Instructions: Instructions for Use of Proofing Baskets

When new the proofing basket should be coated with a diluted paste of potato-, rye flour, and water. Before placing the dough in the proofing basket, the basket has to be dusted with potato-, rye-, or wheaten flour.

For a loaf without cracks in the crust place the smooth side of the kneaded dough upside down in the proofing basket.

After fermentation of the dough turn the proofing basket and place the dough on a flour-covered baking tin for immediate baking in the oven.

It is absolutely desired that inside the proofing basket - due to regular use - a flour coating builds up which, from time to time for hygienic reasons, should be removed. The proofing basket can be cleaned with water (no detergents).

Helpful Hints!

The proofing basket allows an especially soft dough. You can try a maximum quantity of water.

The most favorable temperature for fermentation is approx. 38 degrees C (100 degrees F) at an utmost high humidity (sic).

The fermentation time is approx. 50 to 60 minutes. The longer the fermentation time (but moderate) the better the taste of the bread as far as the bread is not too flat.

Right before and after baking the dough resp. the loaf should be sprayed with water. This makes a better and shinier crust. Baking time is approx. 50 to 60 minutes (depending on the kind of bread). Start with a temperature of at least 220 degrees C (430 degrees F) and after 10 minutes lower the temperature to approx. 180 degrees C (350 degrees F). If possible let some water steam build up in the oven at the beginning of the baking time. And now - enjoy baking your bread,

your manufacturer of proofing baskets

Herbert Birnbaum
. Bavaria .
Made in Germany

NOTES : Here is information from the Herbert Birnbaum company which they supply with their proofing baskets (this is a direct quote from their literature):

Ive used my proofing baskets following this method & the resulting bread was great!

If you would like to email yourself the recipe for later use, or share the recipe with your friends or family, enter the email addresses below and this recipe will be emailed to you and others as well.