She also made several cuts across the top of loaves with a hot knife when set to rise to allow gas to escape.

If an impression made on a loaf of bread with the finger remains, the bread is light.

If the dent disappears, then the loaf is not light enough to be placed in the oven; give it more time to rise.

An experienced cook, noted for the excellence and size of her loaves of bread, said she always inverted a pail over the pan containing loaves of bread when set to rise, and allowed the bread to remain covered after being placed in the oven.

Loaves will rise to a greater height if this is done.