Help adding DME

Hello,

I did an all-grain blonde ale this morning and got the worst efficiency I've ever had. I was supposed to have an OG of 1.040 and I hit 1.031.

I was going to add 1 pound of dry malt extract to the fermenter now but I'm wondering the best way to do this?

Should I just boil a couple cups of water and stir in the DME?? Do I need to let it cool for awhile before dumping it in the fermenter?? I'm also worried about opening the lid but I guess I don't have a choice at this point.

You can just boil a little water, and stir in the DME. Boil a minute or two, then cool it in an ice bath, or with cold water in the sink. You can then pour it into the fermenter when it's under 80 degrees.

One pound of DME will give you about 11 points, taking the gravity right where you wanted it.