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Herb Twists
Vivid green twists with fragrant basil and garlic
Image of Herb Twists: a quick microwave bread recipe for a traditional seattle taste
[Makes 16]    Cooking time: 40 minutes
 

1 package (14 oz.) machine mix bread flour (white)
1 tablespoon (4 g) active dry yeast, included in bread mix
1 cup low-fat milk

< Basil Paste >
20 basil leaves (1/3 oz.)
4 cloves garlic (1 oz.)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

1. Set aside 1/3 cup flour for flouring board

2. Pour the milk in a microwave-safe plastic bowl (7 cups.) Cover with a microwave lid and cook on HIGH (1200W) for 40 seconds until it reaches 75 – 85 degrees F. Cool milk, if it is over 85F. Yeast will not activate if milk is too hot.

3. Combine half of the remaining flour and milk. Beat with wire whisk until smooth. Add yeast and mix with wire whisk.

4. Add remaining flour and mix well with a wooden or rubber spatula until smooth. Shape into ball.

5. Cover the dough with a microwave lid and cook on HIGH (1200W) for 10 seconds.

6. Put basil paste ingredients in a food processor or blender and mix at high speed until smooth.

Image of divided pieces of the dough. 7. Tamp down dough in a rectangle shape on a lightly floured board and divide with a knife into 16 equal pieces.

Image of forming a piece of dough into a ball. 8. Form them into a ball by folding the corners into the center and pinching the ends together.

9. Set balls apart on the board. Place lightly moistened paper towel over the dough to prevent it from drying out and leave for 10 minutes at room temperature.

Image of cutting a 2-inch opening at a tamped dough's center.Image of twisting a piece of dough.Image of stretching a piece of dough. 10. Tamp dough flat and cut a 2-inch opening at its center. Twist and stretch each piece of dough into a 6-inch-long rope.

Image of rolling over the strips. 11. Place the 16 ropes on 12" x 12"parchment paper or waxed paper. Sprinkle flour on top and with a rolling pin, roll out to 8-inches strips.

12. Place the strips and parchment paper on the turn table. Cover with paper and cook on HIGH (1200W) for 10 seconds.

13. Place strips on a greased baking sheet (or on baking sheet covered with parchment paper) and cover with a damp paper towel. Let rise for 10 minutes at room temperature until they are 1 1/2 times their original size.

Image of spreading basil paste on top of strips.Image of baked herb twists. 14. Spread basil paste on top with a spoon. Bake on the upper rack of a pre-heated oven, at 400F for 12 – 15 minutes. Cool, pull apart and serve.

* Resin-treated plastic bowls work well. Dough does not stick and it is light enough to handle easily.
* When using plastic wrap as a cover, poke a hole in the center to release the steam.

For how long you should cook with your microwave oven, see Cooking Time vs Wattage Conversion.
For more tips of using Microwave Oven, see Sachiko's Guideline to Microwave Cooking.


Nutrition Facts
One serving contains:
Calories Total Fat Saturated Fat Cholesterol Sodium Carbohydrate Dietary Fiber Protein
123 3.7g 0.4g 1mg 243mg 18.7g 0.7g 3.8g
 
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