First of all, I recently discovered this website and I am very excited about my journey as a baker. I am an absolute beginner in bread making but can appreciate how important it is to have the right tools. In the hopes of making baguettes (amongst other loaves) I would like to know if it’s necessary to use a baguette pan if you already have a baking stone and vice versa?
I have not yet purchased either but am leaning towards a baking stone as I think that this will allow more flexibility to what I bake, and it will allow the oven to create a consistent and evenly distributed temperature. Does the baguette pan help at all or will I get as good a result with just placing the baguette dough straight onto the baking stone?
As you can tell, I am a little confused and so I would appreciate any advice you can share with me.
Another question I have is about diastatic malt powder: I have read from a couple of different sources how diastatic malt powder can enable a consistent rise in your loaves and pastries as well as help to give that golden brown finish. However, very few bread recipes actually mention the use of this particular powder. How important is it and how does one incorporate it into recipes (ie. 1 tsp?)?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!
Kylee