Determine if Bread Dough Has Been Mixed Long Enough
Also called membrane test, windowpane test helps determine if lean bread dough has been mixed long enough.
Steps
- After about 5 minutes of kneading, especially when dough feels stretchy, pinch off a small piece and stretch it slowly apart
- Pulling and rotating it gently to stretch this piece of dough into a thin, translucent membrane
- If it tears easily, continue kneading a few more minutes and try the test again
Tips
- Consider adding either more water or flour if dough has still not the proper consistency (still sticky to touch) after 10 minutes or so of kneading. It takes practice, so be patient.
- It helps if your fingers are adequately floured. Dough will stick to bare skin.
Warnings
- Over-mixed dough is stringy and tends to stick to your fingers like bubblegum. The good news is that it takes a long time to over mix dough. Unfortunately, there is no remedy for over-mixed dough. You just have to throw it away and start over.
Things You'll Need
- Fundamental knowledge of what gluten is and how it develops is helpful but not necessary
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- Survive Without Cooking
- Make Greek Whole Grain Olive Bread
Sources and Citations
- Although windowpane test is simple to do, it's helpful to understand the formation of gluten to fully appreciate the essence of this test. Visit http://www.cookies-in-motion.com/Gourmet-Cookies.html for easy-to-understand details of gluten development.
