Fancy Dinner Rolls

This is another recipe that has been handed down for generations in my family.  They are light, fluffy, buttery and absolutely delicious.  This recipe is perfect for dinner or crescent rolls and it is also the same recipe I use for cinnamon rolls. 

Fancy Dinner Rolls
(printable version)

2 C. milk

1/2 c. butter

2 t. salt

1/2 c. water

1/2 c. sugar

2 T. yeast

2 eggs, beaten

8-10 cups flour

* Heat milk, butter, salt, water and sugar in saucepan on stove until warm.  Pour into mixer.  Add yeast and eggs and let stand until frothy.  Add enough flour to make a soft dough (in my Bosch mixer that is when the doughs stops sticking to the sides).  Let knead in mixer for 1 minute.  Dump into greased bowl and let rise until double in size.  Depending on what you are making you:

Dinner Rolls:  Pinch off small pieces and form them into round circles.  Place on greased cookie sheet and let rise again until doubled and cook at 375 degrees for 18 mins.

Crescent Rolls:  Divide into 2 parts and roll out one at a time into a circle.  Cut into about 20-24 wedges and roll from outside-in.  Place on greased cookie sheet and repeat with other dough.  Let raise until double in size.  Bake at 375 degrees for 15-18 minutes.

Cinnamon Rolls:  Divide into two parts and roll, one at a time, into large circle.  Spread with softened butter, then sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon (the amount depends on your preferences).  Starting at one edge, roll up tightly.  Cut with string or sharp knife into the size you like.  Put on greased cookie sheet with spaces in between.  Repeat with other circle.  Let rise until double in size and cook at 375 degrees for 18-20 mins.

Whole Wheat Bread

This is a recipe that has been handed down for generations in my family.  I still remember as I little kid with my Grandma standing over me teaching me how to knead the dough and form it into pretty loaves.  This is what I make for my family for bread every week and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

3 c. warm water

1 T. salt

1 T. yeast

1 T. dough enhancer

1/3 c. oil

1/3 c. honey

9-10 c. whole wheat flour (I use a wheat grinder)

* In your mixer (I use a Bosch and these directions are specifically for that.  They will work for all mixtures you just will have to work with it until you get it right).  Add water, salt, yeast, dough enhancer, oil and honey.  A trick with the oil and honey is to use the oil first and then add the honey to the same measuring cup so the honey will come right out without sticking.

*  Then turn mixer on and start adding the flour.  Add about 6 c. then turn off and scrap the sides off.  Turn back on and continue to add flour until the dough does not stick to the sides.  Then let mixer knead the dough for 10 mins.  When done, take out and form into two loaves and place in greased bread pans.  Let raise till double in size (about an hour, will take longer because wheat is heavier, just be patient with it and put it in a warm space).

* Cook at 375 degrees for 33 mins.  I have played with this time till the inside is perfect for us.  Don't be afraid to experiment.  If it is too doughy keep it in a little longer and vice versa.  Remove immediately from pans and let cool.

TIPS:  Bread is something that takes time to get right.  Don't be afraid to keep trying if it doesn't turn out many times.  You will get use to the feel and when you have the right amount of flour.  Everytime you make it it will get better.

Bread Pans

These are my favorite, favorite bread pans.  Once I started using stones I have never gone back.  They make breads cook so evenly with yummy crusts and soft insides.  They are awesome for sweet breads also.  They can get kinda pricey but make sure you get a good brand and I think they are worth the investment.

Dough Enhancer

I don't know if you have heard of this product but it is awesome in your bread.  If you are making whole wheat bread I think it is essential because whole wheat is dense and courser than white flour.  Dough enhancer will make it lighter.  Most Walmarts carry this in their food storage section or you can buy it online at Emergency Essentials or Bosch Kitchen Center.

French Bread

Another very simple and easy bread recipe.  Works great to mix in your Bosch or Kitchenaid.

1 3/4 c. warm water

2 T. yeast

3 T. sugar

3 T. oil

1 1/2 t. salt

4 c. flour

* Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

* Mix water and yeast and let sit until frothy.  Add remaining ingredients and knead for 1 min.  Let raise for 10 mins.  Split in half and form into 2 loaves and place on greased jellyroll pan.  Let raise 10 more mins.  Bake for 20 mins.  Let it sit 5 minutes before serving.

* You can make it look like french bread by using your bread knife and slicing across the top diagonally right after you have formed it into loaves.

Pizza Dough

This is a very simple dough, but so yummy.  Each recipe makes 1 large pizza.

1 c. warm water
1 T. yeast
1/2 t. salt
2 t. oil
2-3 c. flour (works great to mix half white and half wheat)

* Mix all ingredients together and let raise 1 hour.  It is okay to let raise less time if in a hurry, the dough still works awesome.  Roll out, put on toppings and bake.  Our favorite is on a stone at 425 degrees for 15 minutes.  Enjoy!