Professional bread baker

Jan 24, 2018 1:14 PM

LevainAvatar

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164996

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2984

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63

Multi-grain

French baguette

More baguettes

Custom Epi baguette piece

A lame 6 months vs brand new

Coworker scoring country boules

Another shot of country boules

Mill dressing (resurfacing the mill stones)

Tool used to dress. Basically a mini jackhammer with this as the tip

Rank of bread, about 1/5 of what i do on a slow night

*getting artsy* Bread inside bread inside bread inside bread inside bread

Croissants

More baguettes

Baguettes cause there just so pretty

Baguettes for days

Crumb shot

I was thinking of doing a "day in the life of a professional bread baker" post. Anyone interested?

Everything looks burnt.

8 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 1

its so fucking cute how excited you are about your craft. cheers mate, wish you all the best.

8 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 2

I have a question! Please dm me!!

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

All your bread appears overcooked...

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Trust me, it's better baked dark. Millard reactions for days

7 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Is the custom flower burnt or supposed to look like that

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Air bubble top right, bottom pettle is a bit dark

7 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Thought #5 was a woman’s legs sticking up and was expecting some sort of yeast joke. YOU HAVE RUINED ME IMGUR!!!

8 years ago | Likes 26 Dislikes 2

Same here,my thoughts they were his cat in stockings, Lol!????

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Do you use instant yeast or live culture doughs? Curious cause of documentary I saw on netflix

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Most are sourdough cultured. Others are fresh yeast preferments

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

These all look good but I’ll still stick to my favorite...

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 1

I have actually tried to figure out how to make bread in a can. I'm just worried it would explode. I have made sous vide bread before though

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

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8 years ago (deleted Oct 21, 2024 11:29 PM) | Likes 0 Dislikes 0

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Not gonna lie, baguettes were the highlights of my nights especially if I got to stay on the deck oven that night. Gorgeous bake man!

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

@op what's with the first and second picture? I'm and ex-baker myself and I recognize burnt out bread.

8 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

aren't french baguette supposed to be soft and fluffy inside? That one looks like a ciabatta

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Well baked bread. Think about it like getting a good sear on a steak, lots of caramelization= lots of flavor

7 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Baguette outta town! This is amazing!!

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

French here. It looks really good!

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

seems to me that most comments are made by people who know only toast or "wonder bread"? these breads are all perfect. +1

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Mmmm..... carbs.....

8 years ago | Likes 63 Dislikes 4

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Healthy, proper carbs. This is that real, long ferment, sourdough bread. Done right

8 years ago | Likes 24 Dislikes 2

My Fitbit does not have a place to put proper carbs:(

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I'll say...the first one is burnt

8 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 1

Bien cuit* well baked and loads of flavor

7 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

French breads the best bread I've ever tasted without doubt. Been to France half a dozen times and the breads amazing

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

*BAGUETTES*

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I am interested in the oven

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

get out of here peeta.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

A master baker?

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

Not certified but still a pro

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Flour, water, yeast and salt. That's it.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Air control

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Don't know where you're from, but as the Frenchman I am noticing all the French named bread you made 1/2

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

American but a lot is French styled

7 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

It sure does look like pretty amazing fucking good and I wish younre my personal breadman for morning supplies. 2/2

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

That last photo...

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

My bread often tastes like batter. I'm wondering if I need to use a stronger flour?

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Yes, at least twice as strong

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Tastes like batter? Does it taste like raw flour? You may need a touch more salt

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I usually use 2% salt, although I wonder if I got it wrong last time.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Mmmm... I just loaf bread.

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 2

Bread= life

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

sure i’m a gluten for punishment

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Hey! I actually used to mix doughs and bake for a french bakery, so this is all very familiar. Nice crumb! I enjoyed the job but I... 1/2

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

...couldn't handle sleeping during the day and not really seeing any sunlight for two years. Seeing your photos, I do miss it. 2/2

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

What's a lame

8 years ago | Likes 113 Dislikes 1

Jokes about scoring bread are lame

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

U. U is a lame.

8 years ago | Likes 43 Dislikes 4

The French pronunciation is identical to the English “lamb”.

