Ever since reading the Bread Bible and Breads from the LaBrea Bakery, I wanted bread rising baskets. These baskets are not necessary in making artisan bread. I have had wonderful breads that were risen the more traditional way. For some reason---I just had to have them. Unfortunately, their cost was prohibitive---I think they were in the $30 range---each. So I made due with what I had.
The idea behind them is simple: on the dough's final rise, you place it in a well floured basket and cover it with a cloth. The baskets are made from willow branches that have their bark removed. The loose construction allows air to circulate and give the dough a better rise. 
Once the dough reaches the top, you then dust it with cornmeal and carefully invert the dough onto a pizza peel. You then bake your bread on a pizza stone until done. I have used simple recipes from the bread machine, to very complex ones that take 3 days to "build". 
Last summer I gave in and purchased my bread rising baskets at SurLaTable in Carmel, California. We were on a quick vacation and I splurged. I am so very glad I finally did. One thing is for certain, no matter what the recipe, the bread rising basket makes a very beautiful loaf of bread.
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