What is Dough?

Every kind of dough contains flour and a liquid (usually water or milk). It may also contain fat (butter, lard, shortening, bacon fat, etc.), sugar or other sweetener (honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, etc.), a leavener (yeast, baking soda or powder, air, etc.), eggs, salt, and flavorings. Dough is any amalgamation resulting from the combination of those ingredients—unless it’s a batter. Batters are similar to doughs, but they can be poured and are typically used to make waffles and pancakes, muffins, cakes, and other delicate desserts. We’re not worried about batters here. This book is all about doughs—the ones you can work with your hands.