Herb Swirl Bread Food

GARLIC-AND-HERB STAR BREAD

Steps:

• Stir the warm water and sugar together until dissolved, then stir in the yeast; set aside until foamy, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, whisk the flour, baking powder and fine salt in a large bowl.
• Add the butter to the flour mixture and work it in with your fingertips until the butter is in pea-size pieces. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the yeast mixture and milk. Stir with a wooden spoon until the flour is completely moistened and the dough looks like a shaggy ball, switching to your hands and gently kneading to bring the dough together, if necessary. Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature until doubled in size, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
• When the dough is almost ready, make the filling: Combine the cheese, chiles, parsley, thyme and lemon zest in a small bowl. Mash and stir together with a small rubber spatula until smooth and spreadable. Set aside.
• Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and briefly knead until smooth, three or four times. Pat until about 1 inch thick, then fold into thirds like a letter and pat until 1 inch thick again. Rotate the dough 90 degrees and repeat folding and patting two more times. Divide into 2 equal pieces.
• Lightly butter an upside-down rimmed baking sheet (or a rimless baking sheet). Roll out 1 piece of dough into an 11-inch round on a floured surface and transfer to the pan. Spread with the filling, stopping about 3/4 inch from the edge. Roll out the second piece of dough into an 11-inch round and place on top of the first. Pinch and press the edges of the dough together to seal.
• Center the rim of a drinking glass (about 3 inches in diameter) in the middle of the dough; gently press to mark the center. At the 12 o'clock mark, cut through the dough with a very sharp knife from the glass to the edge, leaving the center circle uncut. Repeat at the 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock points on the circle to make 4 quarters. Halve each quarter to make 8 equal wedges; halve those to make 16 wedges.
• Lift the edges of 2 wedges that are next to each other and twist them away from each other twice. Pinch the ends together to make a pointed tip. Repeat with the remaining pairs of wedges. Remove the glass and cover the dough with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until the filling is firm and the dough has puffed and risen slightly, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400˚ F. Uncover the dough and re-pinch any ends that came apart. Brush all over with the beaten egg and sprinkle with flaky salt. Bake until golden brown all over, especially around the center circle, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool a few minutes on the baking sheet, then carefully slide onto a rack to cool completely. Serve at room temperature.

FRENCH HERB SWIRL BREAD

Steps:

• In a larg mixer bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
• To a saucepan, add the buttermilk, water and butter. Warm over low heat until warm (120-130 degrees F). (Butter does not need to melt).
• Add warm liquid over flour mixture. Blend at low speed until moistened; beat for 3 minutes at medium speed. By hand, stir in 1 - 1 1/2 cups of the remaining flour to form a sticky dough.
• Remove dough from mixer bowl to a floured surface. Knead adding 1/2 - 1 cup of flour until dough is smooth, pliable and no longer sticky (about 5 minutes).
• Place dough in a lightly greased bowl; cover. Let rise in a warm place (such as a bowl over warm water) until light and doubled in size; about 1 hour.
• FILLING: Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat; stirring constantly until butter is melted. Set aside.
• Once dough has doubled in size, punch it down.
• Knead several times to remove air bubbles.
• For one large loaf: roll or pat dough into a 16 x 18-inch rectangle. Spread filling (at room temperature) evenly over dough, leaving a 1-inch edge on all sides.
• Roll up tightly starting at long edge, jelly-roll style. Pinch edges and sides of dough to seal.
• For 2 small loaves: cut dough in half and follow remaining directions (except for the size of rectangle) as for the large loaf.
• Place loaves (or single loaf) seam side down on greased cookie sheet(s). Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size.
• Bake in a preheated 350 degree F. for 40 - 50 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove from oven.
• If desired brush loaves with melted butter after baking; sprinkle with parsley. Serve warm.

FLAVORFUL HERB BREAD

Steps:

• In a bread machine pan, place all ingredients in order suggested by manufacturer. Select basic bread setting. Choose crust color and loaf size if available. Bake according to bread machine directions (check dough after 5 minutes of mixing; add 1 to 2 tablespoons water or flour if needed).

HERBED VEGETABLE SPIRAL BREAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the mozzarella, corn, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic and seasonings; set aside. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 16-in. x 12-in. rectangle. Spread cheese mixture over dough to within 3/4 in. of edges. , Roll up jelly-roll style, starting with a long side; pinch seams and ends to seal. Sprinkle a large baking sheet with cornmeal. Place dough seam side down on baking sheet; tuck ends under. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 35 minutes., Brush with egg. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and bread sounds hollow when tapped. , Cool for 20 minutes before slicing. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.