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I was reading comments about oil or no oil. I use butter, but when cooking a 50/50 white/wholemeal loaf it is so soft its like cotton wool and nearly impossible to cut. Any ideas how get the loaf a bit firmer

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For a firm loaf you want more gluten development. So:

  • Cut out the fat: it impedes the reactions forming gluten.

  • Make sure your yeast or sour-dough starter is active, or use instant yeast (very reliable in my experience): the carbon dioxide created as a by-product of fermentation promotes gluten development.

  • Use stronger (that is, higher protein) white flour rather than AP flour

  • Work the dough thoroughly: it is hard to overknead by hand. Several short kneads can be more effective than one long knead.

  • Try giving the dough a long rest, for instance overnight in a fridge.

  • Avoid granary flours or seeds with sharp edges: these cut the developing gluten network and make for a weaker loaf.

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