Comment thread for Hints for Making Bread by Chookie

[BeezeeBee]

My bread didn't spread out as much, Chookie

Waiting for the it to cool down to cut it, and check the texture.

[achookwoman]

My bread didn't spread out as much, Chookie

Waiting for the it to cool down to cut it, and check the texture.

Depends on what you bake it in and how wet the dough is. 

[athsstar]

Hi! Just wondering how to prove when the temp is low. any tips that work well would be much appreciated as my last attempt was rather under risen I think.

[judydawn]

Have you made the vienna loaf athsstar?  This one is put into an oven with boiling water for it's rises and is a great recipe in cooler weather.   

You can also use a slow cooker - place it on low until the dough has doubled in size.

Find a place in the house where the sun is hitting the window.  My bathroom is ideal, it gets the morning sun and with the door shut makes a great room for rising dough.  If I rise my dough in the TMX bowl, that fits onto the window ledge perfectly but for the second rise, I just place the tray of formed rolls or the bread tin anywhere where it fits.

You can put it into the oven with just the pilot light on.

I hope one of these ideas works for you.  Others are bound to have more suggestions.

[cookie1]

I use the boiling water in the bottom of the oven method that Judy suggested. It always works well for me.

[Jamberie]

I put mine in the car

[athsstar]

Thanks team, its particularly over cast here, and as I have an electric oven, the boiling water method seems like the only option, Does it work for all recipes? You all are such a knowledgeable and helpful group. I can't believe my luck finding this forum.

[achookwoman]

Bread loves warmth and moisture.  Any way you can provide these is ok. 

[fundj&e]

Turn oven on to your lowest temperature (mine is 55) b4 you start kneading your dough place dough in oven and turn it off

and when u r shaping the dough have the oven on at the lowest temp,  turn it off once the shaped dough is in the oven

[achookwoman]

Turn oven on to your lowest temperature (mine is 55) b4 you start kneading your dough place dough in oven and turn it off

and when u r shaping the dough have the oven on at the lowest temp,  turn it off once the shaped dough is in the oven

And make sure the dough stays damp.  A dried out top layer will prevent bread rising.  I have a spray bottle and spray water to keep dough damp.