Onion Twist Bread

      4    To 4-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
      2 pk Dry yeast
    1/3 c  Non-fat dry milk
  1 1/2 c  Hot tap water (120 - 130 degrees)
      2 tb Shortening, room temperature
      2 tb Sugar
      1 pk Onion soup mix (1-3/8 ounces)
      2 tb Grated Parmesan cheese
      1    Egg, room temperature

You will need two medium baking pans (greased or Teflon) or one baking sheet (greased or Teflon). If glass pans are used, reduce oven heat by 25 degrees. In a large mixer bowl combine 2 cups of flour and the yeast. In a saucepan measure milk, water, shortening, sugar, soup mix, and cheese. Stir over a low heat until warm (120 degrees). Pour this into the dry mixture, add the egg and beat at a low speed in the electric mixer for 30 seconds. Scrape down bowl. Turn mixer to high for three minutes. Stop the mixer, and with a wooden spoon gradually stir in more flour to form a soft dough that will clean the sides of the bowl. Kneading: Sprinkle the work surface with flour and turn the dough onto it, Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with the inverted bowl and let it rest on the counter top for twenty minutes. Shaping: To make two twist loaves, divide the dough into 4 parts. Shape each piece into a smooth 12 inch roll. Twist 2 pieces together and press ends to seal. Tuck under the sealed ends, place loaf in prepared pan. Loaves can also be baked on a baking sheet. Place them 2 inches apart. Rising: Cover with wax paper or foil until doubled in size (about 45 minutes). Dough will rise to about 1/2 inch above the edge of the pan. Baking: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Bake in oven until the crusts have browned. The loaves will draw away from the sides of the pan. When tapping, the bottom crust yields a hard, hollow sound, the bread is done. Remove bread from the oven. Turn out on metal cooling racks. Brush with melted butter for a nice soft finish.


Yield: 6 Servings