

If you've visited Germany, you may have noticed stacks of striated loaves on the counter and in the windows of country bakeries; these are made with the help of a brotformen or dough-rising basket. Crafted of natural cane and shaped for oval loaves, this brotform leaves a gorgeous pattern of floury rings circling the deep-golden crust. Simply flour the insides of the basket and place your kneaded dough inside for its final rise. Once it's risen, turn it out onto a pan to bake.
Your dough-rising basket should not need much cleaning. Simply shake the excess flour out after each use, and if dough has stuck to it, wait till it dries, then use a stiff brush to take it off. If for some reason you need to clean your basket, use a stiff brush and warm water (no soap), and allow it to dry at room temperature.