A quick and easy guide showing just how easy it is to make a three strand bread braid. Great for giving some definition to your bread loaves.
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Shaping bread is normally done after the first proof. Begin by gently rolling your dough into a rectangle. The long the rectangle the longer the strands for your braid.
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Use a dough scraper or a sharp knife to cut three long strands. Cut straight down and do not drag your blade through the dough.
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Your goal is three roughly equal strips. These can be measured by eye and don't have to be absolutely exact to still work!
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Roll these against your work surface to stretch them longer and give them a bit of roundness - this will help your strands have more definition.
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Pinch the strands together firmly at the top. Then begin to plait by taking the right hand strand over the middle. It is best to move the strands wide to give yourself room.
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Work your way down the length of the dough, repeating right over middle then left over middle. Then pinch the end tightly and tuck both ends under the bread.
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At this stage, you will likely have a second short proof before baking!
For some more bread recipes and ideas, click the link below!