Bread bunnies

You will need:
500g strong white flour, plus extra for dusting
2 tsp salt
7g sachet fast-action yeast
3 tbsp olive oil
300ml water
For the egg wash:
1 egg
Large pinch of salt
3 tablespoons of pesto
50g grated cheese

Makes 12-15 bunnies

Pour the flour into a large bowl
Add the dried yeast and salt, combine
Pour the oil and water all over the flour, and mix well
Tip onto a lightly floured work surface and knead
Once the dough is satin-smooth, place it in a lightly-oiled bowl and leave to rise for 1 hour until doubled in size
When risen, flatten on the work surface into a rectangle and spread with the pesto, roll up, cut into segments (depending on how big you want your bunnies) and gently mould the dough into small buns
Place the buns on a baking sheet to prove for a further hour until doubled in size (cover with a clean tea towel)
Heat oven to 200C, glaze bread with egg wash (beaten egg with a pinch of salt), cut the ears with scissors and sprinkle with cheese
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and sounding hollow when tapped underneath
Cool on a wire rack

Watch a bread making video here.

Alternative shaping: Roll a small ball and wrap a thin long ‘sausage’ like piece of dough around it. twisting it round itself – to shape the ears.

Method