You don’t need a specialty lame (French for “blade”) to make professional-level bread at home, but it certainly helps in creating those telltale slash marks. You need a truly razor-sharp edge to make a clean cut; even a sharp paring knife will drag as it moves through the wet dough.
What is a lame used for in baking?
A razor-like tool mounted on a handle, lame (pronounced “LAHM”) means “blade” in French. It’s used to score or slash bread right before it hits the oven . The reason for this is simple: The openings control the direction the dough expands during baking.
How do you use a lame Baker?
A razor-like tool mounted on a handle, lame (pronounced “LAHM”) means “blade” in French. It’s used to score or slash bread right before it hits the oven . The reason for this is simple: The openings control the direction the dough expands during baking.
How important is a bread lame?
The weakest spots in the dough’s surface — whether intentional or accidental— will give way and crack open. Most bread bakers score the dough with a blade (or lame) to create a weak point and direct the rapid expansion . Without this step, dough can open in unexpected areas and in a rather chaotic manner.
How do you score bread with lame?
Score the top of each loaf: Use a sharp knife, razor blade, or bread lame to quickly score the surface of the loaves. Slash each baguette at a 45-degree angle 4 to 5 times along the loaf’s axis. Bake the loaves: Bake the loaves according to the recipe’s directions immediately after scoring.
How do I use a lame?
A lame is used to score (also called slashing or docking) bread just before the bread is placed in the oven . Often the blade’s cutting edge will be slightly concave-shaped, which allows users to cut flaps (called shag) considerably thinner than would be possible with a traditional straight razor.
How often should you change a lame blade?
How often should I change the blade on a bakers lame? A blade is at its best within the first 20 cuts. After this, it will deteriorate until it needs changing after around 40 . If the blade is reversible the life can be doubled.
How do you clean lame bread?
The Curved Bread Lame includes five blades and a protective leather cover. After each use, simply wipe the blade with a damp, soft cloth. To remove dough from the handles, gently wash with mild soap and rinse well. Make sure to thoroughly dry both the blade and the handle before storing it.
Why is it called a bread lame?
A Lame (pronounced LAHM, meaning “blade” in French) is typically a long thin stick made to hold a metal razor used to cut, or score, bread dough to help control the expansion of the loaf as it bakes . We have not carried a bread lame prior to this one because we were unable to find one that we liked.
What happens if you dont score bread?
By scoring your loaf, you create weak points that allow your bread to expand more easily. If you don’t score your loaf, it will still expand, but in a jagged pattern .
Why does my bread deflate when I score it?
The most common reason for bread deflating after scoring is over-proofed dough . There is a lot of excess gas accumulated in an over-proofed loaf, which is all released when scored. Other reasons include the dough being overly wet and scoring the dough too deep or too shallow.
How do you score bread without lame?
Tools for Scoring Bread
But you can also use a simple box cutter . A sharp kitchen knife can also work, but in general a razor blade will produce a better result. And if you’re looking to make almond shaped slashes, such as on a baguette, you’ll need to use a curved lame, not a box cutter or razor.
How do you score sourdough without a lame?
You can use a sharp paring knife or kitchen scissors to snip lines into the top of the unbaked bread boule. Or you can use a tool that professional bakers use to score, called a bread lame.
What is a UFO lame?
The WireMonkey UFO bread lame provides ultimate fine control for scoring your bread in a compact ambidextrous design. The Japanese Feather Hi-Stainless Platinum coated double edge blade is stored safely in the lame. ... – Blade is easily stored inside for safety. – No thumb nuts to snag on your dough.
