White Lilac Farmhouse

What Is An Antique Dough Box

Have you ever seen a vintage dough box? Until recently, I had not seen an antique dough box. On a thrifting trip I found this odd table at a local antique shop.

I stood there for a few minutes looking inquisitive at the table. There was no information on the tag except for a price of $125. Honestly, I had never seen anything like this table.

The store owner indicated that it was a Dough Box or Kneading Table. The Dough Box was acquire by the store owner from woman who had it in her family a long time. I was able to snagged it for $110.

They are called Kneading Tables or Dough boxes. Somewhere in the late 1700s, the Pennsylvania Dutch brought them to the United States.

HISTORY ABOUT ANTIQUE KNEADING TABLES

Many of the Dough Boxes that we come across in local antique shops were made in the 1800s by cabinetmakers.

Dough Boxes use to be a staple in homes for proofing bread dough. The lid is removable. The lid would come off and flour, water and yeast would be put in the dough box.  You would mix the ingredients right in the box. The dough would be kneaded several times, punched down and left to rise sometimes overnight.

The lid of the Dough Box served several purposes: 1) to keep the dough warm and to let rise inside of the box; 2) to keep small critters and insects from getting into the dough; and 3) the dough kneading took place on top of the lid to shape in loaves.

Families would keep the Dough Box near the stove or fireplace to keep it warm. The warmth would help the dough to rise.

Look for dough box at a vintage markets, estate sales, antique stores, face book market place, yard sales or thrift stores. You can also find them on Etsy!

WHERE TO FIND ONE?

For more information and other quick tips, please check out my blog.

Antique Dough Box

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