Cooking & Baking

If it's warm months, I can cover with a loose cloth and let it rise on top of the stove.

Cooler/drier kitchen months, I have microwaved a glass container of water to a boil, put it in my oven near the bottom and then put my loosely covered bread on a rack to rise. You have to make sure NO ONE turns the oven on.

I have also done that by warming the oven just a hair first.

Depending on the size of your container, I have proofed it in the microwave as well.

It just takes longer if it's cold and dry. You should be fine with 70.

I don't use a stand mixer at all for bread. Just knead it on the counter

Have fun!