I need to call the baker's hotline for help - I've tried a few loaves of bread lately and they have been rising beautifully up until I put them on the sheet pan to do the final pre-bake rise and they spread out more than rise. I've made several ciabatta style breads lately when I've intended to have taller loaves. Could it be that I used a silicone mat under the loaves instead of parchment or the plain pan? I'm so inspired and would like to be able to bake good bread without the bread machine, too!
Jamie, sounds like either your bread is rising a bit too long throughout the whole process (the gluten eventually weakens); or it's just a bit too soft/slack. Try using ab it more flour, and not letting it rise quite as long for the first rise, OK? And do call the hotline - they can definitely talk you through it. Good luck - PJH
December 1, 2009 at 5:25pm