1. Indulge in the deliciousness of spinach-cheese swirls, a perfect harmony of fresh spinach and creamy cheese wrapped in dough. This delightful treat is easy to prepare and makes for a savoury snack or appetizer which will impress your guests. Simply roll out the dough, spread a layer of spinach mixture, then twist and bake until golden brown. Enjoy the warmth and flavour of these irresistible swirls at your next gathering or as a cozy treat for yourself!

Servings: 12 pieces

 Dough

450 g all-purpose flour

10 g active dry yeast

125 ml warm water ( ideal temperature 100 F or 38 C)

125 ml warm milk (ideal temperature 100 F or 38 C)

50 ml oil

1 tbsp sugar 

1 tsp salt

50 g melted butter for brushing the dough

Filling 

150 g ricotta cheese 

200 g feta cheese

2 cups fresh or frozen spinach

1 egg

Egg wash 

1 egg and 1 tsp water mix well

In a small bowl soften yeast with a little warm water, one tsp sugar and one tsp flour.

In a mixing bowl fitted with a dough hook combine all dough ingredients and mix for 4 minutes on low speed. Increase speed to medium and mix for another 5 minutes to develop gluten. 

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl large enough to double in size and cover with plastic wrap.

Allow the dough to rest and ferment in a warm place for at least 60 minutes or until is double in size.

While the dough is proofing, oil the pan and prep filling. Mix ricotta cheese with feta. Add spinach and egg until well combined. Fill a piping bag with filling.

Place your dough on a lightly floured work surface. Gently flatten the dough. Use a rolling pin to roll it out into a rectangle 12 by 25 inches. Cut lengthwise into three equal strips. Brush dough with melted butter.

Pipe filling on each dough stripe. Roll the dough up lengthwise and gently press along each roll. Place the seam on the bottom and repeat the same with the other two stripes.

When the dough is all rolled cut each stripe into four and swirl each stripe into a circle. Place the swirls in the sheet pan covered with parchment paper. Brush each pieces with egg wash.

Cover the pan and allow to proof for 40 minutes or until the dough springs back halfway when lightly pressed. 

10 minutes before the end of proofing, preheat the oven to 400F.

Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the swirls are golden brown.

Cool down on a cooling rack and bone appetite.

     Cook’s Note

For a flavour twist, try a different cheese. Any shredded cheese will work in this recipe.