Spinach Herb Twists

Name: Spinach Herb Twists
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 2 dozen.
Ingredients: 5 cups packed torn fresh spinach; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 garlic clove, minced; 5 tablespoons butter, divided; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 package (16 ounces) hot roll mix; 1 cup warm water (120° to 130°); 1 large egg, room temperature

"My mom made these for us when we were kids," shares Amy Estes of Wichita, Kansas. "The twists are a tasty way to serve spinach." A hot roll mix makes them easy, but bake the twists with your favorite yeast-bread recipe if you'd like.

Ingredients

5 cups packed torn fresh spinach
2 green onions, sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
5 tablespoons butter, divided
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 package (16 ounces) hot roll mix
1 cup warm water (120° to 130°)
1 large egg, room temperature

Directions

Place spinach in a steamer basket; place in a saucepan over 1 in. of water. Bring to a boil; cover and steam for 2-3 minutes or until limp. Drain well and set aside. In a small skillet, saute onions and garlic in 1 tablespoon butter until tender; transfer to a bowl. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano and spinach; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the contents of the roll mix and yeast packets; beat in the warm water, egg and 2 tablespoons butter until dough pulls away from sides of bowl. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 5 minutes. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes.
Divide dough in half. Roll each portion into a 12-in. x 10-in. rectangle. Melt the remaining butter; brush over dough. Spread spinach mixture over dough to within 1/4 in. of edges. Fold each rectangle in half lengthwise; pinch seams to seal. Cut each rectangle into twelve 1-in.-wide strips.
Twist strips and place on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 25 minutes. Bake at 375° for 12-16 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 90 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 156mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.

Originally published as Spinach-Herb Twists in Light & Tasty December/January 2006