Breadmaking: How To Proof Dough

Kneading your own dough? Proofing is a must before baking. Here's how:

Step 1 Cover and allow the dough to rise undisturbed.

Step 2 The dough is done when it has doubled in size and when poked with a finger, does not spring back.

Step 3 Punch the dough down after it has risen. Doing so will redistribute the yeast and release unwanted gas.

Breadmaking: How To Knead Dough By Hand

Make bread with your bare hands in 3 easy steps.

Make practically anything bread with your bare hands by just knowing these three steps by heart.

STEP 1 Cover and allow the dough to rise undisturbed.

STEP 2 You know the dough is done when it has doubled in size and when poked with a finger, does not spring back.

STEP 3 Punch the dough down. after it has risen. Doing so will redistribute the yeast and release unwanted gas.

How to Make Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

Make these sweet, pillowy circles—plus your pick of the glaze—in the comfort of your own kitchen.

To see the full recipe, go here: Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

In a bowl, combine both flours, salt, and sugar; mix well.

Punch down the dough, transfer to the floured surface, and roll around lightly to coat with flour. Gently roll dough until half-inch-thick using a floured rolling pin. For a step-by-step guide on How to Proof Dough.

Cut with floured doughnut cutter.

Fry doughnuts on both sides until golden.

Dip cooled doughnuts in the glaze and set on rack. Enjoy! Go here for the full recipe: Homemade Glazed Doughnuts

How to Stir-Fry

It's all about high temperature, technique, and speed. Here's how to work the wok in 4 steps.

1 Heat oil to almost smoking point. Use oil that heats up fast, like peanut oil or sesame oil. When hot, stir-fry aromatics like garlic, onion and ginger until fragrant.

2 Put in other ingredients according to their approximate cooking times. Meat like sausages should come first before vegetables. For seafood, order should be mussels/clams, fish, shrimp, squid, then scallops.

3 Add your sauce when the vegetables are about two-thirds done. If the food will take longer to cook, cover and let it steam until done.

4 Add herbs last.