Kneadlessly Simple: Fabulous, Fuss-Free, No-Knead Breads Read online

  Fats—Corn oil (or other nearly flavorless vegetable oil), olive oil, and unsalted butter are the types of fat called for in Kneadlessly Simple recipes. All three increase crust tenderness, promote browning, and add a pleasant smoothness, or mouthfeel, to the crumb, and in doing so help give various breads their distinctive character. The crust and crumb tenderizing properties increase as the amount of fat increases, which is why fat-laden breads such as brioche have a velvety, cake-like consistency. Olive oil and particularly butter also contribute flavor and aroma, although since all fats are flavor carriers, corn oil heightens the taste of the other ingredients, too. Remember that besides having markedly different flavors, these fats solidify at different temperatures, necessitating completely different methods of incorporation into recipes: Corn oil will stay fluid when added directly to ice water. Olive oil and butter will solidify, so must instead be separately added to dry ingredients or doughs.

  Unsalted butter is the best choice for baking bread because the total salt content of the dough is easier to control and because assessing the quality and freshness of butter is easier when it lacks salt. Extra-virgin olive oil also lends a fruitier taste than "regular" olive oil, though either can be used. Due the tendency of all fats to become rancid during storage and their ability to pick up and carry flavors, for good-tasting bread, be scrupulous about using only very fresh butter and oils.

  Sweeteners—Granulated and brown sugar, honey, and molasses (and in one recipe, maple syrup) have the obvious effect of adding sweetness and flavor to yeast breads, and they also promote tenderness and browning. But there are other equally important (though less obvious) consequences to adding sweeteners, and these make it risky to casually increase or decrease amounts or ignore instructions on when and how to add them. In small quantities, the granular sweeteners (white and brown sugar) encourage yeast growth by providing a readily fermentable source of food. But too much granular sugar hinders yeast organisms, because as it dissolves it draws up water they need. Increasing or decreasing liquid sweeteners also dramatically alters the dough by changing the proportion of water, which may necessitate an adjustment in the amount of flour. For best results, use clover honey, "regular" (never blackstrap) molasses, and medium amber maple syrup; these impart flavor without overpowering the other taste and aroma components of bread. Several recipes have been designed so that either honey or molasses can be used; either will work well, though honey delivers more sweetness, and the molasses more color and robust flavor.

  Dairy Products—Milk products, including instant nonfat dry milk powder, buttermilk powder, and yogurt, and eggs are the dairy enrichments occasionally used in Kneadlessly Simple. These increase the food value of bread by increasing the protein, fat, sugar, and vitamins and minerals, of course, but are equally important for heightening and deepening flavor, increasing crumb softness and tenderness, and promoting crust browning and sheen. In fact, eggs enhance crust appearance so effectively that they are often used as a finishing wash or glaze that is brushed on loaves. Be sure to use only "drinking quality" name-brand instant nonfat milk; the particles are finer (facilitating easier incorporation into doughs) and the taste is much cleaner and more appealing than that of discount or generic brands.

  Seeds, Nuts, and Dried Fruits—While these additions boost fiber and nutrients, they are even more important in lending character to certain breads by giving them a uniquely appealing appearance, taste, and texture. Sometimes dried fruits and seeds are added during the first rise so they will have plenty of time to plump and soften (or perhaps become chewy), as well as become more digestible. However, where crunchiness is desired, seeds and nuts are added later, either before or after the second rise. In general, when raisins and other dried fruits are added before the first rise, directions call for partially hydrating them by rinsing them under hot water first. This helps ensure that they won't absorb too much moisture and discourage the fermentation and gluten-developing process. This initial partial hydration is often skipped when they are added later, as their gradual plumping during the second rise helps stiffen the dough and ready it for shaping and baking.

  Freshness is vital for all these additions: Seeds and nuts are rich in fat, so must be fresh to taste good. And leathery, dried-out raisins, dried cranberries, and such will be tough and tasteless and can even dry out doughs. All these items are usually most economical when purchased in bulk; health food and baking supply stores also turn over their supplies of seeds, nuts, and dried fruits rapidly, which helps to ensure their freshness. Store your purchases airtight and refrigerated.

  Troubleshooting Kneadlessly Simple Breads

  Possible Problems, Causes, And Remedies

  The Kneadlessly Simple method is simple and builds in many safeguards, so that most of the problems listed below are very unlikely to occur. But just in case, here are some problems, possible causes, and suggested remedies.

  No Visible Bubbling or Dough Rising and No Yeasty Aroma during the First Rise

  Yeast was omitted.

  Correct the oversight by combining the yeast with ¼ cup flour, sprinkling it over the dough, then stirring vigorously to incorporate.

  Yeast wasn't viable (due to improper or overly long storage or use of "expired" yeast).

