A mixer will probably give you a better developed (kneaded) dough, but if you're a good hand-kneader, it's fine to do that, too. And yes, just letting the dough sit on the counter - so long as it's not TOO cold in your house – is fine. If the room temperature is under 65°F or so, you might ant to put the dough in the oven with the light turned on, or somewhere a bit cozier than simply the cold counter. Good luck - PJH

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