SHAPING A TUBE OR OVAL LOAF

To begin, gently press the dough into a rectangle or square, as indicated in the recipe. Then, starting at the top, position your thumbs, touching each other, up against and parallel to the edge of the dough (A).

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Roll it toward you and then push down slightly, tucking the fold under the roll (B–D). Repeat this rolling and pressing motion 3 to 4 times down the length of the dough.

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When all the dough is rolled up, pinch the seam to complete the shape (E).

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Roll the ends of each loaf to achieve tapered ends (F).

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