This is a delicious flavorful bread that can help us celebrate green Thursday.
Today is Holy Thursday. It is also known as Maundy Thursday and Green Thursday. One of the reasons we call it Green Thursday is because traditionally we eat green foods.
The custom of eating green foods goes back to the Jewish Passover where they eat bitter herbs.
This pesto swirl bread is as fun to make as it is to eat. Let this bread bring new meaning to breaking bread this Green Thursday.
Pesto Swirl Bread
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dry yeast
4-5 tablespoons basil pesto
Directions:
Pour the water in a bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add the sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes to bubble up and prove. Add the olive oil and turn on the mixer. While it is running, add the flour and salt. Allow it to knead for 5-8 minutes.
When the dough is finished kneading. Place in an oiled bowl.
Allow to rise until double in size about one hour. I mark my bowl to show me when it is doubled in size. The rise can be determined by the warmth of the room and how fresh your yeast is.
When the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface forming a rectangle approximately 12 x 8.
Spread the pesto evenly over the rectangle of dough, then roll up the dough like a jelly roll. Starting from the short side.
Place in a greased loaf pan, with the seam side down.
Allow to rise 30-45 minutes or until double in size.
Preheat oven to 425. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until loaf has risen and golden.
Turn out and cool on a wire rack. Slice and serve.
Peace be with you,
Veronica