Soda Bread

[Nature's Babe]

Hi Tigger, I hadn't heard the tip regarding spraying the oven, does that stop the crust going too hard? I'm guessing it steams the bread to start with.

[Colin_M]

I hadn't heard the tip regarding spraying the oven, does that stop the crust going too hard?

Moisture in the oven often confuses me.

I used to get bread with a hard crust, so tried putting a tray of hot water in the oven to see if that would help. Never noticed much difference.

Then I found a recipe for French loaves that specifically told you to put a tray of hot water in the oven with them, to help ensure a crisp crust!

Anyone care to explain what actually happens?

[Nature's Babe]

I used to get bread with a hard crust, so tried putting a tray of hot water in the oven to see if that would help. Never noticed much difference.

It would appear not much difference.

[Tigger]

My understanding is that the steam sets the crust, so it has a firm base but doesn't go too hard or fail to set a crust in the first place.