Stirring is used to incorporate dry and/or wet ingredients gently but thoroughly into another mixture, without overmixing or beating, which may toughen the mixture.
By Hand: Using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula, begin at the center of the bowl, mixing with a circular motion in an ever-widening pattern as the ingredients become blended. Scrape the sides of the bowl from time to time as necessary.
By Machine: At low speed, mix just until the ingredients are smoothly blended. Do not overdo it. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as necessary.
