Glossary

Poke test

The poke test is a way to judge whether shaped dough is ready to bake. Press a floured fingertip about 1 cm (½ in) into the dough and watch the dent. If it springs back immediately, the dough needs more time; if it fills back slowly and leaves a slight impression, it is ready; if it stays down and the dough feels fragile, it is probably over-proofed. The test is subjective and varies by dough, so practice with the same recipe builds a feel for it. See also: Final proof, Over-proofing, Under-proofing.