Water Rolls

 After my draft on Thursday, they sent me home to wait for news on what my job will be. It was nice because I was home for Shabbat, but now it's Tuesday and after going back and forth for a couple of days, I'm still waiting. I took the opportunity erev Shabbat to throw together a batch of rolls (even though I was going out for all meals) and it was really good I did because they have been serving as my source of sustenance on my long trips back and forth to the base. Thank God for egg salad sandwiches otherwise I'd have starved over there while waiting in the blistering heat. The recipe for this is actually a great one from Beth Henspberger's Bread Bible. A simple water roll that's perfect for sandwiches, it's a recipe I've been looking for for awhile. I omitted the rice flour topping and instead used an egg yolk glaze and topped with sesame seeds. I made the dough in the mixer and because it has a nice amount of yeast coupled with the insane heat, the dough rose fast. I would, however, reduce the yeast next time to get some better flavor. But I'm not complicating. I also want to try these with fruit juice, so I'll post about those when I do. Until then, happy sandwiching and beat the heat! These are off to Yeastspotting!

Water Rolls
adapted from the Bread Bible

1 3/4 cups water
1 tbsp instant yeast
2 tbsp oil
2 tsp salt
2 egg whites, save the yolks for glaze
about 5 cups flour
sesame seeds, optional

  Place all of the ingredients into the bowl of your stand mixer.

 Using the paddle attachment, mix on low until all the ingredients are moistened.

 Switch to the dough hook and knead on medium speed about 5 minutes or until the dough is smooth but tacky. Grease the dough, cover and set aside to rise until doubled.

 Here's my risen dough.

 Scale and shape the dough as desired.

 Allow to rise to proof. Towards the end of proofing, preheat the oven to 400. Glaze the rolls with the beaten egg yolks and top with sesame seeds, if desired.

Bake about 20 minutes or until nicely browned. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Freeze if necessary.