Exam 9: Braiding Techniques

Three-strand braids may be made by starting the braid at one end of the strands or it may be made by starting the braid in the middle of the strands, then turning the bread and completing the unbraided side. In a production setting, when a large number of loaves are required, the first method is a quicker technique.

The keeping quality of finished bread tends to increase as yeast percentage is increased.

Unless made with unyeasted doughs, braids are egg washed after going into the oven, and always require steam.

Matching -_____three-strand braid

During the entire rolling process

The seven-strand braid is quite flat when finished, and therefore is a better choice to use as a base for a tiered loaf.

Egg wash is the glue that holds tiered braids together, but it is essential that one braid is not put on top of a lower braid until the egg wash on the lower one is tacky. To check egg wash for proper tackiness, simply touch the surface of the dough with a finger. If it sticks, the egg wash is ready to hold the braid.

Frequently, braided loaves are topped with poppy or sesame seeds. This can be done in each of following ways except

Tiered braids

Assemble a tiered braid once the a. dough is proofed 50 percent. b. egg wash is dry. c. egg wash is tacky. d. steam is vented from the oven.

A two-strand braid can be used as a border for a display piece, or the ends can be enclosed to make a ring shape, or the rope can be coiled up into a rosette shape or used as the top layer of a tiered braid.

Matching -_____braids

One of the major defects of some braids, beyond the poor shaping of the individual strands, is

Method One for a four-strand braid is excellent as a finished loaf. It can also be used as a border for decorative work, as a handle for a dough basket, as a wreath, and so on. Method Two for a four-strand braid produces a flat braid that is not necessarily best suited for sliced bread. It works very well when used as the base for a tiered braid.

The illustrated five-strand braid

Give five tips for preparing and braiding strands.

The dough used for braid work is generally on the stiff side.

Matching -_____two-strand braid

If the entire piece is enclosed by varnish, there is no way inner moisture can escape, and mold will result, so leave the bottom unvarnished.

Egg wash is usually enough to give a vivid natural shine to the braids.