Toss Pizza Dough to Shape [duplicate]

Possible Duplicate:
How to throw a pizza dough?

When I make my pizza dough and let it rise for about two hours, I then shape the dough for the round pizza pie. I have tried numerous times to toss it in the air and spin it on my fist to get the shape but to no avail. My dough just rips, and its easier for me to just shape it on the counter.

Whats the trick to this?? Is the problem my actual dough?

pizza

Best Answer

Tossing is a technique better suited for a video demonstration than a narrative. Fortunately we have Alton Brown (yet again...) In the Good Eats Episode "Flat is Beautiful" AB goes into a great pizza crust recipe and demonstration of tossing and stretching your pizza.

The link I provided goes to an outside site that has both part 1 & 2 of the "Flat is Beautiful" episode.

Pictures about "Toss Pizza Dough to Shape [duplicate]"

Toss Pizza Dough to Shape [duplicate] - Person Holding Pizza on White Ceramic Plate

Toss Pizza Dough to Shape [duplicate] - Person Slicing A Pizza With A Pizza Cutter

Toss Pizza Dough to Shape [duplicate] - Cooked Pizza

What does tossing pizza dough do?

Throwing pizza dough extends the dough and stretches it into the perfect shape. Using your fingers to stretch the dough, rather than throwing it may seem like a simple solution, unfortunately pressing into the dough causes small tears, resulting in it drying out leaving you with a tough and crumbly pizza.

Can you knock back pizza dough twice?

To knock back, repeat the kneading process for a few minutes until it looks the same as it did before it was left to rise (stretchy with an elastic feel). Once you have knocked back the dough, roll it back into a ball and set it aside for 15-30 minutes until it has risen once again to roughly double its size.

Can you reshape pizza dough?

The good news: We found an easy way to rescue overproofed dough. Simply punch it down gently, reshape it, and let it proof again for the recommended amount of time.

How do you make pizza shape out of dough?

Take turns working the two crusts until you have two perfect rounds. To move the dough gently lift with the back of your hands so you don't poke a finger through the dough. Allowing it to drape off your hands, lower the round onto the prepared peel or pan.

How to Stretch Pizza Dough

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Cats Coming, Farhad Ibrahimzade, Polina Tankilevitch, Kristina Paukshtite