Granny’s Dark Rolls

This one comes from my mom. The dough is homey, yeasty, and sweet. Using this recipe, you can make rolls, a loaf of bread, or any other shape your heart desires.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 cup oil
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup boiling water
• Two packages active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon honey
• One egg
• 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 cups all purpose flour
• Oil or butter for greasing baking dish or loaf pan
• Cornmeal or sesame seeds for coating greased pan (if making into loaves)

Directions:

1. Combine the first seven ingredients listed, and set aside.
2. Combine yeast, warm water, and honey; let mixture sit until yeast proofs.
3. When the first mixture is no longer hot, but still warm, combine it with the yeast mixture.
4. Stir in the egg and add enough flour to make a soft dough that can be kneaded without sticking.
5. Let rise until doubled in a warm, moist spot.
6. Meanwhile, grease the baking dish if making rolls. If making a loaf, grease the pan and sprinkle with cornmeal or sesame seeds.
7. Knead briefly to remove any air bubbles.
8. Shape dough into rolls or loaf (score the loaf once down the middle with a sharp knife to prevent tearing and facilitate rising) and place in dish or pan.
9. Allow to rise until doubled in size again.
10. Bake at 350° F for forty minutes or until crust is brown and bread pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Yield: One loaf or twenty-four rolls

Photo courtesy of LotusHead, www.pixelpusher.co.za