Witch’s Broomstick Bread

Name: Witch's Broomstick Bread
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 16 servings.
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons active dry yeast; 1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons sugar; 2 teaspoons salt; 4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons butter, melted, divided; 1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese blend; 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided; 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 jar (24 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce, optional

No one can resist the aroma or flavor of homemade bread. We fashioned the dough into a witch's broomstick to accompany a Halloween meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Ingredients

2 teaspoons active dry yeast
1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt
4 to 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted, divided
1/2 cup shredded Italian cheese blend
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 jar (24 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce, optional

Directions

In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the olive oil, sugar, salt and 2-1/2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Remove a third of the dough; cover and set aside. Roll remaining dough into a 10-in. circle. Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
Brush 1 tablespoon butter over bottom half of circle to within 1/4 in. of edges. Sprinkle with Italian cheese blend, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, poppy seeds, garlic powder, oregano and pepper flakes. Fold dough over filling. Using scissors or a pizza cutter, cut dough into 1/2-in.-wide strips to within 1/2 in. of fold; twist and curl strips into a brush.
Shape remaining dough into an 12-in. rope. Twist dough and place above brush for a handle. Brush remaining butter over dough. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with spaghetti sauce if desired.

Nutrition Facts

1 each: 198 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 587mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.

Originally published as Witch's Broomstick in Holiday & Celebrations Cookbook 2009