foil over Zoji's window; 3h pre-ferment of clas dough
I learn so much new stuff here at tfl!
Thanks to Precaud's comments on sealing the Zoji window to improve top browning of loaves in a Zojirushi bake and Yippee's get it done method on inserting foil, I was very motivated to try opening up my Zoji lid and covering the window.
Here is my last bake in Zoji with the foiled window. That is a BIG improvement in the top browning!! (Maybe I can do even better if my foil is less crumpled.)
This bake was also my first where I followed Precaud's Max Bran clas recipe where he explained a 3 hour pre-ferment with clas. I had only 1/3 of his bran amount but found the pre-ferment method to yield a very nice dough--it did not weaken the dough at all. (It will come in very handy to get dough prep underway especially when you can't be around to tend it.) The lean loaf is 100% freshly milled.
Update-1-19-24
The same dough was very bouncy yet soft and handled excellently for pita. Result-pita was rolled very thin (you can almost see through the front oblong one!) but was chewy, resilient to tearing when packed full.
Waiting for the crumb shot...
Yippee
Thanks again Yippee. You must have very dexterous hands! It took some fumbling to just get the foil and window in place and you can see that it is not flat against the window. I may try again but I like what it does already too.
Loaf still cooling...
I wasn't sure of what to get but it worked well for me!
Congrats, those are great results, Jo! Top crust browning on a Zo? Who woulda thunk it, eh? :)
It is unlikely that a smoother surface on the foil will make much difference. You've done the important part by stopping the radiant from escaping through the window.
Hi Precaud,
I was wondering if I should try to let some steam escape through the cracks.
Before foiling the window, I had tried a Pullman with the lid on. But, it made a very steamy environment in the Zoji and the crumb was not as good as without the lid.
Maybe my next try will be to only have the foil catch on a few tabs.
PS Thanks for all the expert advice on BMs!! Thanks too for the pre-ferment method. I have to adjust it a bit but it will come in handily.
You don't want leaks up there! The Zo doesn't vent steam through the viewing window, it has a dedicated vent on the lid.
You're most welcome! This is fun and rewarding experimenting.
I really want to get an overnight preferment with CLAS to work well, with wheat breads. It fits into my schedule so well...