Basics and Techniques: Baking

Baking really should be the easiest of the big three — mixing, proving, baking. When the loaf is ready to bake, turn it out of its basket onto a baking tray lined with baking paper, seam side down. Remember to preheat the oven according to the directions and then to turn the heat down before putting the loaf in. If you are using a hearth or pizza stone, place it into the oven when you turn it on to heat it up, not when you put the loaf in. Check that your oven’s thermostat is reading correctly with an independent oven thermometer and adjust it accordingly.