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Check the Doughball
This is a secret well known to people who make bread the old-fashioned
way. While hand kneading the mixture, they adjust the consistency of
the dough by adding a little flour or a little water until the doughball
is just right.
Although the breadmaker kneads the dough for you, this secret is still true.
Here’s what you should do:
If the Doughball Is Too Wet
During the second kneading cycle, check the
consistency of the doughball. If the doughball
appears sticky or wet, like pancake batter,
sprinkle in flour, a Tbsp. at a time, until the
doughball appears smooth, round and dry,
and circles nicely in the pan. Sprinkle a little
more flour if needed.
If the Doughball Is Too Dry
If the doughball appears flaky, or you hear your
breadmaker begin to make “knocking” sounds,
the dough ball is too dry. To correct this
problem, simply sprinkle in water a tsp. at a
time, until the doughball appears smooth,
round and dry, and circles nicely in the pan.
Be careful not to add too much water.
Tips and Hints
Experienced cooks consider breadmaking to be as much art as science.
Keep in mind that some recipes may require a little experimentation
before they are exactly the way you want them. Just don’t give up.
Still, there are special hints to ensuring quality bread almost every time.
Use Exact Measurements
We’ve already mentioned how important it is
to use exact measurements when baking bread,
but it should be said again. Level off all dry
ingredients and make sure that all liquid
ingredients are measured in a glass cup with
the markings clearly labeled on the side.
Use Fresh Ingredients
You should always use fresh ingredients. The reasons are:
➢
Flour. If you have stored your flour for a long time, it may have
become wet from absorbing moisture, or dry, depending on the
area of the country in which you live. We recommend using fresh
bread flour.
➢
Yeast. Fresh yeast is probably the most important ingredient
in baking bread. If the yeast is not fresh, your bread may not rise.
It is better to buy new yeast than to take a chance on yeast that
has been stored for a long time.
You can test the freshness of your yeast. Simply fill a cup with warm water,
then add and stir in 2 tsp. of sugar.
Sprinkle a few tsp. of yeast on the surface of the water and wait.
After 15 minutes, the yeast should foam and there should be distinct odor.
If neither reaction happens, the yeast is old and should be thrown away.
Add Ingredients in the order given according to the recipe.
Read all recipes from top to bottom, and remember:
— FIRST : liquid ingredients
— SECOND : dry ingredients
— LAST : yeast