What is moulding cockle bread?

Moulding cockle bread refers to the process of shaping and forming the dough for cockle bread, which is a traditional bread from the northwest of England. This bread is characterized by its unique shape, which resembles a cockle shell. The dough is made from flour, yeast, water, and salt, and is traditionally mixed by hand. Once the dough has risen, it is divided into small portions and shaped into balls. These balls are then flattened slightly and shaped into a shell-like form by pressing with the fingers and thumbs. The shaped dough is then allowed to rise again before being baked. The resulting bread has a soft and chewy texture, with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. Moulding cockle bread requires patience and skill, and is often done by experienced bakers who know how to handle the dough and shape it into the perfect shell.