Have you ever tried baking bread at home? Try with these foolproof expert tips and never buy a loaf again.
Bread is nowadays a necessity in every household. Kids love it; adults crave it. It makes any breakfast table complete. But nowadays we are much more conscious about the food we eat. Most of the time we want our food items to be more fresh preservative-free. So, if you are skeptic about the bread loaf you get from market, then why not bake one at home? Here are some tips and tricks that would help you bake heavenly bread at your home.
Always use a weighing scale and cups
You need to understand that baking is all about the right proportions. It is simple science where measurement plays a vital role. You cannot “guess” the right amount of flour, yeast or butter. Always refer to exact proportions in your recipes. And to achieve that, the most important tool you require is a weighing scale and weighing cups and spoons. Always remember even a milligram of extra or less ingredients can ruin your bread.
Start with the easiest recipe
We see different bread in the market, and when we start to bake them at home, we are tempted to try different flours, sourdough bread etc. But these breads require a certain amount of practice and a bit of finesse. So, if we are not able to make them perfectly, we are often discouraged. Start with the simplest recipe like focaccia.
Don’t over-knead or under-knead your dough
When you are baking bread at home, the most common mistake we commit is over-kneading or under-kneading of dough. Have a bit of patience. Rely on the window test to check whether the dough is done or not. And if you are beginner, it is advisable to knead dough with your hand and not use a mixer.
Heat your oven at the correct temperature
Again, it is important to remember that baking is science and the correct temperature is vital for a perfect finished product. To ensure that your oven is not overheated or underheated, invest in an oven thermometer.
Do the poke test while proofing the bread
The final resting of the dough is called proofing, and it is what determines the quality of your bread. So, poke your proofed bread with a finger, if it sinks right in, then it is not proofed well. And if it slowly springs back up then the bread is good to go.
Remember, practice and patience would help you bake that perfect loaf of bread at home.
