Hi Jonny, yes you should cover with clingfilm each time or use an airtight container, such as a pizza proving box. If you don’t do this your dough will dry out and form a skin on the surface. Thanks for the question

Should I cover with clingfilm each time I prove?

Thanks in advance

Thanks Charles, I’m glad you like the recipe. With regards to “proofing” and “proving”, the two words can be used interchangeably.

Since the words originate from the verb “to prove”, I would argue that “proving” is more gramatically accurate. “Proof” is the noun form of the verb ” to prove”. But somewhere along the line, it seems to have gotten mixed up with the present tense form of the verb – “proving”. Hence, the word “proofing”.

For example, I think it would be gramatically OK to say “I’ve done a proof with this dough” (even though it’s rarely said), since that is the correct useage of a noun (“proof”). However, I don’t think it would be gramatically correct to say “I’ve proofed the dough”, since the correct past tense form of the verb is “proved” not “proofed”. I hope this makes sense?

Whilst not strictly correct, in my view, I still use the word since I know it is very common, especially in the US. “Proving” is also by far the most common in the UK.

I try to be somewhat diplomatic and use both words. Hopefully this way I can please everyone!

Cheers

Good Neapolitan pizza dough, I like the recipe you have here, it’s delicious and has nothing to “prove”! 😃

Hi Elaine, the temperature of the water isn’t really that important for long proves. Cold water or room temperature water is fine. Thanks

Hi Rick, thanks for the question. I wouldn’t worry too much about this it is very dependant on the particular flour you are using. Just try to mix in as much flour as you can and that should be fine.

Be sure to check out my article (with a video) on mixing here. It should help you to visualise the process better. Good luck!

I was just trying your recipe and can’t seem to mix all the flour in with the amount of water. The water seems to be too little. Is there something I’m doing wrong?

Hi Jack, thanks for the heads up. I think the confusion came between a 12 hour and 24 hour prove but it’s fixed now.