Garlic Knots

♥♥♥♥♥

I give this recipe a 5 heart rating. It was so good...that being said, I tweaked it. I really shouldn't "tweak" things because I usually ruin them. But I did with this and they ended up turning out FAR better than I expected and although I am giving you my "tweaked" recipe...you do have to pay attention as you mix it because I honestly can't give you an exact flour amount I used. so here it is.

This makes about 15 (roll size) you could make them smaller but if you do I would cut the cooking time)

1 package active dry yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp)

1 1/8 cup warm water

2 TB sugar plus 1 tsp sugar 

approximately 3-5 cups flour

2 TB olive oil

1 tsp Kosher salt

Topping

2 1/2 TB melted butter

4-5 garlic cloves, minced

Handful of fresh, minced parsley

1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

In a 2 cup measuring cup or larger add 1 1/8 cup warm tap water. Add yeast and 1 tsp sugar and stir with spoon. Let sit 5 minutes to activate (it will get bubbly)

While yeast is activating preheat oven on lowest temperature and then in Kitchen aid mixer or bread mixer. Combine 2 1/2 c. flour, oil, sugar and salt. Add the yeast mixture. After it is all combined well. Add flour 1/2 cup at a time until it pulls from the sides. It will still be a bit sticky.  Let the machine knead the dough for 10 minutes. The dough will be slightly sticky but still pulls from sides. 

Remove the dough and place in a lightly greased bowl (I used the Kitchen aide bowl and just removed the dough and sprayed it with Pam cooking spray. Flip the dough so both sides get a little of the pam. Cover with warm dish towel and set on top of stove (on lowest setting) Let rise approximately 2 hours. It will be doubled.

Remove from bowl onto lightly floured surface and shape into a ball. Cut with a knife in half and then halves again until you have about 14-16 pieces about the same size.  Take one between your hands and roll out into a "rope" and then tie a knot and place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

Cover with a damp towel and let rise 30 minutes. Turn oven up to 400 degrees and cook for 15 minutes (less if you make smaller ones). 

While they are finish cooking (about 5 minutes before done) combine the topping ingredients (omitting the Parmesan Cheese) into a bowl and heat on high 40 seconds in the microwave (or you can do it in a saucepan on the stove if you desire. When knots are done baking pull them out and immediately baste with a brush the garlic butter. Then if you desire sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.