Sunday, February 7, 2010

Scotland vs France and Garlic Swirls

Today, Scotland plays France in the RBS 6 Nations Rugby; the 6 nations are Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales, France and Italy.   I'm not a huge sports fan by any means but there is something about the game of rugby...a wee bit similar to American football...that I just love; there is a wonderful camaraderie between all the fans unlike with football, the strength and focus of the players, the determination of every team; despite everyone taking it seriously, everyone enjoys the whole thing immensely.  

Now isn't that what sport should be about?

So at 3pm, I shall be watching, much to the chagrin of some sorry girls, enjoy the afternoon tea and the joy of others come on over.   Come on, Scotland!

Garlic Butter Swirls
Lightly grease a shallow baking tin (enough for 12 small rolls) or place parchment paper on instead.  Place the flour in a bowl with butter, and rub it together.   Stir in salt and yeast.   Make a well in the centre and add enough water to make a soft dough...not too sticky!

Turn onto surface and knead for 10 minutes until smooth.   Place in a polythene bag with a wee bit of oil in it and leave to rest for 10 minutes.

Lightly flour the work surface and roll out the dough to approx. 35x25cm/14x10 inches.   Mix together the butter, garlic, lemon juice and spread over the dough, taking it right to the edges.   Scatter the parsley over the top and season lightly.

Roll up the dough tightly from the long edge like a swiss roll and pinch the seams together to seal.   Using a sharp knife, cut into 12 equal pieces.   Turn the pieces so that the spiral faces upwards on the baking tray-space evenly.   Cover the rolls...I use a damp tea towel...and leave for the second proving in a warm place until doubled in size.

Preheat the oven 10 minutes before using to Gas Mark 7/220oC/425oF.   Bake the bread for 15-20 minutes until golden.   Allow to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm.



These rolls freeze beautifully and are wonderful with pasta dishes like spaghetti Bolognese as well as serving with antipasti dipping into olive oil and balsamic vinegar.   You can sprinkle some chilli flakes over the garlic butter before rolling up the dough for an extra zingy version.   Gone to have some now....

The ingredients, in easy to read format:
350g (12oz) mixed grain bread flour
25g (1oz) butter
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon fast action dried yeast (easy use yeast/granules)
250ml (8 fl.oz)  hand hot water

For the garlic butter:
50g (2oz) butter, melted and cooled
2 garlic cloves, crushed
A good squeeze of lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

18 comments:

Unknown said...

Your site looks really good.....I absolutely LOVE Scotland and have a really good friend who lives there....not far from Glasgow either. Anyway, I am following your blog and have bookmarked you.

Have a great day,
Sandi

Kristina said...

Go Scotland! I wish we could get the game here. I love watching Rugby (dont totally understand it) but love the energy! Tonight is our Super Bowl, so Im excited for that! making all kinds of snacks (hopefully healthy ones too lol).

Mama Up! said...

Mmm, garlic knots, as one would call them in New York... where I don't live so can't get any. I'm excited to try your recipe!

The Dutch Girl said...

Very cool post title! It's Super Bowl Sunday here on the other side of the pond. I get what you mean.

Go Scotland!

Helen McGinn said...

Hi Sandi, thank you and welcome! Whereabouts does your friend live?

Kristina, Scotland lost but it was still a reasonably good game; good luck with the Super Bowl, I'll be watching with interest!

Christa, it was straight forward, always a good thing! Let me know how you got on. x

Hanneke, thank you hon! We lost but France was powerful today. Ireland to win! ;O) x

Janice said...

lol - how often do Scotland win? Hmmm not often, but when they do, we do know how to celebrate! Your garlic rolls look divine.

Trudie said...

mmm, sounds yummy!

aladdinsane12 said...

those look goooood! anything with garlic is my fave. at first, i thought you said to set the oven to 4250 degrees and i was like "dear lord! that's one hot oven!"

p.s. go scotland!

Virginia Mom said...

They sound (and look) wonderful! It's Super Bowl Sunday here in America, so we're eating and watching sports, too!

obladi oblada said...

Those look really good!

Helen McGinn said...

Janice, yeah, we're not allowed to say it out loud...*L* Thank you hon.

Trudie, thanks, they were mighty fine!

aladdinsane....now that WOULD be insane..... ;O)

Virginia Mom, I heard it was a good game and that the Colts lost...? Total confusion; I think my friend was a little drunk....

obladi oblada...thank you! :O)

Miles Of Style said...

GO SCOTLAND!!

those garlic butter swirls sound absolutely delish...thanks for sharing the recipe!

LisaDay said...

Yum. Buns. I only brought fruit for a snack and I could really go for something with substance.

LisaDay

Helen McGinn said...

Persis Shah, sadly, they lost but it was still a pretty decent game. I recommend the swirls: tasty! :O)

LisaDay, wait til you see the Nutella ones I did last night....

Mhel said...

Found you on SITS. Happy SITS Featured blogger. You have a lovely blog. It takes me to another world. Two things we have in common - We both love food and vintage stuffs.. I will follow.. We should keep in touch!! U

obladi oblada said...

I left you an award on my blog...go and get it!

Claudya Martinez said...

Would you consider adopting me?

Savannah Adams said...

Yum yum! Is another type of scones? Ugh. Those swirls just made my day, as they are mouth watering. Women's rugby league is as exciting and intense as men's, too. Though basic rules are easy to understand, focusing on the action is the real thing. LOL. Thanks for this recipe!