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To me, one of life's sweetest treasures is dear friends. You know, the ones who you can re-connect with in minutes - even when life takes you in different directions, casting you miles, even states apart from each other................
My friend Geeenie came to visit for the past week and we had such a sweet, special time together laughing (so many funny stories to share), talking (non-stop!), walking (not as much as we should have), cooking (a little more than we should have) and catching up with each other's lives (never quite enough). She left this morning and that's why I decided to sooth my sad spirit and do a bit of baking - it also made the mountain of ironing I was attacking today a bit more fun. 🙂
I had been wanting to try this interesting technique for yeast rolls ever since I saw the Almond Fans on one of my favorite blogs; Salad in a Jar by my friend, Paula. They looked beautiful, unique and not too difficult considering her spectacular results. While Paula's rolls have a sweet cinnamon-sugar filling along with a cream cheese icing, I decided to make mine savory with some of my favorite flavors; Parmesan, garlic and rosemary.
I was quite delighted (almost forgetting to be sad that my friend, Geeenie was on a plane, winging her way home), when I peeked into the oven halfway through the baking time and saw them rising up .......... so pretty with swirls and layers of lovely herby-cheesey delightfulness! And the aroma, oh my, was incredible!
Paula makes her rolls in a bread machine which greatly simplifies the whole process. I use my stand mixer with the dough hook attached and, like Paula, let the machine do all the kneading work. After a rise of one hour or less, the dough is (literally) "ready to roll", fill and bake. Yum, yum, yum! You'll definitely want this recipe in your fall and holiday baking repertoire!
P.S. I know, I know, I did blog yesterday about eating healthier (but this was therapy :)) and I'm actually giving most of these wonderful rolls away (sniff, sniff - of course I did have a sample to make sure they were blog worthy!). Oh, and I did make a wonderful salad for dinner - Vietnamese Salad with Grilled Bahn Mi Burgers - deliciously fresh, vibrant and healthy! Check back next week for the recipe!
Parmesan, Garlic and Rosemary Dinner Roll Fans
Ingredients:
FOR ROLLS
½ cup warm water, 100-110˚
½ cup lowfat sour cream
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened
4 ½-5 cups all purpose flour
5 teaspoons active dry yeast
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup fine grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tablespoon water
Directions:
1. In large mixing bowl combine [active dry] yeast, water and sugar. Let stand 10 minutes, or until slightly bubbly. With dough hook attached miix in sour cream, salt, eggs and butter. Add 4 ½ cups flour and knead for 8-10 minutes. While kneading dough should form into a ball and leave sides of bowl. Add a bit more flour if necessary. Put into a greased bowl, cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Punch down and let rise again until almost doubled, about 35 minutes.
2. While dough is rising, melt butter in a small sauté pan. Add olive oil and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until garlic is softened and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
3. On a lightly floured board, divide dough into two portions. Roll each half to 12" x 15" rectangle.
4. Spread half of butter/oil/garlic mixture on one rectangle. Sprinkle with half of Parmesan cheese and half of rosemary. Begin rolling from long side and roll up tightly as possible. Flatten log slightly with palms and slice log into 6 pieces. Then using a sharp knife, make 3 cuts into each piece, cutting to within ½" of the other side. Twist each slice slightly to make it lay somewhat flatter.
6. Combine egg and water and mix well. Brush rolls with egg wash and sprinkle with rosemary.
The Café Sucré Farine says
Oh, thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment! They are quite tasty, aren't they - I had to hide them from myself! 🙂
Anonymous says
The taste and aroma of these rolls is heavenly! I will definitely be adding this recipe to 5 star list. Thank you for sharing
The Café Sucré Farine says
You can actually make these and par-bake them, meaning take them out about 8-10 minutes ahead of the finish time, let them cool and then freeze them. When you want to serve, just thaw them out and pop them back in the oven for 8-10 minutes and it's like you just baked them!
Anonymous says
These look delicious! Is there a part that can be done ahead of time?
The Café Sucré Farine says
I do use regular yeast in this recipe. Thanks for your kind words!
lulu says
Hi! Gorgeous recipe and stunning photos! Can you tell me if you used rapid, instant or regular yeast? Thanks!
Pam says
They look so delicious and pretty too.
Susan says
These are gorgeous, Chris! I am adding them to my list of ideas for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners! You are truly blessed in your friendship! Have a wonderful weekend!
Mary says
I do so love fresh rolls and yours look terrific. I'll wager they are as tasty as they are beautiful. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
I love those friendships. It's something special when you can not see someone for years but catch up like you've been together your whole life.
I have some sour cream in the fridge leftover from a cake so I know what I'll be baking tomorrow. They look so fancy!
Vicki Bensinger says
Your rolls look beautiful and I'm sure they taste fantastic! I agree, cooking is the best therapy. Sometimes you just have to forget about your waistline or cook it and give it away!
Nick and Linds says
Wow those look amazing, can't wait to have them tomorrow night! Woohoo!
Natalie says
These look addictive! Dinner rolls are sometimes my favourite part of a meal.
The Café Sucré Farine says
Thanks Vicki for your kind words - We use a Canon EOS Rebel T2i - we have been on a huge learning curve with this blog in every aspect! Thanks so much!
Vicki V @ blestnest.blogspot.com says
These are absolutely beautiful! I wish I could reach through the screen and have one. Salad in a Jar is one of my favorite food blogs, too. Your style reminds me a lot of Paula's. You both have great photography skills, too. What kind of camaera do you use?
Sandra says
I'm not sure if I would have been able to part with these!