Roasted Garlic, Tomato and Ricotta Pesto Brioche Knot

BREAD DOUGH

1. In a small bowl, combine the yeast, milk and 1 tablespoon of the sugar. Mix well, and leave to sit for 10-15 minutes, or until foamy.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, combine the flour, salt, remaining 1 tablespoon sugar, and basil. Mix briefly to combine. Add the eggs and foamy yeast mixture to the bowl. Mix on low for 2-3 minutes, until the dough is starting to come together. It may look slightly dry but do not worry - it will mix together nicely in the next steps. If it is not coming together, add extra milk a teaspoon at a time. Increase the mixer speed to medium, and mix for another 10 minutes, until the dough is soft and smooth.
3. Reduce the mixer speed to low, and add the butter a little at a time, waiting until it is fully incorporated into the dough before adding the next piece. This process should take 3-4 minutes. Once the butter is fully incorporated, increase the mixer speed to medium, and mix for a further 5 minutes, until the dough is very soft and smooth.
4. Shape the dough into a ball, transfer to an oiled bowl, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place in a warm spot until doubled in size, approximately 1 - 1 ½ hours.
5. Once the dough has risen, punch down slightly and shape into a rectangle. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and place on a baking sheet. Place in the freezer for one hour to firm up before rolling. If you have made your dough ahead of time and risen it overnight in the fridge, you can skip this step.

FILLING AND ASSEMBLY.

1. To make the roasted garlic, preheat the oven to 425˚f / 220˚c. Using a sharp knife, cut off the top of the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap in tin foil. Roast for 45 minutes to an hour, until the cloves are soft and beginning to caramelise. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely. Squeeze the cloves into a small bowl and mash with a fork. Add the pesto and the ricotta, and mix well to combine. Set aside.
2. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface.

To make one large knot:

1. Line a 9" cake tin, springform pan or skillet with parchment paper.
2. Roll the dough out into a 16" x 24" (40 x 60cm) rectangle. Using an offset spatula, spread the filling mixture over the surface of the dough. Starting with a long side, roll up the dough into a tight sausage. Trim the ends slightly to neaten if needed. Using a sharp knife, cut the sausage of dough in half lengthwise, leaving a small section approximately 1 ½ inches long intact at one end.
3. Turn the halves carefully so the filling is exposed. Cross the dough halves over each other, then repeat the process until you have a long, twisted piece of dough.
4. Cross one end of the twist over the other, and tuck the ends under, forming a knot. Gently shape into a round if needed (I found it easiest to practice with a rolled up tea towel at first). Transfer to your prepared baking sheet. Cover lightly with plastic wrap, and leave in a warm place to rise for 30-40 minutes. While the bread is rising, preheat the oven to 350˚f / 180˚c.
5. Brush the dough with egg wash, and sprinkle with pretzel salt or flaky sea salt. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until golden brown and baked throughout. Tent with foil in the last 10 minutes if necessary. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

To make mini knots:

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Divide the dough into four equal pieces. Working with one piece at a time, roll into an 8" x 20" (20 x 50cm) rectangle. Spread with a quarter of the filling, and roll up from the long side into a tight sausage. Cut the sausage into two equal length pieces.
2. Working with one piece of the sausage at a time, cut lengthways down it using a sharp knife, leaving ½" intact at one end. Cross the pieces over each other to make a twist, then brush the ends lightly with water and press together to make a circle / wreath shape. Repeat with the second sausage of dough. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Repeat with the remaining pieces of dough until you have 8 small knots. Space evenly on the baking sheet, lightly cover in plastic wrap and allow to rise for 30-40 minutes or until risen and puffy. While the bread is rising, preheat the oven to 350˚f / 180˚c.
4. Brush the dough with egg wash, and sprinkle with pretzel salt or flaky sea salt. Bake for 25-35 minutes, until golden brown and baked throughout. Tent with foil in the last 10 minutes if necessary. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature.