Created by CookinTO on December 24, 2012
Step 1: For the pizza dough; In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour and salt. Stream in the water/yeast mixture and as the dough begins to come together, switch to a dough hook attachment. Allow the dough to knead, adding a bit more flour if needed, so that the dough releases from the sides of the bowl, 1 to 3 minutes. You should be able to touch the dough and not have the dough stick to your fingers.
Step 2: Once the dough has kneaded and has pulled away from the sides of the bowl, remove the dough from bowl to a floured work surface and, with floured hands, continue to knead it by hand for 1 to 2 minutes. Then form the dough into a round ball and place it into a large bowl sprayed with nonstick spray. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean dish towel and let the dough rise in a warm area of your kitchen until it doubles in size, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Step 3: While the dough is rising, prepare the remaining ingredients for the garlic knots.
Step 4: In a bowl mix the 1 cup very soft butter with the thyme, rosemary, 2 tablespoons Parmesan and all the minced garlic.
Step 5: When the dough has finished rising turn dough out onto a floured surface. Slice the dough in half. Refrigerate or freeze one half of the dough for the next time. Stretch the remaining half of the dough into a rectangle. Spread HALF of the butter/herb mixture on half of the dough. Then fold the dough in half, covering the butter with the dough.
Step 6: Using a pizza wheel, divide the dough into 18 strips. First cut through the middle, then you can cut each half into 9 pieces. Stretch each strip and tie into a knot and tuck the ends underneath the center of the knot. Place the knots onto a greased baking sheet.
Step 7: Sprinkle the knots with a little kosher salt and some of the Parmesan. Bake in a preheated 375 degrees F oven until golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 8: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, melt the remaining half of the herb/butter mixture.
Step 9: Once the knots come out of the oven, baste them with the melted butter and sprinkle them with the remaining Parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy!