Forming an Oval Loaf

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Questions and Answers

What is the initial position of the dough piece when forming an oval loaf?

Seam side down on a floured work surface

Seam side up on a floured work surface

Seam side down on a lightly floured surface

Seam side up on a lightly floured surface (correct)

What is done to the dough after it is placed on a lightly floured surface?

Excess gas is gently patted out (correct)

The dough is stretched to its full length

The dough is rotated 90 degrees

The dough is folded in half

What is the purpose of folding one-third of the dough toward you?

To create a tight piece of dough with solid density (correct)

To create a hole in the center of the dough

To create a lumpy seam

To remove excess gas

What happens if insufficient hand pressure is applied during shaping?

Internal air pockets will make further shaping difficult Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of applying too much pressure during shaping?

The outer surface of the dough will rip Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of folding and pressing the dough down its length?

To create a tight piece of dough with solid density Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided when using the heel of your right hand to press the folded flap of dough?

Using the side of the hand Signup and view all the answers

What is the final result of properly forming an oval loaf?

A tight piece of dough with solid density Signup and view all the answers

What should be present at the base of the dough after the first phase of shaping?

A small lip Signup and view all the answers

When repeating the folding and pressing motions, what should be done with the seam?

Take it all the way to the work surface Signup and view all the answers

What should be the shape of the palms of your hands when rolling the dough?

Curved and rounded Signup and view all the answers

What should be the objective of the final shaping?

To give a final shaping that yields a loaf that is symmetrical Signup and view all the answers

Why should you dust your hands with flour during the final shaping?

To prevent the dough from sticking Signup and view all the answers

What should be the condition of the work surface during the final shaping?

Dry and dusty Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if the dough starts to stick to the work surface?

Dust the work surface with a light sheen of flour Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of keeping your hands dry during the final shaping?

It prevents the dough from sticking Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Forming an Oval Loaf

Begin with a scaled and preshaped dough piece that has rested
Lift the dough from the work surface, seam side up, onto a lightly floured surface
Pat out excess gas with fingers and palm of one hand

Shaping the Dough

Fold one-third of the dough toward you, and pat out the air
Bring the 2 squared-off corners at the farthest part of the dough in toward the center and pat out the air
Repeat the process on the other side of the dough
This should result in a tight piece of dough with a solid density

Sealing the Dough

Fold and press the dough down its length, starting from the right side (for right-handed people)
Use the heel of your right hand to press the folded flap of dough, keeping it flat to avoid a lumpy seam
Continue the folding and pressing motion until the entire length of the dough is covered

Final Shaping

Turn the dough piece around 180 degrees and repeat the folding and pressing motions
Take the fold all the way to the work surface, making the seam tight and reasonably straight
Turn the loaf over, with the seam underneath, and place hands on top of the loaf
Gently curve hands to shape the loaf, rolling it back and forth with firm softness
Repeat the motion to streamline the shape and fine-tune the length, as needed

Key Tips

Keep hands dry to prevent the dough from sticking
Dust hands with a minimum of flour if necessary
Ensure the work surface is dry, and dust it lightly with flour if the dough shows signs of sticking