The Le Creuset Technique Series with Michael Ruhlman - Bake

In the first installment of the Le Creuset Technique Series with Michael Ruhlman, Michael shows the best and easiest way to make bakery quality bread at home in a Le Creuset French Oven.

• Category

  Howto & Style

[Kar0n]

I reviewed the video, he had oil on his hand. My mistake

[Steven Boyce]

This 'green' pot looks too pastel for fennel, is this a retired color?

[sashasenvy]

I have already made two of these and they seem to cook fine. The process did, however, seem to stain the inside of my pot terribly. What about the "Le Creuset pots were not designed for dry cooking" thing I read on the Le Creuset site?

[nominal82]

Thanks a bunch Poody49. I'll try that soon.

[poody49]

No problem. 4 cups flour, 1 tsp yeast, 1 1/2 tsp salt, 1 1/2 cups water. After you have put the bread dough in the pot and let it rise again for 30-60 mins, rub the dough with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt all over. It adds great flavor to the bread. I hope this was helpful.

[nominal82]

Do you mind sharing the exact measurement in cups, tbsp and tsp?

[PE425]

Also, just an added tip, when you change out a phenolic knob for the stainless one (or vice versa) to use stainless version in oven at high temps, loosen with a screwdriver, but only tighten the knob by hand so it is snug but not overtightened. Tightening it by hand is better as you are less likely to accidentally overtighten and stress or crack the enable on the inside of the lid.

[PE425]

I am not sure what you suggesting by saying the knob is "shiny". In any case, there are two types of knobs LC makes: the phenolic knob that comes standard with all LC cast iron cookware that has a lid and knob, and then there is the stainless steel knob (sold seperately). The phenolic knob may hold up, but LC says they are rated only up to 375. The stainless steel knob is rated up too 500, and is what I would recommend for this bread technique.

[poody49]

I made this recipe today and the bread came beautifully! I did remove the handle on my pot so it would not ruin. It was not a problem. Delicious bread!