Knead

The process of working dough by mixing, stretching and pulling. Kneading is most often used in bread doughs, and is a necessary step in order to develop the gluten.

Gather your dough into a ball. Using the heel of your hands, press down on the dough. Pull up the part of the dough that was flattened by your hands and fold it back over on itself. Keep repeating the process, turning the dough periodically.

Don't skimp on the kneading process, as this is a big part of what gives yeast doughs their wonderful texture and consistency.