Onion Twist Bread!

In a mixing bowl, mix a package of dry active yeast with 1/4 cup warm water and let sit for ten minutes.


Then, Stir in 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup hot water, 1/2 cup milk, a beaten egg, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 1/2 tsp salt. After that, mix in 2 more cups flour.

On a floured surface, knead in enough flour to make a moderately stiff dough. My husband's huge hands were useful for this part. Place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise for about an hour in warm place.

Now make the filling. Mince about a 1 1/4 cup onions and 2 tbs garlic and cook in 1/4 cup of butter until clear but not brown. Mix in 1 tbs poppy seeds, 1 tbs sesame seeds, and 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika and set aside.

After the dough has risen (it didn't seem like it did much for me) beat the living crap out of it. Punch it! Punch it hard!!!

 Roll the dough into the closest thing resembling a rectangle and then slice it lengthwise into 3rds.

Spread the filling along the the centers of the three pieces.

Roll the pieces up, doing your best to seal the seams. Then place the pieces diagonally on a greased pan. Starting in the middle, braid the pieces by tucking the left piece under the center and then the right UNDER the new center. Press the ends together. On the other end, bring the outside strips alternately OVER the center strip and press ends together.

Isn't it pretty? But you can't cook it yet. First you have to cover it and let it rise again for another hour. Then bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Butter it and coat with Parmesan and poppy seeds. This is not only yummy, it helps disguise your bad braiding job. :) 

Bake another ten minutes and then make a feeble attempt to allow it to cool before you eat it. As you can see, mine split open a bit, but it tasted awesome!