Bacon Onion Baby Brioche

[kirra]

Bacon Onion Baby Brioche
Gloria Piantek; Finalist: National Festival Bread Week

The brioches are easy and quick to make. Mix the batter and let it rise once for fresh yeast rolls. I
sometimes make these brioches without the cheese cube inside.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup skim milk
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup warm water (100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 package active dry yeast
1/2 tablespoon dry minced onion
1 large egg
5 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups King Arthur unbleached all-purpose flour, divided
1/2 cup fully cooked real bacon bits 1½ oz. hot pepper Monterey Jack cheese (block; not shredded)

Topping:

1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon water
2 to 3 tablespoons finely crushed French Fried Onions

Preparation:

In measuring cup, combine milk and lemon juice; set aside. In small bowl, combine warm water and sugar; stir in yeast and set aside 5 to 10 minutes.

In mixing bowl, add milk mixture, yeast mixture, onion, egg, butter, sugar, baking powder, salt, and 1½ cups flour; beat 2 minutes on medium speed. Add bacon. Gradually add enough of the remaining flour to make soft dough. Beat 3 minutes on medium speed. Using dough hook, knead dough 4 minutes or until dough forms a smooth ball.

Grease 12 brioche or muffin cups. Cut cheese into 12 (1/8 oz. each) cubes. Divide dough into 12 equal balls; remove 1 teaspoon dough from each ball, forming 12 small balls. Place one large ball of dough into each cup. With finger, make a deep indentation in center. Place cheese cube inside indentation. Place small ball in the indentation, lightly seal edges with fingertips.

Cover; let rise in warm place until double, about 45 minutes. In small bowl, beat together egg and water; brush on brioches. Lightly sprinkle with crushed onion crumbs.

Bake in preheated 350 degrees Fahrenheit oven 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from baking pans after 3 to 5 minutes. Serve warm with soft butter. Makes 12 brioches.

Nutritional Info:
Per serving: One Brioche provides approximately 225 calories;
8 g protein;
27 g carbohydrate; .7 g dietary fiber;
10 g fat (5 g saturated);
55 mg cholesterol;
55 mcg folate;
2 mg iron;
358 mg sodium.