1. Set aside 1/3 cup flour for flouring board

2. Pour the milk in a microwave-safe plastic bowl (7 cups.) Cover with a microwave lid and cook on HIGH (1200W) for 40 seconds until it reaches 75 – 85 degrees F. Cool milk, if it is over 85F. Yeast will not activate if milk is too hot.

3. Combine half of the remaining flour and milk. Beat with wire whisk until smooth. Add yeast and mix with wire whisk.

4. Add remaining flour and mix well with a wooden or rubber spatula until smooth. Shape into ball.

5. Cover the dough with a microwave lid and cook on HIGH (1200W) for 10 seconds.

6. Put basil paste ingredients in a food processor or blender and mix at high speed until smooth.

7. Tamp down dough in a rectangle shape on a lightly floured board and divide with a knife into 16 equal pieces.

8. Form them into a ball by folding the corners into the center and pinching the ends together.

9. Set balls apart on the board. Place lightly moistened paper towel over the dough to prevent it from drying out and leave for 10 minutes at room temperature.

10. Tamp dough flat and cut a 2-inch opening at its center. Twist and stretch each piece of dough into a 6-inch-long rope.

11. Place the 16 ropes on 12" x 12"parchment paper or waxed paper. Sprinkle flour on top and with a rolling pin, roll out to 8-inches strips.

12. Place the strips and parchment paper on the turn table. Cover with paper and cook on HIGH (1200W) for 10 seconds.

13. Place strips on a greased baking sheet (or on baking sheet covered with parchment paper) and cover with a damp paper towel. Let rise for 10 minutes at room temperature until they are 1 1/2 times their original size.

14. Spread basil paste on top with a spoon. Bake on the upper rack of a pre-heated oven, at 400F for 12 – 15 minutes. Cool, pull apart and serve.

* Resin-treated plastic bowls work well. Dough does not stick and it is light enough to handle easily.
* When using plastic wrap as a cover, poke a hole in the center to release the steam.

For how long you should cook with your microwave oven, see Cooking Time vs Wattage Conversion.
For more tips of using Microwave Oven, see Sachiko's Guideline to Microwave Cooking.