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 1

Real English or British?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lame_(kitchen_tool) + Lame is French for blade.

8 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 1

My story ideas.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

Similar to Updog

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 3

An mp3 encoder, among a number of things.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 2

I always thought it was funny that there's also an MP3 encoder called Blade.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Someone who thinks that baking bread can be a profession lmoa @OP

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 11

I don't even understand the logic of why a baker could NOT be labeled a profession.... Is it because they didn't go to a school cuz they can

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Because someone working minimum or someone with Google can do it. If anyone can do it, it's not a (respectable) profession.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 9

Anyone can plumb a house. Doesn't mean just anyone should or just anyone is good at it.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Guys.... Guys.... Calm down. You're not paying attention to his username

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Hehe nice troll

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

No. And no.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I've baked bread and have cooked in restaurant kitchens -- I love cooking. But I would never say that not everyone can learn it or that 1/

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 3

Always love baking posts. What temperature would you suggest a home baker have in their oven when baking sourdough bread? I got 250C buuut..

8 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 1

Check out my posts sometime

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

240-250c for lean (no fat/sugar), 220c for dense whole wheat or rye breads, 180-200c for sweet breads (challah/brioche)

8 years ago | Likes 19 Dislikes 0

Thanks for the insigth.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

In an American so I use a dumb temp system but we bake our baguettes at ~265c. But that's in a steam injected deck oven

8 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 0

I try to emulate steam by either using a dutch oven and spraying water inside or a pizza stone and heavily spraying water.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Doesn't your bed get wet though?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

My best method is a pizza stone and a huge metal bowl covering the loaf. Spray the bowl with water then spray again about 5-7m into the bake

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Preheat both before baking. I use a squirt bottle, a 44x66cm baking stone and a (I think) 14-16qt stainless steel bowl

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

I’ve always heard to put ice cubes into a baking tray resting in the bottom of the oven that’s preheated, when the dough goes in so does ice

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

. . . But that’s mainly cause I don’t have a spray bottle, and OP is the professional here

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Hehehe, dutch oven...hehehehehehe

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

Hehehe

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Hey, any baking questions message me or just comment here. Day in the life post will be around sometime soon hopefully!

8 years ago | Likes 346 Dislikes 3

You use bread enzymes, or whatever it's called, in your bakes, right? I've considered getting some but wanna know if it's worth it...

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

How hard is it to bake croissants

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

It is incredibly hard to find real baked bread where I live (Ontario, Canada). This makes me jealous.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

What's the best kind of bread for someone who is just learning how to bake bread?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Hey...was thinking opening a breadsmith franchise as I love old school bread but have no experience

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I was wondering if you had secrets about sourdough starters? I've tried a few times and failed, i was wondering if you ever made one?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

No questions but as a Baker myself makes me happy :)

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

How often do you call people a Baguette?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

What's your go to method for sourdough? My starter is good but I haven't found a recipe that works for me yet.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

my crust is always too hard. suggestions?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I hope that you watch the Great British Baking Show.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Do you guys make rye bread at all?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Do it.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

How many cakes did Lex Luthor steal?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Don't want this to come off as lazy, but what's the easiest and/or quickest thing to bake?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Do classic croissants really take 2-3 days to make? (I heard it once, probably from the internet)

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Tip for someone who wants to home back nutritious bread? Whole wheat sourdough or something? Need tips on making starter and baking!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Not enough credit is given to what you do. This is amazing! Just imagine how good it smells

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yeah, one question: How the fuck do you not scarf down everything you make?!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Have you ever told someone this and they said they’re on Atkins like a vegan talking down to a butcher? Serious question.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Can you bake those baguettes in a conventional oven and if so what's the recipe? I want to make and eat that.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I love bread that was left in a bit too long and is scorched dark brown at the end as the result. Are the recipes classified?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

you ever learn to bake anything besides white bread?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Do you have solar hands?

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yakitate japan!

