Well, 8 actually!

On a few occasions lately, we’ve found ourselves low on fresh bread. May have something to do with the colds/flu/tiredness floating around our house.  Nonetheless, we made the realization we were out of bread when G briefly mentioned meatball subs one evening around dinner time. (I *love* meatball subs!) I couldn’t stop thinking of them. Knowing that Emma loves meatballs and bread, this was a no-brainer.

Except bread = yeast! Again, my aversion to yeast recipes! Thankfully, this turned out to be so much easier than expected.

We finished the entire batch (meatballs and rolls) that evening, and we’ve since had these rolls on multiple occasions. They are easy, flexible and look quite impressive fresh out of the oven. They will likely become part of your regular repertoire.

(Note: Meatball recipe coming soon!)

Whole Wheat Rolls
inspired by: Easy, Perfect Homemade Hamburger or Hot Dog Buns
(Makes 8-10 rolls)

• 1 cup skim milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 large egg
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup unbleached flour
• 2 ¼ tsp quick rise yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Lightly spray an 8-inch round cake pan with olive oil (or butter it, if you prefer).

On medium power in the microwave, heat the milk, water, honey and butter until butter is melted. This should take 1-2 min. While melting the butter, mix 2 cups of the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.

Remove the butter mixture from the microwave, and after letting it cool for a few minutes, beat in the egg.

(You can complete this next step using a stand mixer with a dough hook, or by hand. It works fine both ways.) Mix the butter mixture into the flour/yeast mixture. Once combined, add the rest of the flour, 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
When the dough pulls together, knead it until it is smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes).

Divide dough into 8-10 equal pieces. Shape into smooth balls and place into your prepared cake pan.
 It’s ok for the sides of the buns to touch. Preheat the oven to 400F. Let rise for 30 to 35 minutes or until they nearly double in size. Bake for 15-18 minutes.
 Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 5 min. Serve warm or at room temperature.