Italian Pastry Twists Recipes

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment.
• Lightly roll out the sheet of pastry into a 10-by-12-inch rectangle, then brush with the melted butter. Sprinkle over the mozzarella, 1/2 cup of the Parmesan, the oregano and basil. Using a rolling pin, press the cheese into the pastry. Cut the 12-inch side of the pastry into 12 strips. Twist each strip about 5 times and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Place in the freezer for 20 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Mix together the egg and 1 teaspoon water in a small bowl. Brush the strips with the egg mixture and sprinkle over the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan. Bake until golden brown and puffed, 10 to 12 minutes. Let cool before removing from the baking sheet. Serve the cheese sticks with warm marinara alongside.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Tip the cream cheese and pesto into a bowl and mix well.
• Unroll the pastry on a lightly floured surface and cut in half lengthways. Spread the pesto mix over one half, pop the other piece of pastry on top to create a sandwich, then cut in half lengthways to create 2 long rectangles. Divide each rectangle into short strips, about 1cm thick. Twist each pastry strip and place on a baking tray lined with parchment.
• Brush with egg and bake for 20-25 mins until risen and golden brown.

Steps:

• Sift flour into large mixing bowl.
• Add egg, salt, sugar, vanilla and melted butter.
• Mix with your hands until the mixture starts to come together.
• When the dough becomes stiff, add enough sherry to make it soft and pliable.
• Knead until smooth.
• Warp in plastic wrap and chill for 1 hour.
• Roll out pastry thin on lightly floured surface.
• Cut into 40 strips 7 by ½ inches.
• Tie each loosely into a knot.
• Heat oil in pan to 375 degrees.
• Deep fry the knots in batches for 2-3 minutes, until puffed up and golden.
• Drain knots on paper towels.
• Dust generously with powdered sugar.
• Serve hot or cold.

Steps:

• In a food processor or mixer, combine the sugar, 3/4 tsp.
• salt, yeast and 2 c.
• flour.
• Mix well 5-10 seconds.
• While processing, gradually add warm water and oil in a steady stream.
• Mix for 1 minute or until smooth and elastic.
• Check dough; add 1 to 2 Tbsp.
• of water or flour if needed.
• Turn onto a floured surface.
• Roll into a 15" x 12" rectangle.
• Cut into 12 strips.
• Fold each strip in half lengthwise; twist each strip several times.
• Pinch ends to seal.
• Place 2" apart on a greased baking sheet.
• In a bowl, combine butter, garlic powder and remaining salt.
• Brush some over dough.
• Sprinkle with Italian seasoning or Parmesan Cheese if desired.
• Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 25 minutes.
• Bake at 425 degrees for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown.
• Brush with remaining butter mixture.