How to Knead Dough

Knowing how to knead dough is a must for anyone who cooks. Used for breads and biscuits, kneading dough is fun, and most people enjoy it. There are some things to keep in mind, though, to knead dough correctly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Mix your wet and dry ingredients together using a mixer or a spoon. If you really want an old-fashioned experience, mix them together using your hands.

2. Coat the surface you're going to knead the dough on with flour. Make sure the surface is clean before you begin.

3. Use the palms and heels of your hands to push forward on the dough.

4. Fold the dough in half and knead it again.

5. Pick the dough up off the surface, fold it and turn it a quarter to a half turn.

6. Start kneading again using your palms.

7. Scoop up the dough and inspect it if you think you've kneaded enough. Correctly kneaded dough should be springy, and when pulled apart, it shouldn't have any webbing in it. You know if you've got it right if the surface is smooth and even.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that it takes a good eight to 10 minutes of kneading to get the dough correct.
• Some people use their knuckles rather than the palms of their hands, but most professional cooks use their palms.
• You can use a mixer, a dough hook or your hands. Most cooks prefer their hands, but a mixer is nice if you're trying to do other things while the dough is kneading.

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