Hamelman Mixing Instructions - Ankarsrum and KA -
On page 12 of Hamelman's "Bread" book he states that gluten development is obtained at approximately 900 -1000 revolutions. At the bottom of that page he has a chart showing various types of mixers and the suggested speeds and times for each.
I have an Ankarsrum and also a KitchenAid. I've placed a piece of tape on the bowl (Ankarsrum) or on the paddle (KA) and counted the strokes. By my calculations the strokes fall way short and don't add up.
Take the KA. I estimate 7 minutes and @ speed 1 and then speed 2. Approximate average 135 RPM. But I count the KA - speed 1 = 50 RPM and speed 2 = 66 RPM.
The Ankarsrum 6 minutes total kneading time. Speed 1 = 56 RPM, speed 2 = 68 RPM.
Since I don't have anyone to physically show me I try to take the instructions verbatim.
I'd prefer not to oxidize and/or over mix the dough.
I am especially interested in the Ankarsrum, since I plan to use this in the future for all kneading
Can anyone help with this?
I'm finding that mixing times in the Ankarsrum need to be much longer than in the KA to develop the dough, but that's okay because it is much more gentle on the dough - more like hand mixing. See my videos on this post. The 'recipe book' that came with the Ank seems to recommend ten to 15 minutes mixing time for most of the recipes. Try making a small batch and just letting it go. Watch the dough develop and see at what point it gets to where you like it.
Also, I am now turning the Ank up higher (put the speed dial around 3 o'clock position or even 4 or 5 o'clock) for a higher-hydration dough. It doesn't seem to heat the dough up.
Is oxidation an issue in your opinion? Does it affect the taste? I have been in the habit of thoroughly kneading in order to develop the gluten, but Hamelman discourages this.
Even though the Ankarsrum is said to not heat the dough, isn't oxidation caused by introduction air (oxygen) during the stretching phase of the kneading process?
By-the-way; great videos Lazy Loafer. Even though they run long, it is the next best thing to sitting in an actual class. The length of the video is a benefit to those of us that are trying to get a grasp on the Ankarsrum. Thanks for taking the time to help...