Garlic Cheese Twists

 photo credit: http://www.culinaryconcoctionsbypeabody.com

Garlic Cheese Twists

original recipe: http://www.culinaryconcoctionsbypeabody.com/2008/10/03/a-non-sweet-for-my-sweetie/

Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour, divided use
• 2 ½ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 TBSP granulated sugar
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110F)
• 1 TBSP canola oil
• 1 cup freshly shredded Tillamook Cheddar Cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• olive oil for brushing

Instructions:

Butter (or spray) a baking sheet; set aside.

Combine half of the flour with yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl; add warm water (110F) and oil; beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth, 3 to 4 minutes.

Stir in garlic and as much of the remaining flour as needed to make a stiff dough.

Turn dough out onto a floured surface and knead 4 or 5 times or until smooth and elastic. Divide dough into fourths; shape each portion into a ball then divide each ball into 10 portions. Shape each portion into an 6-inch stick. Brush 1 stick with water and twist it with another stick, pressing at the top and the bottom. Arrange the twists on a baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining sticks.

Place twists 2-inches apart on baking sheet. Brush the twists with olive oil and sprinkle cheese on top. Cover and let rise in a warm place for about 50 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Bake until lightly browned, 12 to 15 minutes. Serve warm.