Well Method

A traditional method used for mixing flour with other ingredients to form dough used for preparing bread or other baked goods. A clean, smooth work surface, such as a large board or a marble slab, is best for combining the flour with the other ingredients using this method. To begin, place the flour in the middle of the work surface and create a “well” in the center of the flour. Add the liquid ingredients, such as water or eggs, to the well; then mix the flour and the liquid ingredients gradually, drawing the flour from the inside walls of the well. A wooden spoon works very well for this stage of the process, but once the dough becomes thicker and begins to stick to the spoon, it is most often best to use your hands to work the dough. The flour is continually pulled from the sides of the well until all of the flour has been incorporated into the dough.