Okay, so I’ve been on this bread-making kick lately, and baguettes were next on my list. I mean, who doesn’t love a good, crusty baguette? But I ran into a bit of a snag – my baguettes kept going…flat. They tasted okay, but they looked more like sad, deflated balloons than proper baguettes.
I did some digging, watched a bunch of videos, and realized I needed something to help them keep their shape while they proofed and baked. I didn’t want to buy a special baguette pan just yet, so I decided to get creative and make my own “mold.”
DIY Baguette Support System
Here’s what I did:
- Found some parchment paper: I had a big roll of this stuff, which was perfect.
- Folded it up: I basically folded the parchment paper lengthwise, creating pleats. Think of it like making a paper fan, but instead of a fan, you’re making little “beds” for the baguettes.
- Used some heavy stuff: I grabbed a couple of cookbooks and some cans of beans to weigh down the folds and keep them in place.
I am not a professional * is just my personal *’s pretty simple.I just did it.
The Proofing (and Baking) Process
After shaping my baguette dough (which is a whole other story – let’s just say it took some practice!), I carefully placed each one in its little parchment paper “bed.” The folds helped keep the dough from spreading out sideways.
I let them proof like this, all nestled in their makeshift mold. Then, for baking, I carefully transferred the whole parchment paper setup (baguettes and all) onto a baking sheet. I figured the parchment would also help prevent them from sticking.
The Results
Honestly, it worked pretty well! They weren’t perfect bakery-quality baguettes, but they were way better than my previous flat attempts. They actually had some height and that classic baguette shape. The crust was nice and crispy, and the inside was soft and airy. Success!
I’m still learning, and I might eventually invest in a real baguette pan, but for now, this little parchment paper trick is doing the job. It just goes to show, you don’t always need fancy equipment to make something decent. Just a little bit of ingenuity (and maybe a few cans of beans) can go a long way!
