Each roll and fold of puff pastry is called a “turn”. Usually two turns are done at once, then the dough is chilled. Quick puff pastry is also turned, but fewer times than puff. The dough must be kept cool if its layers are not to stick during rolling. A marble slab is ideal, but any work surface can be chilled by setting a roasting pan filled with ice on the surface.
Roll out the dough to a rectangle 6 in/15 cm wide and 18 in/45 cm long, keeping the corners square. Work briskly, rolling away from you and keeping the dough moving on the floured surface.
Fold the pastry rectangle in three like a business letter so that it forms a square.
Turn the dough 90 degrees to bring the seam side to your left. Gently press the seams with the rolling pin to seal them. This completes the first turn.
Repeat a second turn before wrapping the dough in plastic wrap or wax paper. Mark the number of turns by pressing your fingertips into one corner.