  Correct the problem by adding yeast from a different, fresher package using the method above.

  Dense, Heavy Loaf or Insufficient or Extremely Slow Rising

  Yeast near or past its expiration date.

  Yeast organisms gradually lose potency and eventually die. Even "unexpired" but improperly stored yeast may no longer be fully active and potent, so don't take a chance on it. (Once a yeast packet has been opened, it should be placed in an airtight container, refrigerated, and used within 3 months.)

  Insufficient amount of yeast was added by mistake.

  Be sure you use the right measure from your set of measuring spoons. Measure out the yeast by overfilling the appropriate spoon (or spoons) and sweeping across the top until the quantity is level.

  Excessive quantities of yeast-inhibiting ingredients were incorporated into dough.

  Even relatively small quantities of certain spices, herbs, salt, and other ingredients can hinder yeast activity, so resist the impulse to change amounts of recipe seasonings.

  Unexpectedly large amounts of whole grains, fat, sugar, and/or salt were incorporated.

  Kneadlessly Simple recipes call for the right amount of yeast to accommodate these yeast-inhibiting ingredients, but if substitutions are made, proportions can be off and cause poor rising.

  Rising took place at a very chilly room temperature and/or the dough contained colder than normal ingredients.

  If the room or ingredients are unusually cold, factor this in, then simply allow extra time for the dough to rise. It needs to reach the height specified in the recipe.

  Loaf was baked before the dough had enough time to rise fully.

  Some doughs rise a lot in the oven, others (particularly those with a high percentage of whole grains) don't. Follow recipes on how much doughs should rise before going in the oven.

  Too much sugar was added.

  Excess sugar makes the dough look more fluid, but in fact it actually draws up water, robbing the yeast of the amount needed for vigorous growth. Use only the amount of sugar called for in the recipe.

  Dough was left too long during an extended rise in the refrigerator.

  Depending on the recipe, loaves should be held in the refrigerator for a maximum of 24 to 48 hours; longer storage reduces yeast potency.

  Dough Overflows the Pan During Second Rise or Baking

  Dough rose too long or in an overly warm room, causing over-fermentation

  If the room is overly warm, always compensate by cutting back on the rising time.

  Too much yeast was added by mistake.

  The amount of yeast specified in recipes is calculated to produce the right amount of fermentation and rising. Measure carefully when adding yeast.

  The pan
used was too small.

  When dough is put in a pan, at least ¾ inch should remain at the top to accommodate rising. If the dough nearly fills the pan before any rising, the remaining space is insufficient to handle the normal volume increase and the excess dough may hang over the sides. Switch to a bigger pan.

  Dough was too moist and soft.

  Doughs with too much liquid or insufficient flour to stiffen them can run over the rim as they rise. Be sure to stiffen doughs with more flour before the second rise if this is specified in the directions.

  Loaf Sinks in the Center or Completely Collapses

  Dough was over-raised before being put in the oven.

  Loaves inadvertently allowed to rise too high may not support themselves. If possible, stir down over-risen dough and let it rise the proper amount before baking.

  Dough was too wet, which "diluted" the gluten and weighed down the loaf.

  Be sure to add in enough flour before the second rise, as directed in the recipe.

  Loaf was removed from the oven before interior was baked through.

  Carefully check for doneness with a skewer inserted in the thickest part, or, better yet, with an instant-read thermometer as directed in the recipe.

  Bread Gummy, Doughy, or Wet-Looking in the Middle or on the Bottom

  Loaf was under-baked.

  Due to the relative moistness of Kneadlessly Simple loaves, they need to be more thoroughly baked than conventional recipes. Check for doneness with a skewer or, if possible, an instant-read thermometer. When the interior seems done, always bake for an extra 5 to 10 minutes to be sure. (If the top is already very brown, cover it with foil first.) An instant-read thermometer is the best insurance against under-baking.

  Ingredient proportions were off due to inaccurate measuring.

  Adding too much water or fat and too little flour can throw the chemistry out of balance; measure carefully. If you bake often, consider investing in kitchen scales to ensure accurate measuring.

  Oven thermostat was off.

  Many home ovens run too hot or too cold. If baking times are routinely long and loaves don't brown well or bake thoroughly, check temperatures with an oven thermometer.

  Loaf was cut while still hot.

  The pressure from the cutting can squash and compact a loaf before it has time to set up and become firm. It's hard to wait, but try to!

  Loaf Crust Burns or Browns Excessively Before the Inside Is Done

  Loaf was baked on the wrong oven rack.

  Most loaves bake best in the lower third of the oven; in most ovens, this means the rack placement slot just below the middle one. When recipes call for baking on the lowest rack, choose the rack slot closest to the oven floor.

  Oven thermostat was out of whack or temperature was set too high.

