Kneading Dough

Watching an experienced person is the quickest way to learn to knead. But you can teach yourself by following directions carefully. Dust the board very lightly with flour. Turn the ball of dough out onto the board. Cover it with an inverted bowl. Let it "rest" 10 minutes to make the dough easier to work with. Rub your hands lightly with melted shortening. Fold the ball of dough, double, then push it lightly and quickly away from you, using the "heel" of your hands. Pull it toward you again with your finer tips. Repeat these two motions, turning the dough as you work, until the surface is smooth and elastic (5 to 8 minutes). When the dough is light enough, you can hold the palm of your hand on it for 30 seconds without having the dough stick to your hand.