The perfect bread for Halloween.
The perfect bread for Halloween.
Check the dough: Ensure the dough is well-kneaded and the gluten network is formed correctly. You can do the “windowpane test”: stretch a small piece of dough to see if it forms a thin membrane without tearing.
Dough hydration: If the dough is too dry, add some water or reduce the kneading time if it seems too sticky.
Chill for shaping: Refrigerating or freezing the dough balls before shaping helps firm the dough, making it easier to shape into pumpkins.
Using twine: For easier shaping, you can pre-cut the twine into appropriate lengths before you start shaping the dough balls. This will allow you to wrap the twine more quickly.
Humidity in the oven: To achieve a nicely browned crust, place a small container of water in the bottom of the oven while baking. The steam created helps improve the crust's texture.
Monitor baking: Every oven is different, so check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. When tapped on the bottom, the bread should sound hollow.
Let cool: Once baked, let the bread cool on a wire rack to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Kneading
Knead all the ingredients, except the butter, for about 30 minutes on speed 1. Yes, we know it’s a long time!
Adding the butter
Once the gluten network is well-formed, add the butter.
Resting the dough
Let the dough rest for 2 hours, or until it reaches one and a half times its volume.
Dividing the dough
Divide the dough into 80 g portions.
Shaping the dough balls
Form each portion into a ball, pressing them together fairly tightly.
Refrigeration
Place the dough pieces in the refrigerator for 1 hour or in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
Shaping
Shape the dough pieces into pumpkins by wrapping string around them to recreate the shape of a pumpkin.
Final resting period
Let the shaped pumpkins rest for about 2 hours on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
Preheating the oven
Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the pumpkins in the oven, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (180°C). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bread is cooked through.
