Twisted Pesto Crown Loaf
Flavour leaps out of this showstopper loaf, which is a fun addition to any meal.
Makes 1 large crown loaf
Dough
- 1 package (1 tbsp) active dry yeast
- ¼ cup warm water
- ¼ cup soft butter
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 3-3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Filling
- About ¼ cup soft butter
- 4-6 heaping tbsp basil pesto, or pesto of your choice
- ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil
- ¼ cup sliced pitted black olives
- 1-2 tsp dried oregano
- About ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Into the bowl of a stand mixer, place 2 cups flour.
In a measuring cup or small bowl, mix together the yeast and ¼ cup water. Let stand until foamy. Meanwhile, in a pot combine the butter, sugar, salt, and milk. Heat to lukewarm (not hotter than a baby’s bath temp). (Mixture can also be heated in the microwave being careful not to overheat the milk.) Stir well and add the beaten egg and the proofed yeast. Stir well. Add to the flour in the bowl and mix well with a wooden spoon. Insert the dough hook and add another cup of flour. Mix on low speed until the dough cleans the sides of the bowl, adding small amounts of flour as necessary. Knead on low speed for 5 minutes. (Alternatively, knead the dough by hand for 10 minutes.)
Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 ½ hours.
Gently transfer dough to a lightly floured board and using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to a 12” x 18” rectangle. Using a spatula, spread the dough with the butter; then spread with the pesto. Sprinkle with tomatoes, olives, oregano and cheese.
Along the long side, roll the dough into a long log. Pinch the seams with your fingers and turn the log so the seam side is down. Using a pizza cutter or long sharp knife, cut the log in half lengthwise leaving about 1” of the log intact at one end. Twist each half open to expose the layers with filling. Starting at the end that is intact, twist the two halves together to make a long, twisted braid.
Starting at the bottom, coil the twisted braid into a round loaf, tucking the ends under the crown. Transfer to a parchment lined round pizza pan, or a cookie sheet. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and then a tea towel. Let rise for 40 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Bake the loaf for 35-40 minutes. Remove to a wire rack and brush the hot loaf with melted butter. Let rest 30 minutes before cutting.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.