Dear Reader: These are extraordinary times we’re living in, and while we’ve always got an eye toward health and wellness, sometimes it’s not just about calories and fat grams. Self-care might look like an over-the-top carpet picnic in the living room, or sweet treats that aren’t normally a part of your diet. We believe that sometimes it’s OK to forego the status quo, and that’s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “yummy but maybe not for every day” recipes for you to try. Enjoy!
Have you ever noticed that dinner is automatically fancier when rolls are involved? Fresh from the oven all warm and buttery, dinner rolls feel so special because they’re an extra step that isn’t really necessary. They’re like extra credit, but for dinner. Lovely, but not needed. Adding dinner rolls to the menu is a trick you can use for any occasion you like, it doesn’t have to be limited to Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter supper.
Lately if you’ve found yourself on lock down with too much time on your hands, you’ve likely noticed how easy it is to get stuck on social media. Or reading too much news. There’s only so much a person can take! This is the perfect time to just take a step back and breathe. Do something simple with our hands. Make something nourishing for heart and soul. Just put together the ingredients, and knead the dough. Bake until golden. Enjoy the warm comfort… the fruits of your labor.
Everyone loves hot, fresh bread. For an effortlessly fancy dinner that calms worried minds too, give this easy recipe a shot. You might find yourself doing a lot of extra credit in the future!
Ingredients
- 1 c water, warm
- 1 pkg active dry yeast
- 1/4 c sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp butter, softened
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 3 1/2 – 4 c all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350 degrees. Put water and yeast in large mixing bowl and add next 4 ingredients. Beat with dough hook until well blended.
- Add 3 1/2 to 4 cups flour and mix until soft dough forms (should not be sticky).
- Put out onto a floured board and knead a few times until smooth.
- Place in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for approximately 45 minutes.
- Punch down and turn out onto a floured board.
- Shape into 12 rolls and place in a greased 13×9 inch baking pan. Let rise again about 30 minutes.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
- Brush tops of rolls with butter (or equivalent).
