Grapefruit Bowknots and a Giveaway!
These sweet bowknot yeast rolls are pillowy-soft and infused with a bright, citrusy pop of fresh grapefruit. A perfect brunch bite! Don’t forget to scroll all the way to the bottom of the post for a fun giveaway from Better Homes and Gardens!
So? How was your Christmas?
Mine was nuts! On Tuesday afternoon, I packed up a few dozen cupcakes and headed over to my kids’ class Winter socials. From that point on, it was a non-stop s**t-show straight through until Friday, at which time I essentially dug myself a hole, crawled into it, and hid for two straight days. 😛
All in all I’d say it was a huge success, in spite of the absolutely abhorrent behavior of one of my children (not naming names). He’s lucky he’s so stinkin’ cute, is all I can say. I am hunkering down for the week ahead; school doesn’t start back up until the fifth. So I am writing to you from the filthy, noisy, yet somehow relatively peaceful oasis of a McDonald’s indoor playground, while my kiddos let off some built-up steam.
Let’s talk about the New Year! Do you have any resolutions or goals set? I have been pondering mine since Thanksgiving. It’s pretty simple, but at the same time I think it could end up be kinda challenging, since it basically involves every aspect of my life, lol.
I had considered leaving off the last sentence of that quote, for fear it might sound a little depressing. But I really don’t think that it has to be. It’s true- life is so short. I blinked my eyes and found myself married with two crazy kids. I’ll blink again and they’ll be grown and off on their own. Another blink and I’ll be even older and grayer, and then what? So for me, for 2015, I want to do my best enjoy every possible minute of this precious life.
When I’m working, I want to be fully immersed in it, inspired, and fulfilled by it. When I’m with my family, I want to appreciate every mischievous grin, every juicy-lipped kiss, every soft flushed cheek and every sweet snuggle. When I’m at rest, I want to look around at the home I’ve created, and feel perfectly relaxed and at peace.
And when I pause for a meal, I want every morsel to be as fresh, delicious, and satisfying as it can possibly be.
My yeast-phobia has been well documented here, but I refuse to continue living in fear. I discovered the recipe for these pillowy-sweet and yeasty bowknots in the new Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook, 16th Edition. They were originally Orange Bowknots, but I decided to kill two birds by also overcoming my grapefruit aversion. Other than that simple substitution, I followed the recipe to the letter and the result was nothing short of a revelation.
My wish is for your 2015 to be filled to the brim with blissfully delicious moments!
To that end, I have teamed up with Better Homes & Gardens and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, to offer one lucky reader a copy of their newest Red Plaid Cookbook. This is America’s #1-selling cookbook, and it has transformed and modernized the way Americans cook at home. The newest edition improves on this classic, making the 16th edition even better, more current, and an essential book for every home. With over 1,200 flawless recipes, you can be sure that every dish you cook in the coming year can be as unforgettable as these Grapefruit Bowknots.
The giveaway: Eligible to one (1) winner residing in one of the 48 contiguous states. Must be 18 years of age to enter giveaway. Starts 6 am 12/30/2014 (EST time) and ends 5:59 am 1/13/2015 (EST time). To enter the giveaway, you must participate in at minimum, one of the listed entries in the PromoSimple widget and an email address must be provided. Winner will be announced via email and must respond to the subject line: “Congratulations You’ve Won Baking a Moment’s BH&G Cookbook Giveaway” from BakingAMoment@gmail.com within 24 hours of deliverance. Failure to respond will forfeit your chance in winning and a new winner will be chosen. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt will ship the product directly to the winner. Please be advised items may appear different from the photo shown. Baking a Moment and its owner are not held responsible for missing/broken items received by the winner. Good luck and thank you for your entries. There will be more fun recipes, as well as giveaways coming soon! See more at https://bakingamoment.com.
Good luck!
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Grapefruit Bowknots
Ingredients
For the Knot Rolls
- 6 1/2 cups (812.5 g) all-purpose flour,, divided (you may not need all the flour)
- 1/4 ounce (7.09 g) active dry yeast, (1 packet)
- 1 1/4 cups (295.74 ml) milk, (I used 1%)
- 1/2 cup (113.5 g) unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup (66.67 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 eggs,, large
- 2 tablespoons finely shredded grapefruit zest
- 1/4 cup (59.15 ml) freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
For the Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons finely shredded grapefruit zest
- 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
Instructions
To Make the Knot Rolls:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of the flour and the yest; set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat and stir the milk, butter, granulated sugar, and salt just until warm (120-130 degrees F) and butter almost melts; add to flour mixture along with eggs.
- Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping the sides of the bowl. Beat on high speed for 3 minutes.
- Stir in grapefruit zest, grapefruit juice, and as much of the remaining flour as you can.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately soft dough that is smooth and elastic (3-5 minutes total). Shape dough into a ball.
- Place in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to oil surface of dough. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double in size (about 1 hour).
- Punch dough down. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide in half. Cover and let rest 10 minutes.
- Lightly grease two large baking sheets, set aside.
- Roll each dough half into a 12x7-inch rectangle. Cut each rectangle into twelve 7-inch long strips.
- Tie each strip loosely in a knot. Place knots 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Cover; let rise in a warm place until nearly double in size (about 30 minutes).
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until golden.
- Immediately remove from baking sheets. Cool on wire racks.
- Drizzle with glaze.
To Make the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl combine the powdered sugar, grapefruit zest, and enough grapefruit juice to reach drizzling consistency.
