Soft Garlic Knots

Ingredients:

3 cups bread flour
1/4 cup milk
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons instant yeast
1 and 1/4 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons lukewarm water

Topping:

4 cloves peeled, finely chopped garlic
4 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

In the bowl of a stand mixer combine the dry ingredients together (including yeast) then add the olive oil, milk and water. Using the paddle attachment or dough hook, mix and knead to form a smooth, elastic dough, adding additional water or flour as needed. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and allow it to rise in a warm area for about 1 hour, until it’s doubled in bulk.

Divide the dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Roll each piece of dough into a long rope, about 10 inches long. Tie each rope into a loose knot. Fold the ends underneath the roll and tuck in to secure. Place knots on a large baking sheet and let rise for 45-50 minutes or until large and puffy. Don’t put rolls too closely together as they’ll double in size and you don’t want them to touch while baking. While rising, preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until just golden brown. When rolls are baking, prepare topping by mincing garlic and combining with butter and Italian seasoning. Brush on hot rolls just out of the oven.

Serve warm, or reheat in microwave just prior to serving.