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I look forward to you "day in the life of". Also if you have any tips for a home bread baker I would love to hear them.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Should do a “day in the life.” I love those posts.

8 years ago | Likes 26 Dislikes 0

I agree. We need a category on imgur!

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Can we have some bread? Is that a valid question?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I got a chef diploma but bread is something I actually struggle with. Is bread something one can bake at home? No pro equip I mean

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

The best thing you’d need would be a pizza stone for your oven, helps get the heat up and improves oven spring. Other than that not really

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Thanks! And what about oven temperature? Here max temp is like 230°C (445F)

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

How do you make French baguette??

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I tried to make a pizza and the dough rose to twice the initial size before baking and all but it hen I baked it until it slightly browned

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

It was super hard like a hard biscuit. What might I have done wrong? I used tipo 00 flour and everything too. Thanks for your h lo :)

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Help* :)

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I enjoy bread. Thank you for your service, friend!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

VERY INTERESTED!!!!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I bake pretzels (and other bread) but not even close to your skill. My bread knoting skills are weak

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

What’s the proper way to make sourdough?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Pls teach me how to get those massive gorgeous air pockets? Also, any sourdough tips? I'm struggling.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I wanna make home made croissants. No idea where to start. Do I need to make a sponge or is this more a puff pastry dough?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

How do I make sourdough please?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

your opinion on https://www.theperfectloaf.com/ ?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Looking forward to that post.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

What is the perfect recipe for making fluffy whole wheat bread? I’ve tried several times, always comes out rock solid.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Ok legit I'm addicted to making croissants but haven't been succesful in making them. I manage to make them crispy but the middle is (1)

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Always soft and basically combined into 1. I don't know what I did wrong - followed Chef John's recipe (also can't get a good shape)

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Can you bake while being baked?

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

No one's stopping you

6 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

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8 years ago (deleted Jan 25, 2018 4:55 PM) | Likes 0 Dislikes 0

I.. that... i dont even...

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

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8 years ago (deleted Jan 25, 2018 4:30 PM) | Likes 0 Dislikes 0

I am a baker to... Never heard of Low Carb bread (Could be b/c i'm Austrian..) Healthier with whole wheat flour and so on yes, but not low

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

carb... ^^

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

We made chocolate chip cookies the other day and they turned out like little muffins. Why didn't the flatten?

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Too much flour or baking powder? Post the ingredients used

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Not a pro. What kind of fat did you use? Shortening can cause this I like to use butter.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

can I make a proper baguette without a linen couche?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

That crumb is incredible

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

What is your favorite thing to bake and why? What is your least favorite and why?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I miss bread so much! Became allergic to wheat. Still love to look though, and stories are always great!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Hi! I'm just about to finish baking school. Can you tell me how you get your baguette scoring like that please?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I’d be the stay puff marshmallow man if I had your job. Bread/ raspberry jelly is my food chains.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

how do you get the crunchy crust? when i bake bread at home my crust never turns out like that

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Seriously please dm me.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Nice post! I recently started making my own sourdough bread. Still trying to figuring out how to increase the pore size. Any tips?

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Let it rest longer/better. Warm and Wet does the Magic

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Try pouring it stright into the dutch oven, and letting it sit for 5 hrs. dont knead, and make a slightly wetter dough than other breads.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Recipes! For baguettes and croissant I’m drooling here @OP you’re my only hope for truth!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I always have a hard time getting big bubbles in my baguettes. What do you think might be the problem?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Ever since I lived in a village in France famous for baguettes Ive wanted to open a bakery. Can I make a living just selling awesome bread?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Make a video on how to make bread this beautiful

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

What hydration % do you usually use? Depends on the flours of course. Advice on shaping a high hydration sourdough?

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I do 85% hydration and my tip for shaping high hydration sourdough is to keep your work surface damp and your hands wet. Way less sticky.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Whats the best bread for subs/hoagies?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Any tips/advice for someone who's thinking of becoming a baker? Thanks :)

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Any bread I bake always has a super tight grain - no nice big air bubbles. What am I fucking up?

