Bread with dinner is almost a thing of the past. Mostly we seem to throw things on the table that streamline our lives, help us nourish our body efficiently, and allow us to move on to the next thing in 15 minutes or less.
Gone are the days of the family meal, chatting about lives, sharing thoughts and ideas, and relaxing over our dinners. Sad, really. Those moments were a time to reconnect with family, cocoon, and pass down family stories and anecdotes.
One of the components of those meals was hot dinner rolls. Steaming, fresh out of the oven, the yeasty scent of them wafting throughout the house as it drew everyone to the kitchen. No need for a dinner bell! Then on the plate, with fresh butter melting into the soft bread, spreading a golden stain as it dripped and puddled.
These rolls will bring back those special moments. They are really easy enough to make that you can have them regularly. And, you can make them up for the month on a day off, bake them to the done but not golden stage, and freeze them. When ready to serve just finish browning them in the oven for 10 minutes. Does it get better than that? Maybe. But not often.
Easy Dinner Rolls
Makes 36
- 1/4 c lukewarm water
- 2 packages active dry yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 c dry milk
- 1/2 c unsalted butter,melted and cooled to lukewarm
- 1/3 c honey
- 1 Tbs salt
- 6 1/2-8c flour (white, whole wheat, or a mix)
- 2 c lukewarm water (save your water from boiling potatoes, it is best)
Sprinkle yeast in 1/4c water, with sugar. Stir to mix.
Combine 4c flour, dry milk and salt in a bowl. Mix well to distribute dry ingredients evenly.
Mix the rest of the water, the honey, the butter, and the yeast mixture. Add to the flour mixture in the bowl and mix well. Add as much of the rest of the flour as you need to make a soft dough that pulls away from the bowl. Do not add too much or rolls will be tough.
Turn out on a floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 10 minutes. Put into a greased bowl and grease top. Cover with a tea towel and allow to rise until doubled in bulk., 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Gently punch dough down and divide into 36 equal pieces. Roll into balls and place on a silpat covered baking sheet. Dust with flour if desired. Allow to rise for 45 minutes.
For Brown and Serve Rolls:
Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes, or until done but not brown. Allow to cool on the counter and then place the whole tray in the freezer to flash freeze. When frozen, remove from sheet and place in a freezer bag.
To bake- bake frozen rolls at 375 until brown.
To Serve Immediately:
Bake at 375 for 20 minutes until golden brown. Serve steaming hot.
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