December 1, 2012

Sweet Rolls

I've been gluten free for two and a half years. That's long enough to learn how to cook, start a recipe blog, and find a way to safely enjoy a delicious but gluten free version of almost all of the glutenous foods I behind. But despite my best efforts in the kitchen, I still hadn't mastered sweet rolls and I was starting to get pretty desperate. I love Eleanor's Bake Shop and their delicious cinnamon rolls, but I just don't make it there very often. I needed to be able to make my own sweet rolls for special occasions like Christmas morning.
I'm happy to announce that I finally have a recipe good enough to use myself on a regular basis and good enough to post here. I'll divide the credit for this amazing recipe between the Pioneer Woman and Grandpa's Kitchen.
(You might be tempted to alter the ingredients or process just a bit because you have skim not whole milk, margarine not butter, or another flour mix, or because you are in a bit of a hurry. Do so at your own risk. And don't say I didn't warn you if they don't turn out because you didn't follow my instructions.)

Basic Dough (makes 12 rolls)
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup canola oil
1 tablespoon yeast (invest in the good stuff, and keep it in your fridge)
5 cups Grandpa's Kitchen Flour blend, plus extra for rolling out the dough
1/2 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1. Mix milk, sugar, and oil in a large pot. Heat over medium heat until very warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and allow to cool until warmer that lukewarm but not hot. Test it on your wrist. If it feels hot, you're not ready for the next step. Be patient!
2. Sprinkle yeast over the surface of the liquid, then add 4 1/2 cups of flour. Stir gently until totally combined. Your dough will be very wet and sticky. Cover with a clean tea towel and allow to sit for one hour.
3. Add 1/2 cup of flour, as well as the salt, baking soda and baking powder. Mix until combined. Refrigerate dough, covered, until you need it. (Refrigerating the dough makes it easier to handle.)
4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a large baking dish generously.
5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Roll into a rectangle. Roll as thin as possible.
6. Top with filling of your choice - see below.
7. Beginning at the side furthest from you, roll dough toward you until it's in the shape of a tight log. Tuck as you go so the roll stays tight. Pinch the edges to seal the seam shut. With a sharp knife, slice into 1/2 inch tick rolls and lay the slices, cut side down, into the buttered baking dish.
8. Allow to rise 20 minutes, then place in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until deep golden brown on top.
9. Top with frosting while warm and enjoy!

Filling ideas:
- Cinnamon rolls: butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar (raisins optional)
- Lemon blackberry: butter, zest of 2 lemons, sugar and one cup blackberries (blueberries or raspberries would work too)
- butter, sugar, and orange zest
- butter, apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg

Original Pioneer Woman recipe found here: http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/11/blueberry-lemon-sweet-rolls/

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