The correct pronunciation for the bread tool called a lame is lah-MAY. It is a French word that has made its way into English and is a tool used for scoring bread dough to help it rise evenly and to give it decorative patterns.
It typically consists of a handle at one end with a replaceable metal blade or several blades at the other.
What is lame for baking?
Lame for baking is a device made of metal that is used to score dough before baking in order to create decorative patterns on the loaf or pastry. The most common form of lame is a double-edge razor blade attached to a handle and is used to slash the surface of the dough with lines, stars, or other decorative patterns and then baked to create a decorative flourish for breads, pies, pastries, and other baked goods.
A lame also helps control the expansion of doughs during baking, which can improve oven spring and help create crispier and more even surfaces. A typical lame should be stored in a cool and dry place and carefully handled when in use, as the sharp blades can be dangerous and cause accidental cuts on hands and fingers.
How do you use a baker’s lame?
A baker’s lame is a tool used to make precise, shallow incisions in the top of a dough before baking. It looks like a small razor blade housed in a handle and is used in the final stages of the bread-making process.
To use a baker’s lame, firstly, make sure the razor sharp edge is facing outward. Then hold the lame near the top of the dough and drag it across the surface, making shallow cuts in an “X” pattern. This allows the bread to expand during baking, creating a crisp, textured crust.
The cuts should be no more than a few millimeters deep, so ensure you’re not pressing too hard on the dough. Make sure to wipe the blade clean after each use to prevent raw dough from building up. Remember to always keep your knife away from children and handle with caution.
How do you put a bread lame blade on?
Putting a bread lame blade on is straightforward but it’s important to follow the steps carefully to ensure your safety. Begin by washing and drying the blade, then securely hold the blade in one hand and the handle in the other hand.
Insert the blade into the handle until the point is facing down. Push the blade down, then twist it until it’s snugly in place within the handle. You may need to use some light pressure to ensure the blade is securely in place.
After the blade has been put on, it is important to check that it has been securely fastened. If the blade is securely fastened, you will hear a small click when it is fully in place.
Once the blade has been firmly secured in the handle, you should test the combination before using it on your bread for your safety. Run a soft cloth or towel over the blade to check for any sharp edges and to make sure it won’t slip.
Finally, if you will be storing the bread lame, remember to store the blade in a dry place to prevent rust.
Is a bread lame necessary?
A bread lame is a specialized tool that is commonly used to slash dough prior to baking, allowing the heat of the oven to reach the interior of this leavened dough. While not absolutely required, a bread lame is a useful tool that can be used to improve the quality of the final baked product.
Not only can it be used to quickly and accurately make decorative patterns and surface cuts, it can also be used to incorporate air into the dough to help the dough rise and give it an even texture. Many professional bakers rely on their bread lames for consistent results and to speed up the baking process.
Even for home bakers, a bread lame is an invaluable tool for creating representative artisannal-style loaves.
Why is a lame blade curved?
A lame blade is curved for several reasons. First and foremost, the curvature of the blade helps the user make more precise and delicate cuts. It also offers more control to the user, allowing them to apply the correct pressure on the blade depending on the material being cut and the desired outcome.
Secondly, using a curved blade to cut can also prevent material from slipping as well as helping minimize strain from repetitive tasks. Furthermore, the curved shape of the blade helps ensure that the cutting edge is always in contact with the material being cut for better results.
Finally, it helps reduce the risk of injuring yourself while cutting by ensuring the blade tip is not catching on the material being cut. All of these benefits combine to make a curved blade an ideal choice for cutting tasks.
How many times can you use a lame blade?
The number of times you can use a lame blade depends on a variety of factors, including the quality of the blade, how often and for how long you are using it, and how well you maintain it. Generally speaking, if maintained properly and used for lighter tasks, a good quality blade can be used up to five to ten times before it needs to be replaced.
However, if you are using it for hard, strenuous tasks, it may need to be replaced sooner. Regularly cleaning and lubricating the blade will help increase its lifespan. Additionally, having multiple blades on hand can help extend the life of a single blade, since you can switch between them when one becomes too dull to use.
Do you score bread before or after proofing?
It depends on what kind of bread you are making! Generally speaking, if you are baking a bread that requires a lengthy proof (approximately 2+ hours) then you will usually score the bread prior to proofing to help the loaf expand in an even and consistent shape.
If you are baking a bread or a loaf that requires a shorter proof (approximately 45 minutes or less) then you will usually score the bread after proofing.
Scoring is done to make sure that the gases created during the proofing process can be released without the loaf splitting or bursting, and to help the loaf rise evenly. Scoring also helps create a unique bread with an attractive top layer.
When you score a bread you will make several diagonal cuts (or lines) on top of the dough, forming a pretty design on the finished loaf.
Overall, it is important to keep in mind that the time and technique you use for scoring your bread will depend on what type of bread you are baking. If you are unsure about when to score your bread then you can always refer to a bread recipe or even a bread-making expert for more advice.
Why is a lame better than a knife?
A lame is better than a knife because it provides a more precise cut than a knife ever could. A lame is a specifically designed blade used by bakers and cake decorators for creating intricate patterns and designs on dough.
