Water Rising Twists
Water Rising Twists are light, flaky pastries with a nutty cinnamon filling, perfect for breakfast or tea time, offering a delightful combination of soft dough and crunchy walnuts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine shortening, sugar, salt, vanilla, and scalded milk in a bowl.
- Stir to melt the shortening, then when lukewarm, crumble in yeast and stir until dissolved.
- Add half the flour and beat until smooth.
- Cover and let rest for about 15 minutes.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add remaining flour and mix thoroughly.
- Place the dough in a piece of cheesecloth and gather the corners to form a ball.
- Submerge the dough ball in a bowl of ice water and let stand until it rises to the top of the water.
- Remove the dough from the water; it will be soft and moist.
- Combine chopped walnuts, sugar, and cinnamon to make the filling mixture.
- Divide the dough into small pieces using a tablespoon.
- Roll each piece lightly in the nut mixture and stretch to about 8 inches in length.
- Twist each piece into a crescent shape and place on a greased baking sheet.
- Let the shaped twists stand for 5 minutes.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the shortening with unsalted butter. If you’re out of walnuts, pecans or almonds can work as great alternatives. Make sure to let the yeast fully dissolve to achieve the best rise. If your milk is too hot, it may kill the yeast, so ensure it's lukewarm before adding it.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful twists warm, perhaps with a drizzle of honey or a side of cream cheese for dipping. They pair beautifully with Georgia Powell'S Spinach Dip for a savory contrast or can be enjoyed as a sweet treat alongside a cup of coffee. For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Water Rising Twists in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week. To reheat, warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their soft texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Water Rising Twists contains roughly 296 calories, with 8g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value) and iron (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 581mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dry yeast instead of compressed yeast?
Yes, you can substitute 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast for the compressed yeast. Simply activate it in warm milk with a little sugar for about 5 minutes before adding it to the mixture.
What can I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough isn’t rising, it might be due to the yeast being inactive or the environment being too cold. Ensure the milk is only lukewarm, and place the dough in a warm, draft-free area to help it rise properly.
Can I freeze the twists after baking?
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, you can freeze the twists in a single layer. After they're frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be reheated directly from the freezer in the oven for a quick treat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).