Basic Tips [Michael Bromilow's Personal Wiki]

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====== Basic Tips ======
This is stuff I've picked up along the way. Maybe it's obvious, but I might as well document it here.

===== Oven usage =====
  * Avoid convection to prevent browning off.
    * When making baked goods like cakes, bread and cookies (basically anything which //sets//), it is supposedly better **not** to use the convection/fan setting on the oven. Using it causes premature browning/setting which can stunt the rising of bread and cakes (or cause cracks in a cake as seen in the 2020-06-07 [[.cake:madeira_cake]]).  
    * This is also a really useful tip to know for pizzas, since sometimes they brown off on top too early (before they have cooked) so using the conventional setting allows for a crunchy bottom without burnt toppings.

===== Making bread =====
==== Mixing/kneading ====
  * Add flour to dough until can't mix with wooden spoon.
  * Give flour time to absorb moisture in recipe.
  * Add lots of flour to the work surface and knead it in.
  * Give the dough some time to rest halfway through kneading.
  * Dough should be pretty sticky!