knife perhaps?
Sorry to hear that you work situation continues.
It's getting colder here now too. First frost expected at the weekend, which seems rather too early in the year to me!
I have to agree with your wife but I can understand why you want to get it as close to perfection as possible.
It is a shame about your work situation as it sounds like it can't be resolved.
Mild and raining here although yesterday was a lovely day, mild and dry.
Thank you. I may have to look for a smaller serrated knife.
And yes, my work situation cannot be resolved as it is. I'm just surviving, barely.
I recommend making a voodoo doll out of blutack and sticking pins in it every time a person annoys you. Or just stabbing it a bit every now and then anyway. You could have one doll for each person. Many years ago at the height of my work discontenet I had 3 on the go at once.
As to their effectiveness? All you have to do is wait... one day...
And as for the small serrated knife... the way I do it (used to do it!) was to hold it at about 40 degrees to the table and use the end 2" of the knife, and draw it across smoothly but not too quickly.
I just watched and saved a few interesting videos on the topic. I feel armed with new information and wanting more tries. I'll be taking most of what we have down to Mom this weekend so will surely be making more the next.
At first I thought you were talking about voodoo dolls there!!!
:)
Not there, BW, but it's still under consideration!
Just do it. Externalising frustration is good. It will make you feel so much better!!! And no-one need know.
Just put the effigy on a strong mat when you stab the pins in because otherwise you risk marking the table. DAMHIK!
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