Punching Down

This means deflating the dough and turning it inside out. Punch a fist into the center of the dough in a bowl. If the dough is to rise in the bowl again, roll the smashed-in dough from the sides of the bowl to the center and turn it over. If it is to be formed into loaves, roll it from one side of the bowl to the other, making a rough cylinder. Knead the dough for a minute to soften it up for molding, then form it into a rounded shape on the work surface, cover it as directed (with a cloth or plastic), and let it “relax” for a few minutes. This makes it more cooperative when you shape it into loaves.