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Submitted by DrPr on May 29, 2009 - 11:08am Dough temperature and windowpane test questionI have read that when you knead dough, it should reach about 78* and should pass the windowpane test. My problem is, if it's hot out, my dough will be 84*F and still not pass the windowpane test. How important is temperature monitoring when kneading by hand, and how are temperature and the windowpane test related? What I'm really asking, I guess, is what negative effect would occur by stopping kneading once the dough has surpassed 84* without passing the windpowpane test. And also, what would be the effect of passing the windowpane test if the dough hasn't reached 78*. (By the way, please bear with me on the 78* thing. I'm not wedded to it; I just want to learn the importance of dough temperature as an indicator of over/underkneading, and its relationship to the vaunted windowpane test).
Thanks!!
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Adjusting dough temperature
You can achieve a dough that is closer to 78F by using the "Rule of 240" and adjusting the temperature of the water you add to your dough to compensate.
http://www.sourdoughhome.com/bakingintro2.html#ruleof240
You want to make sure that you get your gluten formed, regardless of the end temperature of your dough, however. If you stop before it passes the windowpane test, your gluten may not be strong enough to trap air during rising. Overkneading it once you've reached the right texture just to get it to the right temperature can result in a tough bread, or kneading so much that your dough tears.
The temperature of your dough effects how fast or slow it will rise. If your dough is warmer than recommended it will rise faster, colder and it will rise slower.
Maybe you need ice water
This time of year in Western North Carolina I am dealing with somewhat warms temperatures. Most everything going into my bread is already in the mid 70's. Then I am using a mixer (in this case a Bosch) so I find I need to use ice water when I make my dough. In most cases around 34 to 36 F. My pre-ferment is at room temperature, as is my flour, fat, etc. and the only thing I can control with ease is the water temperature. This time of year I find ice water works well.
I think one of the great "miss directions" in most recipes is to add warm water. Maybe in winter up north -- but here I would say never.
Dave
Or...just keep track
The rule of 240 is great...or, just write down each time you make your bread:
Over time you'll see the pattern. If math is your friend, you can even do a regression and make a two-variable formula.
Note that I didn't include the mixing time because I expect that the time required to get the dough to the desired structure will be independent of temperature.
Allen
PS: I usually target 75F DDT (desired dough temperature) because I want slightly longer bulk fermentation times so as to allow more enzymatic flavor development.