Croissants

Posted by artsycook at recipegoldmine.com

These take some time but are worth the effort!

1 package active dry yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 cup warm water, 105 to 115 degrees F
1 egg
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cold butter or margarine
1 egg , beaten
Poppy seeds (optional)

In a large bowl, add yeast. Sprinkle with salt and sugar. Add water and stir until yeast is dissolved.

Add 1 egg and flour, a little at a time (save some flour for rolling dough), kneading until smooth and satiny. Put dough onto floured surface and fold to a square, about 1/2-inch thick.

Slice butter thinly and cover half of the dough with sliced butter. Fold other half of dough over and Press together. Roll dough out again lightly to a rectangle. Fold into thirds and let dough rest in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Repeat step 3 twice and let dough rest between rollings.

Roll dough out to a rectangle, 8 x 20 inches, and cut out 5 to 10 squares. Divide each into a triangle by cutting diagonally. Starting at the base, roll each to form a croissant. Fold tips of croissants slightly. Put on baking sheets and let rise, covered in a warm place for about 20 minutes.

Brush croissants with beaten egg and sprinkle with poppy seeds, if used, Bake at 425 degrees F for 8 to 13 minutes, depending on the size. Even though it?s a little more time consuming, these croissants are worth the wait! This recipe is even better than most store-bought ones.

This makes 10 large or 20 small croissants so you might want to make a double batch.