Roll Recipes

Rolls

Rolls are a classic dinner accompaniment, particularly when served warm. Cold rolls, on the other hand, are a fine complement to leftovers. Rolls are also a staple with many traditional meals. But what are they actually?

Loosely defined, rolls are simply small pieces of bread, usually round or elongated, that can be used as individual servings. There are many different types, including:

• Teacakes
• Buns
• Crescents
• Scones
• Hot Cross Buns

They are, however, far more than just small bits of bread. Many recipes call for additional spices, seeds, fruit, meat, or nuts to add texture and flavor to the classic dish, particularly seasonings with strong flavors that may complement the meal they will accompany.

Tips for Baking

Roll recipes vary widely in difficulty with each recipe aiming to create a specific flavor and texture for the bread. Regardless of the direction, however, certain guidelines should be followed for an impeccable result.

• Use warm liquids (cooler than 130 degrees Fahrenheit), not hot, or they may impair or kill the yeast.
• Old yeast will not rise effectively; store yeast in the freezer to increase its shelf life.
• Grease pans well to avoid sticking; cooking spray is particularly effective.
• Refresh stale dinner rolls by reheating them in a plain paper bag sprinkled with a bit of water or wrapped in a damp paper towel.
• For a shiny, brown crust, brush the uncooked dough with beaten egg whites prior to baking.
• For a rich, buttery crust, coat the baked rolls with melted butter while warm.
• To keep them warm, wrap in aluminum foil or place a layer of foil in the bread basket.

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