Kneading the dough is one of the most important steps in bread baking. This step more than any other will determine the outcome of the bread.
Instructions
1. Start with dough that has been measured and mixed properly. (See Related eHows for dough recipes.)
2. Turn the dough out on a clean, floured work surface.
3. Flour your hands well.
4. Use the heel of your hands to compress and push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself.
5. Give the dough a little turn and repeat Step 4. Put the weight of your body into the motion and get into a rhythm.
6. Keep folding over and compressing the dough until it becomes smooth and slightly shiny, almost satiny. Check your recipe for specifics. The most common test for doneness is to press it with your finger. If the indentation remains, it's ready for rising. You can also try stretching part of the dough into a rectangle. If it can stretch into a thin sheet without breaking, you've kneaded it enough.
Tags: your hands