Basic Doughs: The Straight Dough Method

Most basic yeasted breads are made from only water, yeast, salt, and flour. All variations in flavor, texture, and appearance come about by using different amounts of these ingredients and different techniques for incorporating them. The simplest method of making yeasted bread is the straight dough method. This simply means that the ingredients for the bread are all combined at the beginning. So-called indirect methods involve making a sponge or other starter with some of the flour, water, and yeast and then adding the risen starter to the remaining ingredients.