Showerthought: My old way of kneading dough was basically a wrestling match

For years I'd fight with a sticky sourdough on my counter in Austin, but after a baker friend saw me and laughed, she showed me the coil fold method. What's the weirdest kneading or shaping trick you've picked up from someone else?

3 comments

3 Comments

thomas.piper3mo ago

Honestly, watching a pro baker handle wet ciabatta dough like they're folding a super delicate letter changed everything for me. That gentle touch feels wrong but works so much better than fighting it.

cooper.nathan3mo ago

My first ciabatta was a sticky mess because I was too gentle. Sometimes that dough needs a firm hand to build structure, not just a soft touch. I get what you mean, @thomas.piper, but a little fight can be good.

ben4021mo ago

Yeah @cooper.nathan I used to fight my dough too until I burned out my mixer motor one time.