FoodNet

The home science cook book

1902

Page 13 · 2 recipe records on this page

Presented as published in 1902. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
It is customary to knead dough when first mixed just enough to be certain that all ingredients are thor- oughly blended. Then it is put back in the bowl (earthenware gives the dough a more even temperature than tin) and covered while it is rising. Sometimes the uncovered dish is placed in a bread raiser, where it will be surrounded by moist warm air, or the surface of the dough is brushed over with melted fat. These precautions aid in preventing the formation of a dry crust caused by the evaporation of the water on the surface during the process of rising. Where the bread raiser is not possible, the bowl containing the dough may be set in a pan of warm water which is changed to keep an even temperature. If the dough must stand over night in a cool kitchen, the bowl is fre- Bread. 27 quently wrapped in a blanket to prevent the escape of heat. Time is often wasted in kneading dough, though it seems to be agreed that some kneading gives a better texture to the bread. After the dough has doubled in bulk it must be shaped for baking and should be kneaded enough to bring it into good shape and to redistribute the air bubbles which have run together and formed larger ones. No flour should be added at this stage, for much time is required to work in a little flour at this point. It is better to dip the fingers in melted fat if the dough inclines to stick, or milk may be used instead of the butter. First make smooth, round balls, then by gentle rolling and pressure the finger roll may be made, then continue the rolling till the strips can be twisted, or serve as sticks for soup. When rolls are to be cut out and folded, it is un- necessary to knead the dough, for the pressure of the rolling pin will equalize the air bubbles. Instead of making the dough for rolls rich with butter or lard, it is wiser to brush over the outside of the rolls with melted fat when they are put in the pan. The dough must be allowed to again double in bulk and then it is ready to bake. For fancy breads make a sponge first, and let the mixture rise three times. For bread add all the flour at once, knead slightly, and let rise till double in bulk. The baking of bread is an important part in its manufacture. In general, yeast doughs having risen before being put in the oven will bear a higher degree of heat at first than other doughs. Large loaves re- quire a more moderate oven than rolls, in order that 28 Home Science Cook Book. the heat may penetrate evenly, but they must remain a sufficient time to raise the center of the loaf to a degree of heat that will insure the destruction of the yeast. A moderate temperature often will allow the dough to continue rising and sour in the oven. Even in practical every-day cookery it is essential to remem- ber that yeast must be treated like other forms of plant life. When we want a seed to grow we must provide suitable temperature, the right kind of soil, and sufficient moisture. After the work of the yeast is done, and a puffy mass of dough is the result, the vitality of the yeast must be entirely destroyed by great heat. Bread — One Loaf. Rolls