Star Bread with tommy jam and pesto

Contribution from ranjitha Prabhu

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons instant or active dry yeast

3 Tablespoons granulated sugar

3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk

1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 large egg

2 and 1/3 cups (290g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled), plus more as needed

1 teaspoon salt

filling (Tommy Jam, Pesto of your choice, Shredded cheese and herbs)

Sesame seeds (optional)

egg wash: 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon milk (or instead of egg wash can use milk)

Method:

Heat the milk on the stove or in the microwave until warm to touch, about 110°F (43°C). Pour warm milk on top of yeast/sugar. Whisk gently to combine, then loosely cover with a clean kitchen towel and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes. The mixture will be frothy after 5-10 minutes
Add the butter, egg, flour, and salt, and prepare a soft dough
Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover with a moist cloth. Place the bowl in a warm place for 60-90 min or till the dough doubles
Line a baking tray.
Punch down the dough and place it on a lightly floured work surface. Divide the dough in 4 equal portions
Roll out each dough into 10 inch circle
Place one circle on the lined baking tray. Spread pesto and add cheese. Cover using the next circle and spread Tommy Jam+cheese. Cover and spread pesto+cheese. Cover with the last circle
Place a 3 inch round object or bowl in the center and make an indent. This is the center of the star. Cut 16 even strips from the edge to the center 3-inch circle using a pizza cutter. Using both hands, grab two strips and twist them away from each other twice, then press the two ends together to make a point. The star bread will have 8 points.
Cover the shaped bread with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and let it rest for 20 minutes.
Preheat oven at 350 degrees F
Brush the starbread with egg wash or milk and sprinkle some white sesame seeds (optional)
Bake for 20-30 min till a golden brown crust is obtained
Serve hot with your choice of dip.