Dish towel sticking to bread dough, grrrrr...

[annmarie]

So I'm pretty darn proud of my progress in the bread baking department, but one problem that I'm running into often is that my dish towels are sticking to the dough when it's rising and if it happens in the second rise, when I peel off the dish towel, it flattens the loaves. What am I doing wrong? Does anyone else have this problem? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Dace]

Are you using a damp towel?

I don't usually use a towel...I just put a pan of boiling water in the oven where I let my dough rise. The humidity prevents the surface of the dough drying out.

 

[annmarie]

Thanks Dace, I like your idea about skipping the dish towel altogether and placing a pan of boiling water in the oven when rising. I tried the damp towel once and that was a fiasco, but even the occasional dry towel sticks. I did a Google seach and discovered that another reason I might be having this problem is because my dishtowels are very nubby. I think between your solution and that discovery all my problems are solved! (If only! )

 

[sufficientforme]

I sometimes lightly put a piece of saran wrap then the towel to prevent that.

 

[2dream]

I use flour sack cloths - very light - and no sticking. My flour sack cloths are used for bread only. Anyone that touchs one of them is subject to a very mean tounge lashing along with a temper tantrum and a sever foot stomping. LOL

 

[annmarie]

Ah hah! Another clever idea. I'll be sure to pick up a few the next time I see them. (But I'll certainly stay away from yours 2dream! )

 

[annmarie]

I sometimes lightly put a piece of saran wrap then the towel to prevent that.

I bet that might solve the problem too, but I'm trying to avoid the use of plastic as much as possible. Sorry, I probably should have mentioned that!

 

[MorelCabin]

I always sprinkle the top of my loaves with a little flour when raising, I've never had a dishtowel stick.

 

[keljonma]

I'm with 2dream, flour sacking towels are great. The point is to just gently lay the towel across the loaves, without pressure or tucking in. Back in the day, I've used tea towels successfully....anyone remember them?

 

[prairiegirl]

I use flour sack cloths - very light - and no sticking. My flour sack cloths are used for bread only. Anyone that touchs one of them is subject to a very mean tounge lashing along with a temper tantrum and a sever foot stomping. LOL

Oh, I'm so glad to see someone else with this house rule. LOL
I like my bread towels for bread.

I do use these towels for my noodle making, too.