"graham" > wrote in message
news:PfXzf.403116$ki.155422@pd7tw2no...
>
> "Vox Humana" > wrote in message
> . ..
>>
>> > wrote in message
>> oups.com...
>>> When making bread in a stand mixer, is it best to:
>>> Put the liquid into the bowl first and add the flour to it ...or...
>>> Put the flour into the bowl and add the liquid to it.
>>>
>>> Why?
>>>
>>> I'm a newbie at making bread, am using a KA mixer to make two loaves (
>>> about 3c bread flour to 1.5c WhiteWholeWheat flour ...water, oil,
>>> honey, etc. )
>>>
>>
>> I would suggest that you read the cookbook that came with the mixer.
>> There is a section on making bread with several recipe. I use instant
>> yeast, so I put the flour in the bowl along with all the other dry
>> ingredients. I turn on the mixer and slowly add the liquid until the
>> dough has formed to my liking. If I am using a recipe (as opposed to
>> just improvising), I use the minimum amount of flour indicated. For
>> instance, if the recipe says to use 5 - 6 cup, I use 5 cups. In the
>> event that you add too much liquid, you can add flour, a few tablespoons
>> at a time, until the dough is just right. Too sticky is better than too
>> dry.
> I've found that this method won't work with moister doughs. If you start
> with the flour in the bowl and then add the liquid while the mixer turns,
> the dough will reach the "clean off the bowl" stage when the dough is too
> dry. It is virtually impossible to add water at this stage. It is much
> better to start with the liquid in the bowl first and, indeed, this is
> what the books with my mixers tell you to do. With the food processor one
> adds the liquid to the flour while the machine runs.
> Graham

I guess it all depends on how fast you add the liquid. As with most kitchen
tasks, what works for one person doesn't always work for the next.