SC - Re: re/ beaten bisuits

[Decker, Terry D.]

> I have heard, in a non-documentable story, that ladies not having the time
> or strenght to beat them, used to put the dough through a iron mangle a
> few
> times.
> beatrix
> 
This doesn't provide the same effect as beating.  It does provide an even
mechanical kneading.  Professional bakers refer to the device as a brake.
It was used in the Middle Ages.  The simplest form is a long pole attached
to the wall above a kneading table with a free swinging connection so the
baker can use it as a lever to press and squeeze the dough between pole and
table.

If you work it long enough, it will break down the gluten and soften the
dough.  Leaving salt out of the dough speeds up the process.

Bear