Why I chose hand kneading over stand mixer for sourdough

I know everyone swears by the stand mixer these days, but I went back to kneading by hand about 3 months ago and my loaves have never been better. The crust gets this nice irregular crumb that I just couldn't get with the mixer on speed 2 in my kitchen in Portland. Anyone else find that hand kneading gives you more control over the dough's feel?

2 comments

2 Comments

paul_burns7d ago

Kneading by feel is everything, I switched back six months ago in my Seattle kitchen too

phoenix8457d ago

Haha totally feel you on that. "Kneading by feel" - more like "kneading by guesswork and prayer" in my kitchen, I've definitely thrown a few too-wet doughs right in the trash after telling myself I had the right feel.