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I'm not a pro but I find if use less flour it seems to work better.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Maybe too much flour and let it rest till it rises (Thats where most of the bubbles happen)

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

2/2 passes the windowpane test but that is also quite wet. The steam from wetter stretchy doughs is what allows the bubbles to really open.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Wetter doughs tend to have bigger bubbles. Enriched doughs (made with a source of fat) usually don't.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

It all depends on how well kneaded or how wet or dry your dough is. For big air bubbles I think you need a really elastic dough which 1/2

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

your opinion on https://www.theperfectloaf.com/ ?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

My grandma was a french baker and she taught me to reconise good bread but is that's me or the croissant are not home made?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

badfully most of french bakery dont make home made tbh...

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

My house is always too cold to proof dough. Any suggestions?

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I always proof on top of the fridge. I'm usually using my oven for other things (cookies!)

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I used to put my dough in the oven with the light on to proof. A friend rigged up a styrofoam cooler with a lightbulb in it for heat.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Not a professional baker, but you can use your oven to proof it. Preheat it to 200 and let it cool down until temp you want.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

If i have a dough that needs to rise i usually just fill a sink with hot tap water, lots of flour into a big enough bowl, put dough into 1/x

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

the flour. Cover it with towls on top and then let it sit for... as long as the recipe says. 2/2

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Is all of this gluten free, or do we have to pay for it?

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

It?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

the gluten

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Gluten should always be free and plentiful as nature intended

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

What's the Lame used for? And did you bake the bread in bread in bread each time for each layer?

8 years ago | Likes 59 Dislikes 1

I’m not OP obvs, but a bread lame is a really sharp razor that cuts the top of the bread to make the ‘ear’, that open bit on the top

8 years ago | Likes 38 Dislikes 0

purpose of that ?

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Functional it's to create a weak point for the bread to expand in, hence better rising. Astectally it makes a nice pattern>

6 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Good to identify breads and leaves the bakers mark on the bread. Also the dark edge is super tasty

6 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Cutting bread dulled it that much?

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

That's the handle that the razor is attached to. That's wear and tear after replacing the razor multiple times a night over a few month peri

6 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

That's lame

8 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 2

You're lame

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 2

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Where is your bakery? Because I want to put this into my foodmouth.

8 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Based on their co-workers t-shirt they work at one of the Seven Stairs bakery locations in eastern Rhode Island

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

*stars instead of stairs

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

How... how many mouths do you have?

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

As many as I need.

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Ever make anchovy bread? I want some got dam anchovy bread

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Wait what? Why?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

It's that slight hint of salty, put some garlic butter on that sumbitch and it's good. Italian family recipe.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

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8 years ago (deleted Oct 21, 2024 11:29 PM) | Likes 0 Dislikes 0

Can I come over for dinner?

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Extra salt in bread is kind of nasty. I tried it once. Salt on bread works (salted butter > unsalted butter...for spreading).

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

It's not so much to overpower, it's a little baked into the loaf of bread. Goes great with homemade gnocchis.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

How to tell if I am under or over kneading?

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

If you're doing it by hand, I'm told it's very difficult to overknead.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

When she yells you.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Windowpane test usually

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

My friend wants to know what's a windowpane test.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

after kneading, take a bit of dough and start stretching it in 4 directions. Sit should stretch thin and evenly, light shining through

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Specifically natural light usually because electric lights can be too harsh and have you think the gluten is developed when it’s not

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

How do you get the bread to rise so much? I try but it ends up with little bubbles and ends up to thick and dense.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Part of it is the professional ovens with steam injectors. Very hard to replicate. You can get very close with a Dutch oven though.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Ugh me too. I've just begun experimenting with wetter dough and more humidity in the oven. Too early to tell if it's working.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Wetter dough does help with hole size. Type of flour makes a difference as well. Like in Italy, soft wheat is what's mostly used, while...

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

most American wheat is hard wheat, making it hard to replicate Italian ciabatta and pizza dough recipes precisely.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I think humidity in the oven mainly affects the crust.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0