Basil Cayenne Pesto Bread Wreath

Ingredients

• 2+1/2 cups All Purpose Flour
• 2 tsp Instant Yeast
• 1 cup Lukewarm Water
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• BLACK MAMBA BASIL CAYENNE PESTO 1/2 cup
• Pomegranate kernels and fresh rosemary for decoration

Instructions 

• In a mixing bowl, add flour, salt, instant yeast and mix well.
• Add oil to the lukewarm water.
• Make a well in the middle of the flour mixture. Pour the water - oil mixture and mix well with your finger tips.
• Mix till a soft dough forms and then knead well for 5 mins till it is smooth to the touch and becomes elastic.
• Place the dough in a well greased bowl and cover with a cling film. Let the dough rise for 1 hour or till it doubles in size.
• After 1 hour, remove the cling film and gently press the dough to deflate and knead for a minute.
• Dust any work surface with enough flour. Place the dough on the floured surface and using a rolling pin, gently form a rectangle. Use your hands around the edges to perfect the shape.
• Drop the entire BLACK MAMBA BASIL CAYENNE PESTO in the middle of the rectangle dough and spread all around leaving just 2cm around the edges.
• Roll the length side of the rectangle tightly just like you roll a mat and seal the edge well. Now the dough will resemble a log.
• Using a sharp knife, cut the log into 2 lengthwise and gently turn the 2 pieces so that the pesto stuffing faces top.
• Pinch and seal the top corners of both the pieces and lift one piece over the other and plait just like a braid.
• Transfer the braided bread to the baking tray.
• Form a circle with the braid. Pinch and tuck in the edges at the bottom.
• Cover the pan and leave it to rise for 30-35 mins.
• Preheat the oven at 220 C.
• Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30-35 mins.
• Rest the bread in the pan for 5 mins and then transfer to a wired rack to cool down.
• Adorn with pomegranate kernels and fresh rosemary sprigs.
• Serve this braided pesto bread hot or warm.