More No-Knead Bread Follies

OK so I decided to give the no-knead bread another chance this time I tried a slightly different recipe that didn’t involve a  covered container.

This recipe was basically the same except instead of using a contain to keep moisture in I used water in the oven. The basic recipe can be found at Gardens by the Lake and is from Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day.

I like the idea of just making a big batch for the refrigerator and tear chunks off during the week as you need them. My first try resulted in a very flat loaf so I decided to use this cake pan with the bottom popped out to contain the shape.

Of course you have to bring the dough to room temperature. But this is pretty easily accomplished by setting it on top of the stove while you preheat.

When you first put the bread in at 450 F you also add two cups of water to a broiler pan on the bottom shelf. I cooked it at this temperature for 30 minutes and then lowered the temp to 350 F for another hour. I could seem to get the bread up to an internal temperature of 210 F. I only achieve 200 F but this resulted in a moist loaf that was still  great. At least not sticky enough to stick to the knife.

I while this is a great way to make quick bread and results in a great crust. I have decided that I prefer the old fashion method for the resulting bread quality. I am going to try some more of the recipes over at A Year in Bread.

I’ll keep you posted.

No-knead Bread Second Try

OK, My first attempt was a disaster. I do not have a La Coche or a dutch oven but I have baking stone. So I tried to use the stone and a cover but my cover wasn’t big enough so you can imagine.

This time I decided to use a covered corning ware and it seemed to work pretty well. My bread has great bubbles inside but is still wet. So I think I might need to let it cook longer and the 450 F temp. I think my yeast is not instant. It is just the regular kind so someone told me I might want to increase it a little.  I will let you know when I perfect my technique.

No-knead bread

No-knead bread, originally uploaded by fuzuoko.

OK, So after some internet research I decided on a bread baking method that I think will work for us. The only thing is that it requires a few equipment purchases, specifically a covered La Cloche and maybe a proofing basket. The La Cloche is a covered clay baking pot. I found a great site with videos and such on it called breadtopia.com

I am a mom to three home schooled children. We are very busy and simplified methods  that are also economical usually work best for us. If it cost a lot or takes a lot of time we are less likely to continue to do it. No-Knead bread seams like a good fit. Hands on time is minimal waiting time is more. So that works for us. We are generally around the house we may not however be in the kitch. I will let you know any high altitude adjustments I make.

In the process I also stumbled across another blog  called Touch the Earth that I added to the blog role. It looks like a very interesting blog about a family in Maryland.