Definition

Piercing dough with a fork or specialized roller before baking to prevent air bubbles and ensure even rising. Because nobody wants their pie crust to look like it's having an allergic reaction.

Example Usage

Don't forget to dock the puff pastry before it goes in the oven—we're making palmiers, not hot air balloons.

Origin

Possibly from 'dock' meaning to cut or trim, or from the tool's resemblance to a ship's dock

Fun Fact

Professional bakers use a tool called a docker that looks like a medieval torture device crossed with a paint roller, while home cooks just stab things with forks like civilized people.

Source: Professional baking terminology

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Resting

Letting cooked meat sit undisturbed after cooking so the juices redistribute throughout. It's the hardest part of cooking because it requires doing absolutely nothing while a perfect steak sits there taunting you. Most people fail this step because they are human and steak is delicious.

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blancmange

A wobbly, milk-based dessert thickened with cornstarch that sounds way fancier than it actually is—basically pudding with delusions of grandeur. Medieval versions were savory and contained chicken, because apparently the Middle Ages were a lawless time for cuisine. Modern versions are sweet and primarily exist to confuse people at British tea parties.

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station

Your assigned battlefield in the kitchen where you're responsible for specific tasks or dishes. It's your kingdom, your responsibility, and the place you'll be judged for the next eight hours.

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benching

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.

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