Having grown up in a Chinese home, I don't think I understood what pigs-in-a-blanket were until I was invited to a Superbowl party, where little mini piggies are ubiquitous. And with fresh stir-fry and rice served up every night as a child, I've always been easily impressed with the modern conveniences of semi-prepared American cooking: no-bake cheesecake, mashed potatoes from a box, Hamburger Helper...these were always mysteriously enticing to me before I developed any culinary skills of my own. These days, I find a demented pleasure in doing things the long way. The complicated way. The homemade way. So, imagine my delight to discover this recipe over at the Sweet Nest: a marriage between heartfelt homemade and utterly processed. I present to you, The Whole Wheat Pigs-In-A-Blanket.
Please refer to the step by step directions here. This crescent roll recipe is so versatile and is worth the effort! The kids loved participating and making their own piggies, and with some whole wheat thrown in there, both Mama and kiddos were pleased with dinner.
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Make-Me-Happy-Crescent-Rollsfrom The Sweet Nest
In mixing bowl let set for a few minutes:
- 4.5 t. yeast
- 2 c. water
With whisk attachment (or by hand) add:
- .25-.5 c. sugar
- 2.5 t. salt
- .75 c. canola oil
- 2 eggs, well beaten
Beat 'til foamy.
Add one cup at a time:
- 4 c. unbleached flour
Switch to bread hook and add:
- 4 c. whole wheat flour (all white flour is fine, too)
Allow bread hook to knead until it reaches a smooth and elastic consistency. Add a touch more flour if too sticky. Allow to rise for 1.5 hours or 'til doubled in size.
Punch dough down. Cut into four equal parts (a serrated knife works wonderfully). With a rolling pin, roll out each part into a circle and cut into 12 equal pie-shaped pieces (I use a pizza cutter). Roll into crescent shapes and let rise on cookie sheet for 30 minutes or 'til doubled.
Bake at 350 degrees for 10-14 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove to cooling rack or take right to table with plenty of butter to slather.
**Added bonus? It's also my go-to recipe for pizza dough or cinnamon rolls. Yum.
**Short on time? Prepare up to the rolling out and place in ziploc bags in fridge overnight. Set on counter to warm to room temperature then resume recipe.