  Breads containing a lot of dairy products, chocolate, or sweeteners tend to over-brown in a hot (over 375°F) oven. Be sure the thermostat is operating correctly.

  A very dark metal pan was used.

  Dark pans absorb heat so efficiently that they sometimes over-brown baked goods, especially when loaves contain eggs, fat, sugar, and other enrichments. Switch to a lighter-colored pan.

  Loaf was not covered with foil as directed in the recipe.

  Enriched doughs naturally brown rapidly and many need to be covered part of the way through baking to prevent over-browning It's a good idea to occasionally check browning progress during baking, as not all ovens brown at the same rate.

  Crust Looks Pale or Under-Browned

  Oven thermostat was off, temperature was set too low, or preheating time was too short.

  Lean doughs (those lacking fat, sugar, milk, and eggs) need a high temperature (over 375°F) for good browning, especially during the first 15 minutes of baking.

  Required wash, glaze, or spritz of water was omitted.

  Some lean doughs call for an egg wash, glaze, or spritz of water to encourage crust browning. If it is omitted, they will look pale.

  A very light metal baking pan was used.

  Very shiny, light-colored pans are often too reflective and divert heat away from the loaf. Switch to a different pan.

  Bread Lacks Flavor

  Salt was omitted or too small an amount was added.

  Kneadlessly Simple breads normally have plenty of flavor due to the use of a long first rise, but if salt is omitted, they can taste flat.

  Loaf Tastes too Sour or Yeasty, or Has Off Flavors

  Too much yeast was added.

  Excessive amounts of yeast can cause over-fermentation, producing excess acid and alcohol that give breads strong aromas and flavors.

  Stale ingredients were used.

  Old flour, fat, nuts, or seeds, etc., will not be improved or masked by baking; start with fresh, good-quality ingredients.

  Dough over-rose.

  This can occur if the dough rising period is much longer than recommended; or the rising takes place in an overly warm room; or the dough is held longer than recommended in the refrigerator. All of these can lead to over-fermentation and an off taste.

  Bread Is Dry and Crumbly

  Overly dry additions such as stale, hard dried fruit, or dried-out cornmeal, oats, or seeds were added.

  These can draw too much moisture from the dough, so always use fresh products.

  Instructions to rehydrate certain ingredients were skipped.

  Heed the directions to pre-soak dried fruits, seeds, etc., as they will otherwise hydrate using moisture in the dough.

  Wrong flour was used.

  When bread flour is called for, it is needed to provide proper structure and in some cases to prevent a crumbly texture.

  Measurements were off, proportion of white wheat flour or bread flour was too low.

  Wheat flours develop the gluten that keeps breads from being crumbly, so don't arbitrarily substitute other kinds of flour.

  Loaf Is Misshapen

  Loaf was not slashed as directed.

  Not all breads require slashing, but for some it's very important: This step encourages the loaf to expand fully and the crust to split attractively, rather than in an unpredictable "blow-out" fashion.

  Wrong size pan was used.

  A too-small pan can cause the loaf to hang over the sides or look lopsided. A too-large pan can yield a flat or skimpy- looking loaf.

  Chapter 3: Easiest Ever Yeast Breads

  The recipes in this chapter are so easy I could have called them beginner breads. I didn't, though, because I don't want experienced bakers to skip them or dismiss them as unsophisticated or beneath consideration. They are neither! As the results that come from your oven will unequivocally prove, a few uncomplicated, hassle-free steps can produce breads with superb flavor and texture and plenty of eye appeal.

  How is it possible to eliminate all the traditional fussing and fiddling from yeast baking without sacrificing quality? The Kneadlessly Simple method just builds in time for the naturally occurring chemical processes that we now know develop both flavor and gluten in yeast dough to proceed uninterrupted. In other words, this approach just lets nature take its course and do the kneading and flavor enhancing for us.

  Since none of the recipes in this book require kneading, there are other things that earn the ones in this chapter the "Easiest Ever" designation:

  They require no hand-shaping and involve no time-consuming or tricky steps.

  They call for few ingredients—usually only a couple beyond the essential flour, water, yeast, and salt.

  They are especially convenient: All or most ingredients are added before the first rise.

  Easy White Bread Loaves

  KS Quotient

  Super Easy: A minimum of fuss-free, easily mixed ingredients. No hand-shaping.

  If you love fresh, homemade yeast bread, but think of it as complicated or labor-intensive to prepare, please go to your kitchen and try this recipe! You'll create light, attractive, traditional-style white bread with excellent flavor, while skipping all the traditi
onal usual work—no yeast proofing, kneading, hand-shaping, or muss and fuss. And, like all the other recipes in Kneadlessly Simple, this one requires no bread machine, heavy-duty mixer, food processor, or other special equipment.