The sponge method is a two-stage bread preparation technique in which part of the flour is first mixed with water and yeast to form a bubbly preliminary mixture, after which the remaining ingredients are added. Fermenting the preliminary mixture gives the bread better volume and aroma. It is used in bread and bun making.
Where It's Used
“In the sponge method, let the preferment foam up before kneading it into the dough.”