Why do We Need to Knead?
Bread dough needs to be elastic in order to capture the gases created by the yeast, stretch as bubbles form in the dough, expand, and rise. Without that elasticity, bread would not have the open texture we enjoy nor would bread be chewy. But what creates that elasticity?
The endosperm of the wheat contains two important proteins, glutenin and gliadin. When wheat flour is mixed with water, these two proteins link with the water molecules and crosslink with each other as they are physically manipulated by kneading. It takes a certain amount of physical manipulation to bring these molecules into contact and create strong links. As the kneading continues and these molecules create stronger bonds, gluten is formed. It is gluten that gives the dough elasticity.
If you watch the dough being mixed with the bread hook in your stationary mixer, you will see changes occur in the dough as the kneading takes place. First the dough will stick to the sides of the bowl. As the bonds become stronger and the dough more elastic, it pulls away from the sides into a drier ball. The sides should become clean. Within four or five minutes at medium speed, the dough will change even more and become elastic as the gluten is completely formed. After you have watched this process a few times, you will be able to recognize the changes in the dough as the gluten forms. If you pinch a portion of the dough and stretch it, it should pull to a thin layer before it breaks. Without that elasticity, bread isn't good bread.
For more articles like this visit The Bakers' Library.
© 2004 The Prepared Pantry
Latest News
Ocean County Sheriff's Department Issues Safety Tips The Manchester Times, NJ - Sheriff Polhemus stresses, "Use common sense when cooking, and don't be careless. The holidays, in most homes, means the smell of a good home-cooked meal. ... |
Extension office to offer tips on estate planning Brewton Standard, United States - In case you need help with cooking questions and we are not available feel free to call one of the Holiday Hotlines. They offer lots of helpful cooking tips ... |
Make Thanksgiving happy; follow safe-cooking tips The Columbian, WA - You should never leave your cooking unattended, a major cause of fires, and it’s best to make the kitchen off-limits to children and adults who aren’t ... Venice Fire Department - Cooking Tips Fire department shares safety tips for cooking Fire department offers tips for cooking safety |
Clorox Prepares for Holiday Cooking Season In-Store Marketing Institute (subscription), IL - Glad supports the in-store campaign with a dedicated website offering recipes, activities (including napkin folding and flower arranging) and cooking tips ... |
Cookbooks for the shopper and baker in you Scripps News, DC - Magazines and the Internet overflow with recipes and cooking tips (as do our own bookshelves). Yet we covet cookbooks, especially new ones, ... |
 Examiner.com | 20 last-minute Thanksgiving recipes and cooking tips Examiner.com - St. Louis Low-Carb Examiner Amy Dungan lets you in on Butterball.com tips, Thanksgiving turkey video lessons and recipes. Her article will teach you how to ... |
Woman’s Day Magazine and BlogTalkRadio Partner to Launch Online ... EON, WA - Jackie Plant and other Woman’s Day food editors bring the magazine’s test kitchen to listeners with recipes, cooking tips and information to make mealtime ... |
Children share cooking tips, holiday thanks Clinton News, MS - By Amanda Wells On Thanksgiving Day, who's going to cook that Butterball turkey, cornbread dressing and desserts galore? ... |
Teacher Tips: Cooking in the Classroom Well Fed Network - I thought I’d share some tips for cooking with children in the classroom. It is a fun activity and is a fantastic teaching method for kids who learn by ... |
Turkey Cooking Tips KBLG, MT - THE BIGGEST DAY OF THE YEAR FOR HOME COOKS IS JUST ABOUT HERE, AND WE HAVE SOME TIPS FROM HEALTH OFFICIALS TO HELP AVOID PROBLEMS. ... |
Resources
-
Health-E-Meals.com - Quick and Healthy Recipes, Snacks, Fitness Tips, Motivation, Links.
Healthy Solutions for Your Busy Life. Health-E-Meals.com offers a free healthy Cooking newsletter as well as other practical resources for making healthy living, eating and exercise a part of your busy life.