June 26, 2006 at 9:47 pm (bread)

 FESTIVE ENGLISH CHESTNUT BREAD ROLLS

  • 175g / 6oz strong wholemeal flour
  • 175g / 6oz strong white flour
  • 2.5ml / 1/2tsp salt
  • 2.5ml / 1/2tsp ground nutmeg or cinnamon
  • 12g / 1/2oz fresh yeast (or 5ml/1tsp dried yeast)
  • 10ml / 2tsp sugar
  • 240ml / 8floz (approx) hand-hot water
  • 100g / 4oz chestnuts (cooked weight), chopped

to glaze:

  • soya milk

1. Pre-heat oven to 220C/425F/Gas Mark 7.2. Mix the flours, salt, and the nutmeg or cinnamon together in a large mixing bowl.
Cream the yeast and sugar together and add a little hand-hot water.
Mix well and leave in a warm place for 5 minutes, until frothy.

3. Pour the yeast mixture over the flour in the bowl and add enough water, one tablespoon at a time, to make a stiff, but not sticky, dough.

4. Tip the dough out onto a floured work surface and knead for 10 minutes.

Place the dough in a clean, lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean tea towel or loose cling film and leave in a warm place until doubled in size (about 1 hour).

5. Punch the dough down, turn out onto a floured surface, add the chopped chestnuts and knead for 5 minutes, making sure the chestnuts are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

6. Divide into 6 balls and shape into rolls.

Allow to prove by leaving the rolls in a warm place for 20~30 minutes, until well risen.

Glaze with soya milk and bake for 15~20 minutes in the pre-heated oven.

If the rolls sound hollow when tapped on the base, then they are cooked.