What does karate chop in a french bread dough mean?

Question

http://www.steamykitchen.com/75-baking-the-perfect-loaf-of-french-bread.html

Now do a little “karate chop” lengthwise down the middle of the bread and stretch out the long ends again. Fold over in half. The karate chop helps get the middle tucked inside.

I didn't understand this "karate chop" thing. What exactly does it expect me to do after I fold the sides of the dough?

score 4 · Accepted Answer · edited Mar 09 '17 at 17:30

4

In context, it means to press down with the blade of your hand, to facilitate folding into thirds:

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I put an orange line near the part of the hand you would press with.

This is not a standard culinary term, by the way—the recipe author is being cute.

In practice, you could use the handle of a wooden spoon, or press a little groove in with your fingers, as well.

edited Mar 09 '17 at 17:30

Community

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answered Apr 16 '13 at 14:37

SAJ14SAJ

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Haha, it's not everyday you get to explain what a karate chop is on stack exchange. I really hope you were making karate noises while you were posting this – jalbee Apr 17 '13 at 01:00
Thanks for explanation. Now it seems I asked a too simple question! :( – Aquarius_Girl Apr 17 '13 at 05:43
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No, it was a very strange usage in a recipe.... – SAJ14SAJ Apr 17 '13 at 11:04

What does karate chop in a french bread dough mean?

1 Answers1