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Re: windowpane

MA <bookworm0011@gmail.com>
Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:08:21 -0700
v108.n016.3
Jim,

I don't know what the window pane test is, never have used it, as I 
bake basic breads but have been doing so for close to 30 years. I 
usually knead my bread dough using my faithful KitchenAid mixer. It 
takes about 7 minutes to knead the dough using the mixer. By hand it 
should take about 10 to 15 minutes, at a good guess, until the dough 
is elastic. I used to knead dough by hand but it's been a long time. 
To knead by hand, fold and turn the dough 1/4 turn, until the dough is elastic.

Also, I stick to using bread flour or use King Arthur AP flour.

Finally, I now make bread using the food processor. I have a 14 cup 
Cuisinart and a 12 cup KitchenAid food processor. Both make two 
loaves of bread using 3 cups flour for each loaf. For this method, I 
add all the dry ingredients including the yeast, and give the food 
processor a whirl. I then add the liquids and then carefully knead 
the dough. it only takes a couple spins to knead the dough. Then  I 
let the dough rise, shape, rise again and bake.

I learned to bake using the 1951 and 1956 Betty Crocker cookbooks. 
Both have good directions and photos on how to bake bread.

Mary