The Windowpane Test for Bread Making

The "Windowpane Test" or "Membrane Test" is one of the best ways to tell if you have kneaded your bread enough. It basically lets you know how your gluten development is coming along. You can perform this test after five minutes of kneading, especially when your bread dough is feeling stretchy. If it tears easily, just continue kneading and try the test again until you reach the desired results.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Bread making
• recipes
• kneading bread
• baking
• testing bread

[CyberRascal132]

Hey, thanks for the video, very helpful :) I've got one tiny problem though. I've never been able to knead my dough as you do, since it sticks to everything and everyone. I usually work at a dough at 65% hydration. Could you tell me what hydration your bread here is at? When you lift the dough it seems pretty soft, but still not sticky! I usually mix for 4 minutes or so with a spoon, then rest for 30 minutes, then knead in salt for another 4 minutes. Still sticky! :(

[CookingWithCandra]

@CyberRascal132 Hmmmmm....what's the hydration on my dough?...that's a very good question. One that I can't answer...LOL I just keep kneading and adding flour lightly as kneaded. I have found that some people who apply alot of pressure or muscle power when kneading their bread have problems with sticky dough. Not sure if that helps or not :)

[elisabella20]

Hope this isn't a dumb question but why is it important to knead bread?

[CookingWithCandra]

@elisabella20 To form the gluten and create a nice light texture and crumb.

[pett902]

YES indeed, im a BIG BIG fan of yours. aside from being a good chef and a teacher, you are a great mentor to me. im so grateful that you really find time to reply to all our questions, comments and emails. ;-) wink!.

[CookingWithCandra]

@pett902 All of the great comments make all the hard work worth it!!!! thanks so much for watching and writing!!!!

[CookingWithCandra]

@pett902 Aside from my Family...I think you must be my biggest fan...LOL

[pett902]

Do you want to bake the softest, chewiest, most delicious bread?

Try to bake all Candra's simple bread recipes and you will never buy a loaf outside! ;-) wink!

[CookingWithCandra]

@beansproutbun Uh Oh...How did your bread turn out?