Recipe - Pita Bread (Large Quantity)

8 ounce Active dry yeast; ( 220 gm )
you also could use fresh
1 qt Water; (1 L)
8 ounce Sugar; ( 240 gm )
6 ounce Salt; ( 170 gm )
3 ounce Malt syrup; 0ptional (90 gm)
1 One fourth ga Water ; (4 One half L)
22 pound Bread flour; ( 10 kg )
One half ounce Commercial dough
conditioner; optional (15
gm)
conditioner; optional
(15 gm)
conditioner;
optional (15 gm)
4 ounce Shortening; optional (120
gm)

(about 124, 4 0z units )

Dissolve yeast in water and set aside to proof( foam ) Dissolve sugar,
salt, malt in water.Add the flour to it and stir well. add the dissolved
yeast and mix well to form a dough. Add the shortening and mix well and let
rise until light. Punch down and let rest 20 minutes before shaping. Scale
( weigh out ) into units( pieces )of 4 0z balls and let rest 15 minutes.
Roll out to 1/8 inch thickness or slightly thicker circle. Place on sheet
pans or peels dusted with cornmeal. let proof ( rise ) Three fourths in volume.Do not
dock ( prick ). they will become puffy related to the fermentation when
they are baked as the moisture is released. Bake in an oven or hearth on
peels or baking sheets 460 degrees ( 237 to 240 C ) about 6 minutes. Units
will be pale but done. They will collapse partially when cool. However when
baked properly the pita will have an open pocket of dough.

Note: Typically in the Mid East a 10 to 11% protein flour is used. If you
use a stronger flour ( more gluten/protein ) your water amount will be
variable. Note2: make sure your water temp is about 80 degree fareheit to
maintain proper dough temperature Note 3: shortening is only added as a
lubricant to the dough but it does help condition the dough Note4: if you
plan to go commercial may I suggest you use dough conditioner to inhibit
mold and increase shelf life. I dont know how you plan to use the 1000
pitas!! But good luck and glad I could help somehow!!

Joan,"Flour Power" From: LIR119@delphi.com
From: BreadBakers Archives: ftp.best.com/pub/reggie/archives/bread/recipe

Recipe By : Joan,"Flour Power" From: LIR119@delphi.com