Bread skills
Baking a square sandwich loaf in a Pullman tin
A Pullman tin makes a square sandwich loaf, but the lid changes the space available for rising. Match the recipe, pan size and final proof before baking.
THE HOME BAKING NOTEBOOK
Bread skills
Bread skills
A three-strand bread braid starts with even ropes
Shape a neater three-strand bread braid by balancing the dough ropes, relaxing tight dough and leaving room for the loaf to rise.
Bread skills
Shape a round loaf by building surface tension before the final proof
Learn what surface tension does when shaping a round loaf, how bench flour affects grip, and what to notice before the dough starts tearing.
Bread skills
Scoring Bread Gives an Expanding Loaf a Planned Opening
Learn what a bread score does, how an expansion cut differs from decoration, and what to record when the loaf opens somewhere unexpected.
Bread skills
Adding Butter to Brioche Is a Stage of Mixing, Not a Race
Learn what to watch as butter enters brioche dough, why temperature matters and when to follow your recipe instead of adding flour.
Bread skills
Instant or Active Dry Yeast? Read the Packet Before Mixing Bread
Choose yeast by the recipe and packet instructions, then watch the dough. Understand why instant and active dry yeast can need different handling.
Bread skills
Is the Dough Ready? Read the Final Rise Before Baking
Bread dough follows its own timetable. Learn how to combine the recipe’s rise cues, a gentle touch and kitchen conditions before baking.