Mimosa Christmas Baking
Christmas charm is in full swing here in Mimosa Bay. The neighborhood grabs me with charm and the warm, welcoming attitude of the locals.
On my latest escapade through the neighborhood, I stopped in to the corner model home at 189 Mimosa Drive. What a beaut! This 5 bedroom home with catwalk is so inviting, especially with on-site agent, Billy Hudgins giving me the low down on all this property has to offer.
With the merry season comes the glimmer of traditional decor and a spirit that brings out the baker in all of us.
I came across this awesome recipe from one of my favorites, Food52. It is perfect for the holiday party you need to start planning or the family gathering that needs a showstopper.
Feel free to make herb or cheese substitutions to this Swedish bread if you like!
Cheese and Herb Star Bread
Recipe courtesy of Food52.com
Makes one 10" loaf
For the dough
3/4cup + 3 tablespoons lukewarm whole milk
2cups all-purpose flour (240 grams)
1/4cup unsalted butter, softened
2teaspoons instant yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast)
1/4teaspoon sugar
1teaspoon salt
1/4cup potato flour
For the filling
1egg, beaten
2tablespoons dried rosemary
1/2cup grated Pecorino cheese
1tablespoon dried thyme
1/4teaspoon garlic powder
1/2cup butter, softened
1/4teaspoon salt
Directions
Add all of the dough ingredients to a large mixing bown or stand mixer with dough hook. Mix to incorporate and then knead until you have a soft, smooth dough.
Lightly grease a large bowl and place the ball of dough in it. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, until the dough is doubled in size.
When the dough is ready, divide it into four equal pieces.
Roll each of the four pieces out into a 10" round.
Place the first circle of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the surface lightly with the beaten egg, leaving a 1" space around the edge without egg.
In a medium bowl, mix the dried herbs, salt and garlic powder with the softened butter to form a paste.
Spread 1/3 of the herb butter in a thin layer over the egg. Sprinkle 1/3 of the grated cheese over the butter.
Place the second circle of dough on top of the filling. Repeat with the butter and cheese, top with the next circle of dough. Repeat with the filling, then top with the final circle of dough.
Trim the edges of the circles if they aren't even. Place a 2" wide drinking glass, biscuit cutter, or other circular object in the center of the top circle of dough.
Using a very sharp knife, cut through the dough from the outer edge to the edge of the circular object in the center. Cut 16 equal slices (it will look kind of like a flower).
Take two slices of dough and twist them away from each other twice. Repeat around the entire circle. Take each pair of twisted slices and press the ends together firmly to seal the dough.
Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let the dough rise for 15 minutes, while you preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Brush the top of the loaf with beaten egg and bake it for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!