Bread Baking

[Amanda]

Can anyone tell me just how long "knead until smooth and elastic" is? 5 min, 15 min, 2 min?
Thanks!!

[2sdae]

I dont know how long but until it feels like fondant maybe?

[Amanda]

Can I over-knead? What happens if I do?

[bupbup74]

I can't help you with that. I've always used a bread maker.

[Amanda]

Just a little story, no real point to it.....
My great grandmother was a baker who received local acclaim for her cinnamon rolls. She used to bake them fresh every day for the local hotels and restaurants in her home town of Fort Dodge Iowa. People would even knock on her door and ask if she had any cinnamon rolls. If she did, she would charge them 5 cents! She kept her family afloat while her husband drank away all they had. She eventually died (a long time ago) after terrible Alzheimer's and several bouts of pneumonia.
Anyway, I've inherited her recipe, and it gives Cinnabon a good run for it's money! I can make them fine, but I just don't know if they could be even better if I kneaded longer...or shorter. I want to make it one of my signature items and I need to get it down pat. I could really use some good advice!
Thanks!!

[cakebaker]

I don't knead by hand anymore, I let my KA do the work. With a mixer and it usually takes 10 minutes or so. I don't think you can get specific on the time because of all the factors involved..humidity etc.

I did find this test to see if you've kneaded it enough..

"To do a test to see if the dough is elastic, take a small piece of dough and flour the dough and your fingers. Slowly in a circular motion, stretch the dough to see it is elastic enough. It it is not, the dough will break easily as it cannot be stretch too much."

What a great story! Oh, and if you ever decide to share that recipe, let us know!

[Amanda]

What a great tip! That will help alot. Thanks! I never thought of using my mixer and dough hook. I may have to experiment tomorrow.
I always thought it would be neat, if I were to ever open up a shop, to sell small versions of "Mabel's Cinnamon Rolls" for like, 15 cents a piece as an homage to her. Oh, and some homemade Norwegian lefsa, as she came over from Norway as a young girl. Everyone needs a niche!

[cakebaker]

Very smart idea! I know I'd be lined up every morning if I lived close enough. You sell the cinnamon roll for next to nothing, but the business it would bring in would be incredible!

[2sdae]

what a draw...fresh cinnamon rolls....we'd be beating down your door!!!!

[bupbup74]

That sounds like a marvelous niche for you Amanda!