benching

Definition

Allowing dough to rest at room temperature between mixing and shaping, giving the gluten time to relax. It's basically a timeout for stressed-out dough.

Example Usage

After dividing the dough, give it a 20-minute bench rest before shaping the baguettes or they'll shrink back like rubber bands.

Origin

Named for the practice of leaving dough on the work bench during this rest period

Fun Fact

Skipping bench rest is the number one reason home bakers end up with misshapen loaves that refuse to hold their form.

Source: Professional bread baking terminology

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