Flower Steamed Buns/ Sponge Dough Method

After having so much heavy meal during these holiday season why not having something light such as steamed buns? To make it more festive looks I shaped them into flowers.

 

Inspired by 阿芳的3杯面粉 cookbook recipe
Ingredients: yields about 45g x 12 pieces
(A) overnight sponge dough
1 cup all-purpose flour
60ml water
½ tsp yeast
1 tsp sugar
 

(B) Main dough
2 cups all-purpose flour
50g sugar
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp yeast
100ml water
 
Few drops of red food colouring
 

Methods:
~ Sponge Dough
Mix all till form a dough. Immediately store in greased plastic bag (no proving needed). Make a tight knob without leaving any space for the dough. Store in fridge at least 4 hours. It can be kept up to 7 days. Thaw it for 10-15 minutes at room temperature before use. You can prepare the sponge dough one night before. Tear into small pieces before use.

 
~ Main dough
1. Put all ingredients (B) together with pieces of sponge dough in kneading bowl. Knead till all ingredients well incorporate and form smooth dough.
 
2. Add in red colouring into 1/3 (about 180g) of the dough. Cover and rest both plain and red dough for 30 minutes.

3. Transfer onto lightly flour working surface. Start with the plain dough, roll out into rectangle shape (about 30x 15cm). Put aside. Repeat the same for the red dough.
 
4. Place the red dough on top. Fold 1/3 to the center. Fold the other 1/3 on top. Divide into 2 equal parts.

5. Roll out one of the dough into rectangle (about double its size). Divide into 6 equal strips as shown. These will be 6 flower buns.

6. Shape each strip one at a time. Slight flatten the strip by pressing withe fingers. Cut into 3 equal strips with the top still attach. Braid the strips into plait. Roll (from top of plait) as shown into flower shape.
 
7. Place each flower on greased paper. Leave to rest for 15-20 minutes.
 
 
8. Start steaming from cold water with low-medium heat. Once the water boiled steam further 8 minutes.
 
9. Once the steaming time is over, off the heat. Leave the buns inside the steamer about 1 minute before open the lid.
 

I'm submitting this post to

White Christmas Recipe Challenge organised by Very Good Recipes via Quay Po Cooks.

Here I like to take this opportunity to wish all 

Merry Christmas and Happy 2012 Year!