8
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Flatbread Basics
Thickness
•
The consistency of the dough will
be a major factor in the thickness
of the flatbread. Softer, wetter
dough will be easier to press
resulting in thinner, larger breads.
The type and amount of flour and
fat, and the use of leavening
agents, will also influence the
consistency of the dough.
•
The dough for all recipes should
be soft and pliable. Ideally, the
dough should be wet, but not
sticky. You will know if the dough
is too wet if it sticks to your hands
or the Press during pressing.
Measuring Tips
Accurate measurement of the
following ingredients is the best
way to ensure that the dough will
be the right consistency.
Liquid
Use a clear plastic or glass
measuring cup when measuring
liquids. Place the cup on a level
surface; make sure your eye is
level with the amount you are
measuring.
Flour
Before measuring, stir the flour to
“lighten” it. Use a metal or plastic
cup made for measuring dry ingre-
dients. Spoon the flour into the cup
and level off with a knife or spatula.
Do not dip the cup into the flour or
bang down on the counter to level
the cup. This will pack the flour and
result in over-measurement.
Texture Tips
Oil, Shortening, and Butter
•
You may use vegetable oil, short-
ening, or butter. Many of the recipes
call for 2-3 tablespoons of oil.
Tortillas made with 3 tablespoons
of oil will press out slightly larger
and have a flakier texture.
•
If using 2 tablespoons of oil, add
1 additional tablespoon of water
to replace the liquid.
•
If using shortening, use a rubber
spatula to press it firmly into a
dry measuring cup. Level off
using a knife or metal spatula.
Baking Powder
Baking powder has been added to
all of the tortilla recipes in this book.
It can be eliminated, but its addition
helps to give the tortillas a lighter
texture and thickness.
Size
•
The amount of dough and the
pressure you exert when pressing
the dough will determine the size
and thickness of the flatbread.
The tip of the Latch on the Handle
produces an average flatbread.
The further the handle rotates
clockwise the thinner the flatbread.
For Example:
The recipe for the
flour tortilla instructs you to divide
the dough into 6 pieces. If you
press each piece 2 to 4 times and
turn the Latch clockwise to the
end, you will get an 8-inch tortilla.
In this case you are exerting the
most pressure and flattening as
much as possible.
Flatbread Basics
