Dough

• Making homemade bread dough: Dough serves as the base for countless bread varieties, including sourdough, whole wheat, and white bread. Kneading the dough develops gluten, resulting in a chewy texture. The dough is then proofed, allowing it to rise before baking into fresh, crusty loaves of bread.
• Crafting pizza dough from scratch: Combine flour, water, yeast, and olive oil to create pizza dough. This is then stretched or rolled out and topped with your favorite ingredients before baking to achieve a crispy crust.
• Preparing pastry dough for pies and tarts: Utilize dough to create flaky and tender pastry crusts for sweet and savory pies. Chill the dough well, and use cold butter to ensure a light and flaky crust. This is used as the base for pumpkin pie or apple crumble.
• Baking soft and fluffy rolls and buns: Doughs rich in butter, eggs and milk, are perfect for creating soft dinner rolls or sweet cinnamon buns. Often a second proof will result in the softest crumb.
• Creating versatile pasta dough: Combine flour, eggs, and a touch of olive oil to form fresh pasta dough, use a pasta machine or roll it out by hand before cutting it into various shapes like spaghetti, fettuccine, or ravioli. Fresh pasta can be cooked immediately or dried for later use.
• Making homemade dumplings and noodles: Adapt different kinds of dough for creating various types of dumplings or noodles. These are a popular addition to soups or stir-fries.

• Provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Can be a source of fiber, depending on the flour used.
• Offers essential nutrients like B vitamins when made with whole grains.
• May contribute to satiety and fullness.
• Whole grain versions can support healthy digestion.

Uncooked dough should typically be stored in the refrigerator to slow down the fermentation process. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors. Alternatively, you can freeze dough for longer storage. Divide the dough into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using. Cooked dough products, such as bread or pastries, should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic to maintain moisture. Bread can also be frozen to extend its shelf life.