It is made from a thin sheet of metal, which can be adjusted at the handle to create a sharp tip that can slice through dough and other materials very precisely. This makes a lame much more precise than a knife, which is generally used for a more generic cutting action of slicing or stabbing.
A knife is also far less precise when it comes to creating detailed or curved designs. In addition to precision, a lame is also much safer than dealing with a sharp knife. The blade is kept tucked in the handle, meaning that it is less likely for a person to cut themselves.
What do bakers do with unsold bread?
Bakers typically deal with unsold bread in a variety of ways. It depends on the bakery, local regulations, and the specific product, but some of the most common practices are:
1. Donating the excess bread to local food banks and charities. Many bakeries work with local charities and relief organizations to donate unsold bread on a regular basis. This helps reduce waste while also providing wholesome food to those most in need.
2. Selling it at discount prices. Some bakeries offer newly-made unsold loaves of bread at a discounted price, either through the store itself or via outlets like farmer’s markets. This allows bakeries to reduce their losses while still recouping some of the costs associated with production.
3. Repurposing it for other products. Many bakeries repurpose unsold loaves of bread into croutons, crumbs, and other applications. Instead of outright discarding the unsold bread, they can still use it in other recipes or products.
4. Keeping it on hand to use in other recipes. Many bakeries keep unsold loaves of bread on hand to use in other recipes such as french toast or grilled cheese sandwiches.
5. Pet food. Many bakeries partner with pet food manufacturers or pet stores to repurpose stale or unsold loaves of bread into pet food. This helps divert waste from landfills while also providing a wholesome source of nutrition for animals.
Should I oil my bread lame?
Yes, you should oil your bread lame to help it slide more easily over the bread when scoring. This is important to ensure successful and clean scores. If your bread lame is made of metal, you can use any type of oil to lubricate.
Olive and grape seed oil are the most commonly used. If your lame is wooden, you can rub a small amount of vegetable oil on it. Before applying the oil, make sure to clean the blade and handle of the lame to remove any bread dough crumbs or debris.
Once cleaned, apply a small amount of oil with a clean cloth and rub the blade in one direction until completely covered. Allow the oil to settle for a few minutes before using the lame to score the bread.
What is a baker’s scale used for?
A baker’s scale is used for measuring the weight of ingredients used in baking. The scales are used to accurately measure the weight of ingredients such as flour, butter, sugar, eggs and other baking ingredients.
This ensures consistency in the baking process and makes it easier to replicate a recipe since all the ingredients are measured with the same tool. A baker’s scale can also be used to help portion out dough that needs to be cut into uniform shapes and sizes.
This can be useful for tasks such as rolling out pie crusts, cutting into biscuit rounds and making cookies of the same size. These scales are also useful for other more general cooking tasks like weighing out meat and fish ingredients.
How do you keep lame from sticking?
Keeping lame from sticking to the horse can be a tricky task, as it is essential to a comfortable and successful riding experience. To reduce the chance of lame sticking to the horse, it is important to keep the horse clean, dry and well groomed.
Additionally, adding a thin layer of petroleum jelly or glycerin on the underside of the lame will prevent the fabric from coming into contact with the animal’s skin and reduce friction. While this may cause the lame to look glossy, it is still safe to use and will be beneficial in the long run.
Another way to reduce the chance of lame sticking to the horse is to ensure the straps remain tight and evenly distributed, as loose straps can cause abrasion and lead to painful areas. Last but not least, cleaning and conditioning the lame regularly will help keep it free from dirt, debris, and bacteria that can lead to the sticks and build-up.
Following these instructions will help ensure the lame will not stick to the horse and ensure optimum comfort and safety for both horse and rider.
Why is blade curved on bread lame?
A bread lame is a tool designed to help baker’s create neat, even scores in the top of bread dough before baking. Typically, a bread lame features a curved blade, which is slightly curved to help prevent the dough from sticking to it when it’s used.
This lugged blade is often made of stainless steel and mounted on a handle for added control. The curved blade design of the bread lame allows bakers to slice or score with an even pressure and an even depth.
This helps ensure the resulting crust will bake evenly, creating a uniform texture and even, deep scoring lines. The curved blade also allows bakers to work quickly, scoring multiple loaves at once with their bread lame before popping them into the oven.
Essentially, the curved blade of the bread lame helps bakers create a consistent and uniform crust for all of their breads, without adding time or effort.
What is curved lame?
Curved lame is a type of protective armor used in jousting tournaments during the Medieval period. This armor was specifically made to cover the horse’s body as well as the jouster’s, providing added defense against the opponent’s lance.
The curved lame was essentially made up of a series of metal plates that were attached to a leather or canvas backing. These plates overlapped and curved around the horse’s body, providing a protective layer.
Each curved lame was custom-made to fit the horse and was often decorated with intricate etchings and engravings in an effort to improve the armor’s aesthetic value. The curved lame was designed to provide as much protection as possible without hindering the horse’s ability to move and make quick movements.
Despite its intricate design and protective qualities, the curved lame was eventually replaced by more modern armor by the 16th century. However, its legacy is still remembered and appreciated in the world of jousting and the world of Knights.