Kitchen Garden Forum

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.

Nature's Babe wrote: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?

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.

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.