Oblong Rattan Rising Basket

Sourdough breads tend to rise out (spread) rather than up because of the acidity of the dough, which weakens the gluten. San Francisco Sourdough Bread dough is also on the heavy side, which adds to the tendency to spread. So, a form to encourage your loaf to be the shape you want is a big help.

Before you use your proofing basket:

Get it ready to shape your dough by coating it thoroughly with flour. With a soft cloth, rub the flour into the rattan so that all of the inside has a nice flour coating. Dump out the excess. Then you're ready to put your baguette-shaped unrisen dough into the basket for its final rise. When it has risen, place a baking sheet on top of the basket, hold the two together firmly, and turn the two over so that the shaped loaf rests on your baking sheet. Slash, glaze and bake as usual. If you don't want to flour the rattan basket, put a thin all-cotton tea towel that has been heavily floured inside the basket and then place your dough inside for its second rise. Whatever works for you!

Inside measurements of this basket are 9.25 inches long, 5.25 inches wide and about 3 inches tall and holds dough weighing about 1.5 lbs.

For great-looking artisan sourdough bread loaves, add one of these to your kitchen toy box. Made by hand in Viet Nam and Shipping is FREE in the USA!