I LOVE your 2015 goals, Allie! I need to do a bit of that myself, along with trying not to stress about stuff and making myself get out and exercise consistently!
Totally digging these little treats. And I love the BHG New Cookbook. I have a 2006 edition and have made some great recipes from it.
Happy New Year!
Ugh, yes! Consistent exercise tops my list too. I’ve eaten waaaaay too many cookies over the last two weeks lol! Happy New Year to you too Julie!
Love love love that quote – it’s something I need to be better about. I get so swept up in stress or whatever it is, that I forget to just live sometimes!
And these knots! They are gorgeous and sound so darn good!
Me too Ashley! It’s such a bad habit of mine- I really need to work on it! Thanks so much for the sweet comment and I hope you have a fun and safe NYE!
These are so cute and they sound so yummy!
Thanks Amanda!
These look delicious, Allie! And I love that quote. Being present in our own lives and in the lives of our loved ones is the most important thing. Looking forward to lots of deliciousness from you in 2015! Happy New Year!
Thank you, and Happy New Year to you too sweetie!
I’m just finding your blog and your photos are INSANE!!! Gorgeous! I’m subscribing today 🙂 🙂
Wow, thank you so much Becky! So happy to have you as a new subscriber 😀 😀 😀
Being the The Best version of yourself that you can be and fully engaged is a worthy goal all right.
I use to be fine with yeast. Now I too am a sissy. But I do already love grapefruit. Fun rolls.
Thank you so much, Carol! Wishing you lots of fun in the new year 😉
This is such an awesome post, Allie! I’m glad you got some time to unplug even though it was hectic. Life is too short and it’s so nice when we can just stop and enjoy the moments. Haha glad you are getting at least some “me” time even if it is at McDonald’s – anything it takes to get even those 5 minutes is “gold” 🙂 Love these bowknots, they look amazing! Hope you have a wonderful wonderful New Year and can’t wait to see what 2015 brings! 🙂 xo
So true Kelly! Thank you so much for reading; I know you totally understand! Happy new year to you and yours <3
Great quote, Allie, and so true. Life is short and we need to savor every minute! I had to laugh when I read that you were at Mickey D’s Indoor Playplace, too. At least you got some work done! 🙂 Your photos are like a bright, beautiful breath of fresh air, and I love the sound of the grapefruit pop in that glaze. I adore grapefruit, and these look just divine. Cheers to a wonderful New Year, and can’t wait to see what you bring us in 2015! 🙂
Cheers Marcie! Thanks so much for the sweet thoughts! Whatever it takes with 2 crazy boys, right? Lol…
Such a great post and a great recipe! Happy New Year!
Thank you so much Tori! Happy New Year to you too! xoxo
These rolls looks so amazing – especially with the grapefruit, yum! I’m glad you had a good, if hectic, Christmas, and wishing you a wonderful New Year!!
Thank you so much Rachel and right back atcha! Enjoy the last few moments of 2014 my dear! xoxo
I’ve never heard of citrus bread but I love the idea! These bowknots look SO delicious. 🙂
Christmas was hectic for me too (isn’t it always?), but lovely.
Have a happy new year!!
So glad to know you had a lovely Christmas Tina! Every year seems to be more hectic than the last, but it’s such a blessing to have family to cook and buy for. Thank you so much for the sweet comment and warm wishes! Hope your New Year is full of fun and happiness!
I love that you are writing from a McDonalds!!! Haha!! These bowknots are so pretty, and they sound delicious. You are right – so perfect for brunch! Hope you have a very Happy New Year!
Thank you so much Cate! Lol the things I find myself doing as a mom… Hope you have a fun and safe New Years Eve sweetie! Hugs to you!
Ok I am cracking up. The other day I wanted to stop by the McDonald’s Oasis and just chill. I know for you it must have been heavenly. And I am so glad you survived the sh*tshow haha. Also Happy New Year my dear friend. I am so happy to know you. Let’s try to be more present in this new year and really take in all of our blessings. This recipe is one of them.
Aw you are such a great friend! Thank you so much for this! McDonald’s was gross in so many ways but to have my crazy boys occupied for that whole time was beyond… And I knew you’d get a kick out of the sh*tshow bit 😛 Happy New Year to you- I just know that 2015 is going to be amazing for you and I’m so excited to be by your side for it!
What a beautiful post. It’s truly the way I want to kick off my new year and learn to live more in the moment. Happy New Year, Allie! I hope to see you soon. 🙂
Yes! Lets get together soon! My kids start school back up next week. We should do lunch! Happy New Year to you too sweetie and thank you so much for the sweet comment <3
This post makes me all sorts of happy! It’s beautifully written and that quote is lovely. Have a wonder New Year, Allie!
Aw, yay! I’m so happy to hear you say that! Thank you so much for the great feedback Jen, and Happy New Year to you my friend! xoxo
Allie, I love that quote!!! I too want to enjoy every possible minute of life this year and be present. Especially with my family and children. . being here in Dallas has been wonderful. . I hope you get a little R&R before the kids are back in school and it’s business as usual .. wishing you the best 2015 and girl, these grapefruit-bowknots are fabulous!!!
Thank you my friend! I had a good long week of… well, I wouldn’t say relaxation exactly, but it was really nice to unplug. Now I’m ready to get back into the swing and I’m looking forward to a productive 2015. I’m so glad you’re having a good time in Dallas! Thinking of you and your beautiful family this week… xoxo