To mix and work a dough into mass?

The phrase "mix and work a dough into mass" is a bit redundant, but it essentially means to knead the dough.

Here's a breakdown:

* Mix: This involves combining the ingredients (flour, water, yeast, etc.) to create a rough dough.

* Work into mass: This is a less common phrase, but it means to develop the gluten in the dough by kneading.

* Knead: This is the essential process of pushing, folding, and turning the dough to create a smooth, elastic texture. Kneading develops the gluten, which gives the bread its structure and chewiness.

So, in essence, "mix and work a dough into mass" is a way to describe the process of mixing and kneading the dough.