Friday, December 27, 2019

Christmas Morning Bundt (Sticky Pull Apart Bread)


Our family's tradition for breakfast on Christmas Morning! Most of the prep is done the night before : )

18 Rhodes frozen rolls (½ of bag)
1 cup butter (2 sticks)
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon maple syrup

Let frozen rolls sit on counter for 30 minutes, then cut each one into quarters. Spray bundt pan generously with nonstick cooking spray. Place rolls in ring in bundt pan. Melt butter and brown sugar in a quart glass measuring cup in the microwave, stir in cinnamon and maple syrup. Pour mixture over rolls. Let sit on the counter for 1 hour or half risen.


Let sit overnight, covered in fridge to finish rising. Let sit on counter in the morning until doubled in size if needed.


Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes, check at 25 minutes until golden brown on top. Check doneness of dough in middle. 

Monday, December 9, 2019

Amish Style Soft Pretzel Dough (Pretzels or Rolls)




So easy but gorgeous and taste divine. Your family and friends will think you slaved all day!


2 cups bread flour
2 cups self rising flour
¼ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon active dry yeast or 1/2 teaspoon rapid rise yeast
½ tablespoon salt
1 ¼ cup warm water
1 tablespoon oil


1.5 cups hot water + ¼ cup baking soda
Or ¾ cup hot water + 2 tablespoons baking soda
Amount of liquid depends on if you are dipping large pretzels or small knotted rolls. Water should be as hot as your fingers can handle. 


Melted butter (about ¼ cup)
Kosher salt


Directions

Add dry ingredients to stand mixer fixed with dough hook. Stir on speed 1-2 while adding water and oil. Stir until ball forms and then continue to knead with dough hook for 2 minutes. Dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky and should not stick to your hands when handling. Pull dough off hook and shape into a ball with your hands. Spray sides of bowl with nonstick cooking spray and replace dough into bowl. Cover and sit in warm area for at least 45 minutes, should double in size. 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Dissolve baking soda in hot water and pour into shallow bowl or dish. Cut dough into 12 pieces for pretzels or 16 pieces for knot rolls. Roll out each piece to arms length for pretzel or roll to about 6-8 inches for knot roll. Shape into pretzel or tie into knot and secure ends on the bottom for rolls. Immerse into baking soda water, and tap to let excess drip off. Lay on parchment or silicone baking mat lined cookie sheet. Bake at 450 for 6-7 minutes or until deep golden brown (7-8 minutes for rolls), checking to make sure that dough is fully cooked in the center. Remove from oven and immediately brush with melted butter and sprinkle with kosher salt. Serve immediately alone or with cheese or mustard dipping sauce. 



Tips:

Cannot skip the baking soda bath, that is key to the outside texture and turning golden brown.



Variation 1: sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar and serve with dipping glaze (powdered sugar mixed with milk)


Variation 2: top with garlic salt and parmesan cheese, serve with marinara.