Dough continued
Shaping Techniques:
Rustic loaf – Working on a lightly floured surface, use the palms of your hands (dusted with flour) to gently tuck dough under itself until you get a smooth rounded top surface. Place on prepared baking tray. Using a sharp knife, make 1cm deep slashes across the top of your dough. Allow to rise before baking.
Loaf Pan – Working on a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 1cm thick rectangle (the same width as your loaf pan). Starting at the shorter side, roll the dough to form a log (at this stage, you may like to brush with butter or spread/sprinkle with a flavouring such as pesto or cheese . Place log into a greased loaf pan. Allow the dough to rise to the top of the pan before baking, remembering it will rise some more as it bakes.
Roll up in this direction
Plaited loaf – Divide your dough into 3 equal portions. Shape into long sausages. Brush ends with a little milk or water and press together. Bring right sausage to centre, then left sausage to centre. Repeat until loaf is complete. Brush ends with milk or water to join. Tuck ends slightly under the loaf to neaten. Gently place on a prepared baking tray. Allow to rise before baking.
Flat
Before placing in the oven, use your knuckles or finger tips to make indents in the dough. Brush with a little oil and sprinkle with salt.
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