Tips for Better Bread Making

Baking bread can be a fun and enjoyable experience. However, to ensure you get the results you desire, it's important to learn about the aspects you should pay attention to along the process. If you are interested in this topic and would like to learn some tips, read this article by Great Harvest Bread Co.

There is nothing better than a freshly made loaf of bread. However, the idea of baking their own bread at home can seem very daunting for most people. Baking bread can be a very fun and enjoyable experience. Also, you probably already have many of the ingredients you need in your pantry. Understanding the steps and important aspects of the bread-making process can encourage you to take on this challenge. Read this article that Great Harvest Bread Co. has for you and learn some tips to help you make your own loaf of bread at home.

Buy Fresh Ingredients

Start your bread making process by ensuring you buy fresh ingredients. When making bread, it's important to take gluten into consideration. Gluten is the one that ensures your bread will rise into a beautiful loaf. So, to ensure the best result, use fresh organic flour as it has gluten and other important elements like the bran and the germ.

Use a Digital Scale

Weighing out your ingredients, especially if you are learning how to bake, is essential. Using a digital scale to weigh your ingredients is far more accurate than using volumetric measurements. When it comes to baking bread, using the right amount of flour is a must in order to achieve the desired result. Also, ensure you read your recipe properly before you begin as this will help you make sure you have all the ingredients and utensils you need.

For the best freshly made bread in Newtonville, MA, visit your nearest Great Harvest Bread Co. Learn about all the items in their menu and about the best bakery in town. For more information, speak with a professional by calling 617-928-1162 today.

Proof Your Yeast

Yeast, as you may know, is a key ingredient for making bread. Yeast doesn't last forever and, with time, it loses its vitality. Therefore, make sure you proof your yeast before adding it to your bread. Proofing your yeast means making sure it is still alive. The best way to see if your yeast is still in good condition, make sure it emits bubbles. If you are using yeas that is brand new, you can skip this step.

Use Less Flour

When making bread, it is normal to want to add more flour when you see the texture of the dough is too sticky. However, most doughs work the best when the ratio of flour to water is 2:1. So, if your recipe calls for 4 oz of bread flour, add 2 oz of water. Resist adding more flour, even if the dough seems too sticky. Also, remember that baking is a constant learning process. If your bread doesn't end up how you expected it to, make some annotations of the aspects you can change next time to improve the outcome.

For more amazing advice on how to make bread at home, speak with a professional at Great Harvest Bread Co. Learn about all their products and services by visiting the best bakery in Newtonville, MA. Order the best freshly made bread today by calling 617-928-1162.

Avoid Using Flour When Kneading

As we have mentioned before, the amount of flour you add to your dough is very important. Therefore, spreading flour on your counter or flouring your hands to prevent the dough from sticking can be a bad idea. Doing so can add heaviness to the dough. Instead, use water, a light mist of olive oil, or even some melted butter as a substitute for flour. Spread your substitute of choice on your counter and on your hands and start kneading.

Slash the Dough

Slashing your dough before baking can help your bread rise properly. Along with adding a nice design to your loaf of bread, slashing the dough helps prevent having an air pocket under the crust. There are many ways you can slash your bread. The most common ways of slashing dough are a single slash and series of angled parallel slashes along the length of the dough. Additionally, you can brush the dough with egg wash (which consists of water, milk, and egg white) to add some shine to your bread as well as add a topping like sesame seeds.

Keep an Eye on Your Oven

Watching your oven and ensuring it is set to the right temperature is vital. Keeping an eye on your oven can make the difference in the end results as you can ensure your bread doesn't come out too light or even too dry. Check your oven from time to time to ensure it is properly calibrated and that the baking process is going smoothly.

For the best freshly made bread in Newtonville, MA, and more advice on how to make bread at home, speak with a professional at Great Harvest Bread Co. Learn about the amazing services that the best bakery in town offers by calling 617-928-1162 today!