How to Make Pigs in a Blanket

Get out of a hot dog rut and make pigs in a blanket for a change.

Pigs in a blanket are a favorite party treat quickly eaten by kids and adults. You can prepare them ahead of time and pop them in the oven once you are ready to serve them for a fresh-baked pastry. Serve your pigs in a blanket on their own, roll a slice of cheese in with the sausage or make an assortment of homemade dips to accompany these one-bite wonders.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 3 tbsp. wheat germ
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg yolk
• 10 Vienna sausages (or enough cut-up hot dogs to make 10 appetizers)
• Bowls
• Whisk
• Pastry blender
• Clean towel
• Rolling pin
• Baking sheet
• Brush

1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and wheat germ in a large bowl. Whisk together the buttermilk and egg yolk in a smaller bowl.

2. Add shortening to the dry ingredients and blend using your pastry cutter until it looks like pea-sized chunks. Crisscross two knives or use your fingertips to create this texture if you do not have a pastry cutter.

3. Add the liquids into the flour mixture and stir until it forms a moist dough.

4. Knead your dough and set it aside to rise for 20 minutes or until it doubles in size. Place a clean towel on top of your dough to help the process.

5. Divide your dough into 10 equal pieces and roll each portion into long flat rectangles.

6. Place your sausage in the middle of the dough and make 5 small cuts in the dough on each side of the sausage. Bring each cut into the center of your sausage by crossing one side over the other to create a braided look.

7. Grease your baking sheet and place the pigs in a blanket on it. Cover with the clean towel and let proof a second time until the dough doubles in size again. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while waiting.

8. Brush the pigs in a blanket with an egg wash and bake 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

References

• Epicurious: Pigs in Blankets
• My Kitchen Snippets: Pig In The Blanket

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish