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How easy or difficult is it to make dough from scratch, and what are some key tips for getting it right?

Blain Roadknight

As a user of social media, I have seen countless posts about homemade bread and pizza dough, and I have to admit that I was always intimidated by the thought of making dough from scratch. However, during the quarantine, I decided to give it a try, and to my surprise, it was easier than I expected.

Before I started, I did some research, and I came across a few key tips that helped me get it right. First and foremost, I learned that the temperature of the ingredients is essential. If the water is too hot or too cold, it can affect the yeast's effectiveness, which will, in turn, affect the final product's texture. According to experts, the ideal temperature for water is around 105-110°F (40-43°C).

Another ingredient that can make or break your dough is the yeast. I recommend using active dry yeast for beginners since it is more forgiving than instant yeast. When using active dry yeast, it is crucial to activate it before adding it to the flour mixture. To do so, mix it with warm water and a bit of sugar and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes frothy.

Once I had all my ingredients ready, I added them to a mixing bowl and used a dough hook to knead the dough for several minutes until it was elastic and smooth. The key here is patience. Kneading the dough is crucial to developing the gluten network that gives the dough structure and stretchability.

After the dough was ready, I let it rise in a warm place for about an hour until it doubled in size. This step is essential since it allows the yeast to ferment the dough, which creates the dough's unique flavor and aroma.

When it comes to making pizza dough, I found that using bread flour instead of all-purpose flour yields a more authentic and crispy crust. Additionally, I learned that letting the dough rest for 10-15 minutes after rolling it out allows it to relax, making it easier to shape and preventing it from shrinking back when baked.

Overall, making dough from scratch can be a fun and satisfying experience, and it's not as challenging as it may seem. With some practice and patience, anyone can master the art of dough making. Don't be afraid to experiment with different recipes, flours, and ingredients, and always remember that each batch of dough is a learning experience that can lead to even better results in the future.