Chapter 31 Quick Breads Copyright 2011 by John

Mixing and Production Methods Types of dough Dough mixtures for quick breads are generally of two types: 1. Soft doughs • Used for biscuits • Rolled out and cut into desired shapes • Mixed by the biscuit method 2. Batters • Pour batter: Liquid enough to poured • Drop batter: Thicker and drops from a spoon in lumps 2

Mixing and Production Methods Gluten Development in Quick Breads Only slight gluten development is desired in most quick breads. • Muffin, loaf bread, and pancake batters are mixed as little as possible. • Biscuit dough is often lightly kneaded, enough to develop some flakiness but not enough to toughen the product. • Chemical leavening agents do not create the same kind of textures that yeast does. • Popovers are the exception among quick breads because they require significant gluten development. • They are made with a thin batter and leavened by steam only. 3

Mixing and Production Methods The Biscuit Method Variations on the basic procedure produce different characteristics in the finished product. 1. Using slightly more shortening and cutting it in less— until the pieces are the size of peas—produces a flakier biscuit. 2. Omitting the kneading step produces a tender, crustier biscuit, but one with less volume. 4

Mixing and Production Methods The Biscuit Method Make-up of Biscuits 1. Roll the biscuit dough into a sheet about ½ in. (1 cm) thick. 2. Cut into desired shapes. 3. Place the biscuits ½ in. (1 cm) apart on a baking sheet for crisp-crusted biscuits. • For softer biscuits, the biscuits should be touching each other on the baking sheet. 4. Bake as soon as possible. 5

Mixing and Production Methods The Muffin Method • This mixing method is used not only for muffins but also for: • • Pancakes Waffles Quick loaf breads Coffee cakes • Loaf breads and coffee cakes are sometimes higher in fat and sugar than muffins. • These can withstand more mixing without toughening. 6

Mixing and Production Methods The Muffin Method • Quick breads mixed by the muffin method are not as rich and cake-like as many of today’s popular muffins, which are closer to cakes than traditional muffins. • Keep this in mind as you practice the muffin method with recipes. 7

Mixing and Production Methods The Muffin Method Sift together the dry ingredients. Add the combined liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix just until the flour is moistened. Pan and bake immediately. Scoop the batter from the outside edge to minimize additional mixing. 8

Mixing and Production Methods The Well Mixing Method • This name comes from the technique of mixing a dough directly on the workbench rather than in a bowl (commonly used in European pastry shops). • In order to keep the liquid ingredients from flowing away, the chef makes a well in the dry ingredients and pours the liquid ingredients into this well. 9

Mixing and Production Methods Summary: Biscuit Method 1. Combine dry ingredients and cut in fat. 2. Combine liquid ingredients. 3. Add liquid to dry ingredients and mix until just combined. 4. If required, knead very lightly. 10

Mixing and Production Methods Summary: Muffin Method 1. Combine dry Ingredients. 2. Combine liquid ingredients, including melted fat. 3. Add liquid to dry ingredients and mix until just combined. 11