AboutElyse Grau Expertise I can answer any questions about baking. The only thing I'm not too good at is baking pies, nor do I know much about high altitude baking.
Experience I have been baking for over 30 years. One of my hobbies is creating recipes, most of those for baked goods. I made my own wedding cake. Currently I prefer to bake healthier things. I use a lot of whole wheat and other whole grain flours, and prefer to use less sugar or sugar substitutes in my baking. I do a lot with fruit.
Question QUESTION: When I bake biscuits or breads they are tough and heavy instead of light and flaky or fluffy. Where am I going wrong?
ANSWER: Dawn-
I need more information. Biscuits and bread are two different types of dough and the reasons might be different. Please tell me what kind of each you are making, and what kind of flour you are using. Do you make them all by hand or do you use a mixer or food processor? The more you can tell me the better I can help.
Elyse
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: My biscuits are just plain biscuits with flour shortening, baking powder, salt and butter. The bread is mostly cinnamon rolls - basic Betty Crocker recipe.
Answer OK, a couple of guesses. First of all, your biscuits. They need to be handled as little as possible. Once you add the liquid mix gently with a fork just until the dough comes together. Then pat out on a lightly floured surface, roll with a light touch. If you are using a biscuit cutter, don't twist it after cutting. Also, make sure your baking powder has not expired. You can test it by dissolving 1/2 tsp in about 1/4 cup of water. It should fizz up, if not, toss it.
As for the cinnamon rolls, you could be over-kneading these as well. (Often, over-kneaded dough will fall during baking or shortly after coming out of the oven.) Or they may be over-baked, causing the crusts to become too hard.
It's hard to know for sure without actually seeing what you are doing, hope this is of some help.
