Bread Making of Chief Crumb and A Little Bird Crust
Now, let’s shape the dough. Chef Crumb’s dough is eventually made into one large loaf of country white bread, therefore there is no dividing needed.
But if you are planning to divide the dough into some pieces, do not try to shape it right away. Let the divided portions have a "benching time".
Benching time refers to a short break between dividing and shaping.
Giving a rest will relax and ease the divided portions of dough, and make it easier to work with.
Because the dough is too tight to work with immediately after dividing it, you should let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to relax.