It’s only after six months into sourdough breadmaking that I was able to get a proper scoring tool, a baker’s lame. While getting one isn’t a must, it helps create really nice designs on bread which enhances the baker’s experience.
Scoring bread is both for utility and aesthetics purposes. Expansion scores are deeper cuts that allow the bread to expand or bloom during baking in a more or less guided manner. On the other hand, artistic scores are more shallow cuts that are basically pretty designs aimed to be done in a uniform way.
The internet has so many articles on bread scoring tutorials with seemingly endless design patterns. Some are simple while others are complicated. But don’t stress. Practice makes ‘perfect’. Skill isn’t achieved overnight.
While the designs I intend to make do not always come out pretty, sourdough bread scoring allows me some space for creativity and expression.
The first scoring tool I got is a stainless retractable cutter for safety consideration. While it can score, it can’t cut deep enough. I also find it challenging to use as I have to retract the blade handle the whole time I score. Here’s the first scoring I made using this tool.
I decided to get another scoring tool. This time with a blade handle long enough to allow me to maneuver the depth of the scores. I felt nervous the first time I used it because the blade is so exposed. But I got used to it after a while, thus I’ve been using it since then. Here are some of the scores I tried with this tool.
In terms of bread scoring skill, I’m still a novice. But I must admit, I’m enjoying it. They say bread scoring is an art, so please cut me some slack. 😀
Which scores passed your taste? For me, I think these two are the best so far.
The bread with a heart design (yes, it’s a heart), I sent to my sister. The other one with a flower design, I sent to a close friend. Both were V-Day gifts so to speak. 😀
Nice to learn about your scoring experience. And thanks for sharing the beautiful photos. Really love the ones you made during VDay. 😊 I think you earned the highest scoring scores with those two. 😁
Thank you, Janice! So what are my scores for those scores? Haha. 😀
Congratulations & thank you, Loida! I enjoy reading your blog & learning about your cooking and baking adventures. Impressive work for a “novice/non-expert”! Can’t wait to taste both the burnt basque cheesecake and sourdough bread again. Cheers to all the delightfully sweet desserts as well as savory dishes from your kitchen!
Hi, Roma! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. You can try the cheesecake and sourdough bread again soon. And perhaps other new products, too. 🙂