Cinnamon Twists (Recipe)

Ingredients

1 8-ounce carton dairy sour cream

3 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 package active dry yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon baking soda

1 large egg

2 tablespoons shortening, softened margarine or softened butter

2 1/2 to 3 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 tablespoons margarine or butter, melted

Steps

1.Preheat the oven to 375°.  Lightly grease 2 baking sheets.  Set aside.

2. In a small saucepan, heat and stir the sour cream just until warm.  (Do not boil.)  Remove from heat; transfer to a large mixing bowl and stir in the granulated sugar, yeast, salt and baking soda until they are dissolved.

3. Using a wooden spoon, stir in the egg; the 2 tablespoons shortening, softened margarine or butter; and as much of the flour as you can.

4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total).  Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.

5. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar and the cinnamon.  Set aside.

6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough for a 24x6-inch rectangle.  Brush the dough with the 2 tablespoons melted margarine or butter and sprinkle the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture over half of the dough (lengthwise a 24x3-inch area).  Fold the area of plain dough over the brown sugar cinnamon mixture.  Cut into twenty four 1 inch wide strips.

7. One at a time, hold the strips at both ends and twist in opposite directions.  Place the twists on the prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart, pressing both ends down.  Cover and let the twists rise until almost doubled in size (45 to 60 minutes).

8. Bake in the 375° oven for 12 to 15 minutes until lightly browned.  Serve warm.

Tips:

To reheat 1 twist, micro-cook on 100% power (high) for 10 to 12 seconds.

For easier rolling, divide the dough in half.  Roll each half to a 12x6-inch rectangle.

Don't try to heat the sour cream in a microwave oven.  It needs constant stirring during heating to avoid curdling.