Soft Garlic Knots (but wait... it's Tuesday!)

It's been raining all weekend. And you know what that does for meringue. Between that and my son's double ear infection, the lack of eggs in the house, and other excuses you've heard before, I have no floating islands for you to drool over today. Don't forget to check out the other bakers beautiful versions, though, and to try these rolls. They are quick, delicious, and fun. Even the yeast part (I promise it isn't scary!) Make sure you brush the final product with a little butter like I forgot to do. They'll look and taste even better! Come back later in the week for a giveaway, too.

Soft Garlic Knots

For the dough:
3 cups bread flour
1 tbsp. sugar
2 tsp. instant yeast
1 ¼ tsp. salt
2 tbsp. olive oil
¼ cup milk
1 cup + 2 tbsp. lukewarm water

For the glaze:
2 cloves garlic
3 tbsp. melted butter
1 tsp. herbes de provence (or Italian seasoning)

Directions:

To make the dough, in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment combine the dry ingredients. Add the olive oil, milk and water. Mix until ingredients have formed a dough. Switch to the dough hook and knead on low speed until the dough is smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turn once to coat, and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to rise for about 1 hour, or until doubled in bulk.

Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 10 inch long rope and tie into a knot. Take the end lying underneath the knot and bring it over the top, tucking it into the center. Take the end lying over the knot and tuck it underneath and into the center. Transfer shaped rolls to a baking stone, or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise for 45 minutes, until puffy.

To make the glaze, finely mince the garlic or press it through a garlic press. Mix with the melted butter and Italian seasoning.

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Brush the glaze onto the shaped rolls. Bake until set and lightly browned, about 15-18 minutes.

Adapted from Annie's Eats