Recipe: Cardamom Knots

CARDAMOM KNOTS

"These rolls can be made into standard-shaped dinner rolls; however, they are beautiful when shaped into knots (as the recipe directs). The rolls also freeze very well, but usually there are not many of them left to freeze...if you expect to have some for freezing make sure you make a second batch and hide it."

1/2 cup butter
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cardamom
6 Tbsp. heavy (whipping) cream
4 cups all-purpose or pastry flour, divided use
2 pkgs. quick-rise yeast (4 1/2 teaspoons)
1/4 cup warm water (120-130 degrees F.)
3 eggs, room temperature
1 egg yolk
1 Tbsp. cold water

In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add sugar and salt; stir until dissolved. Turn off heat. Cool slightly; add cardamom and cream. Stir until well blended. Set aside to cool.

In bowl of a stand mixer, add 2 cups flour and yeast. Blend together. Stir in butter-cardamom mixture and warm water; mix slightly, then add the 3 eggs. On medium-high speed, blend for 1 minute.

With dough hook, knead for 7-10 minutes, gradually adding rest of flour in 1/2-cup increments. Place dough in greased bowl and cover. Set in warm, draft-free place to rise, until approximately doubled (about 1 hour).

Place dough on clean, dry work surface and punch down. Divide into 24 pieces. Roll each piece into a rope; tie into a little knot. Place each knot on an ungreased baking sheet, at least 3-inches apart. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free spot until increased in bulk about 1/4, approximately 30 minutes.

During last 15 minutes of rising, preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

When rolls are risen, beat egg yolk with 1 Tbsp. cold water; lightly brush each roll with mixture.

Bake at 375 degrees F 15-17 minutes, or until rolls are golden brown on top. Place baking sheets on wire racks to cool for approximately 15 minutes; remove from baking sheets and finish cooling.

These rolls freeze very well, and can be reheated to their wonderful, delicate fresh flavor by warming in an oven for a few minutes while wrapped in foil.

Makes 24 rolls
Adapted from source: Joan