Bread has become a staple breakfast option for most people. Since it is convenient and easy to make toast or a sandwich, pair it with an omelette or just have it with butter or jam while getting ready in the morning. But a thought regarding the quality of the store-bought loaf of bread must have crossed your mind at some point.
To ensure that your bread has the choicest ingredients without any additives and preservatives, you can bake bread at home. But there are a few things that you should keep in mind while baking bread. So, read to learn some common mistakes that can make your baking experience a disappointment and the ways to avoid them to get perfect loaves of bread.
Inaccurate Measurements
The first and the most basic mistake that is made while baking is taking inaccurate measurements. If you are a beginner, you should note that each recipe is perfected after many trials, and you should follow it as is. So, invest in quality measuring cups and a digital kitchen scale to get your measurements on point, and you’ll get just the perfect dough every time.
Using Inactive Yeast
One of the most important ingredients that is required to bake an airy bread is yeast. So, before adding yeast, check its expiration date as a rule. Next, since there are so many types of yeast available, you need to be aware of how they need to be added. For example, you should add instant yeast as is to the dry ingredients. However, if you are using dry yeast, it needs to be dissolved in warm water with some sugar to activate it.
Over-Flouring The Dough
Over-flouring the dough is a common mistake that bakers often make. To prevent the dough from sticking, bakers usually add more dough, which can hamper the quality of the bread. You should know that a slightly sticky dough develops a good gluten structure that gives an airy texture to the bread. So, resist the urge to use some more flour while kneading.
Inaccurate Water Temperature
Even though the temperature of all the ingredients, as stated in a recipe, is important, but keeping a note of the water temperature while baking bread is non-negotiable. You should note that if the water is really hot, the yeast has the potential to be killed. Also, using cold water will not activate the yeast, and your bread will not rise. So, always keep in mind to use lukewarm water, and you’ll have the best bread.
Being Impatient
Baking is a slow and therapeutic process. You cannot rush it and expect the results to be the same. Ensure that you are giving time to maintain the said temperatures of the ingredients, letting the dough rest, not opening the oven door to get a peak, etc. Just be patient and see what wonder mixing some ingredients and time can do and of course, enjoy your homemade loaf of bread.