Frieling Proofing Basket, Brotform Bread Rising Banneton and Serving Basket, Oval, 11-Inch 10-Inch by 7-Inch

With this gadget, you graduate from breadmaker kindergarten to artisan-level.The utility here is that, by exposing your dough to the air on all sides, you get a thicker crust (just like those expensive loaves at the bakery). The beauty is that it leaves little rings on the crust and patterns of flour, so everyone will know that your are a True Craftsman before they ever take a bite.If you make sourdough, you really, really need this. Actually, you need two of them to accomodate most recipes. And you need a baking/pizza stone, so when you ease the dough out of the brotform, it rests on a heated stone in your oven.I have found it a bit tricky to use. But I have also found it isn't so temperamental that I can't turn the dough out onto a bread peel, and give it an egg wash or sprinkle with caraway or salt (or what have you) before sliding the formed dough/loaf out onto the heated baking stone in the hot oven.Thirty bucks for a basket? Sixty for two. Yes, that's a bit much. But if it causes you to bake bread that you are proud of and allows you to forego the five dollar loaves at the bakery (because yours look and taste just as good), then I say it's a bargain.

Traditional European hearth bread has a distinctive coil pattern and a crunchy crust. Both come from the use of brotforms, coiled cane baskets used for the second rise that shapes and adds texture to the bread.This "Frieling Oval Brotform 1-Pound Bread Rising Basket" allows you to recreate this old-fashioned style, whether you are using a mixer, hand-kneading or even if you use a bread machine. Basically, however you do the initial knead and first rise in a greased bowl, the second rise is done in the brotform. It needs to be well-floured ahead of time to ensure that the dough doesn't stick and will come out easily, but the brotform will ensure a nice even rise with the coil pattern pressed into the dough.This is definitely not a beginner's product, and increases the difficulty of bread making. The second rise has to be just right, and I have had it deflate coming from the brotform more than once. Once you get used to it, however, it will become a valuable part of your baking repertoire.Aside from its use in rising, the brotform also doubles as an attractive basket for serving rolls and such. It has a nice rustic look, using authentic cane, and can be fitted with a stone and kerchief for bread warming.

Product was exactly as described

I'm back for more. The one I have it 10 years old and keeps strong. Absolutely great.

Exactly as described

I got this as a Christmas gift for my wife and she's been baking bread ever since. I'm the happy recipient. I've put photos of her finished product on Facebook and it looks (and tastes) as good as the finest artisian bread. The brotform gives the bread the contoured look of a professional product.

After mixing your dough and letting it rise the first time, this basket helps shape the dough into a perfect loaf, with an interesting pattern on the crust. My first loaf with this basket turned out perfectly. It is much easier than hand shaping a loaf, and much more rustic/natural than using a loaf pan. The natural coils shape and decorate the loaf the old-fashioned way. When it's done rising, carefully remove it from the basket and care fully put it on a pre-heated bread stone in the oven. The loaves look and taste great

SUPER disappointed. Tossed in a Fed Ex envelope, wrapped in one piece of paper. Made with staples. No liner. For the money, you can get the same thing for half the price with accessories. Will be returning.

The Frieling bread rising basket was given to my son as a Birthday gift. He uses it for his sourdoughBread and loves the basket with it's unique design.I purchased this basket from Amazon.ca and once again their service was exceptional? They are speedy and accurate.Thank you Amazon.caLynn