A banneton, or proofing basket, supports bread dough during its second rise after the loaf has been shaped, preventing the dough from flattening as the gluten relaxes. Made from 100% natural unfinished rattan, it allows the surface of the dough to dry while proofing, forming a skin that results in a crispier crust and more dramatic results from scoring the bread before baking. To bake your loaf, invert the basket so the dough falls gently onto a peel or baking pan, score the top, and bake. The banneton itself does not go into the oven.