strudel dough
sTrudel dough is a slightly enriched soft dough.
Bread flour is used for strudel dough because of its higher protein content, which accounts for the
development of the elasticity of the dough that allow sit to be stretched to make thin layers of
pas- try. The dough is mixed well to develop the gluten
and then allowed to rest in a warm place (cold dough
has less elasticity and is therefore more difficult to work with). The dough is then stretched
until extremely thin and transparent. Commercially made phyllo dough, another thin flaky dough, is
often used in place of strudel dough.
laminated doughs
laminaTed doughs include croissanT, puff pastry, and Danish. Proper layering (lamination) is
vital, as it is the combination of fat and dough in even layers that causes expansion and creates
the ultimate flaky texture characteristic of laminated doughs. When the dough is baked, the fat
melts, creating pock- ets where released steam from the moisture in the dough acts to leaven the
dough. As the steam leav- ens the pockets in between the dough layers, caus- ing the product to
expand and rise, the remaining fat “fries” the dough so that the air spaces are retained.
Creating the proper number of fat and dough layers is critical to the success of laminated doughs.
With too few layers, the steam will escape and the pastry will not rise. Folding the dough too many
times can be a problem because the layers of fat and dough merge together as the fat begins to
become incorporated into the dough, rather than remaining as separate layers, thus preventing the
dough from rising.
Folding may be the most important factor in making a laminated dough, as the distinct layers of fat
and dough must be maintained throughout the process. The dough must be rolled out evenly and the
corners kept squared throughout the lock-in (the stage at which the roll-in butter is introduced to
the dough) and all subsequent folds to ensure proper layering. The basic steps for laminated doughs
are:
1. A previously prepared dough (the initial dough) is folded and rolled together with a block of
fat called a roll-in. To prepare the dough, sift the flours together. Blend in the butter on low
speed with a dough hook attachment until pea-size nug- gets form.
2. Combine the water and salt; add all at once to the dough and mix on low speed until smooth.
Dough that is to be laminated must be mixed care- fully. Over mixing can result in too much gluten
formation, making the dough elastic and difficult to roll out.
3. Shape the dough into a rough square or rect- angle. Transfer to a sheet pan lined with
parchment paper, wrap the dough in plastic wrap, and allow it to relax under refrigeration for 30
to 60 minutes. The dough should be gently rolled into the desired shape for the lock-in before it
is refrigerated to reduce the amount of manipulation necessary dur- ing lock-in and lamination.
While the dough is rest- ing, prepare the roll-in fat.
4. To prepare the roll-in, the butter should be worked, either by hand or carefully using a stand
mixer and dough hook attachment, until it is
smooth and malleable but not overly soft. A number of different types of fats may be used in
lamination. However, butter lends the best flavor and mouth feel.
5. Mix the butter and flour (if using) until smooth. A small amount of flour may be added to the
butter to make it easier to work with and to
absorb excess moisture in the butter. It is important that the fat be completely smooth, as any
lumps will tear the dough as it is rolled in, preventing