French Rolls Recipe

French rolls, also known as viennoiseries, are a classic and popular type of bread commonly served in France and enjoyed worldwide. These rolls are renowned for their light and fluffy texture, perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or just as a delicious accompaniment to any meal. Today, we will delve into the history of French rolls, explore some fun facts, and provide you with a fantastic recipe to create your very own at home.

The history of French rolls can be traced back to the early 19th century when Austrian bakers introduced their baking techniques and recipes to the French. This influence led to the creation of viennoiseries, which include croissants, pain au chocolat, and, of course, French rolls. These bakers brought with them a love for buttery and flaky pastries, transforming the French culinary scene forever.

Fun fact: The term "viennoiserie" derived from the French word "Viennois," which means "from Vienna." It pays homage to the Austrian bakers who revolutionized French baking techniques.

Now, let's move on to the recipe for these delicious French rolls. Remember, meticulousness and attention to detail are key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor.

Ingredients:
- 4 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup of warm water (around 110°F or 43°C)
- 1/4 cup of butter, softened
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 whole egg
- 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
- 1/4 teaspoon of mace or a few gratings of lemon peel
- 1 beaten egg (for brushing the rolls)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.

2. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the flour and softened butter. Mix until the butter is evenly distributed and resembles coarse crumbs.

3. Add the sugar, whole egg, egg yolk, and the dissolved yeast to the bowl. Also, add the mace or lemon peel for a subtle hint of flavor.

4. Mix all the ingredients together until a rough dough forms. If using a stand mixer, knead the dough on low speed for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. If kneading by hand, transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for the same amount of time.

5. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours until it doubles in size.

6. Once the dough has risen, gently press it down to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into small portions, around 12-16 depending on the desired size of the rolls.

7. Take each portion of dough and shape it into a small roll. You can do this by rolling it between your hands or on a lightly floured surface. The rolls should be smooth and evenly shaped.

8. Place the formed rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave some space between them for expansion. Cover the rolls with a kitchen towel and allow them to rise for another 30-45 minutes until they have doubled in size.

9. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last few minutes of the rising time.

10. Once the rolls have risen, gently brush the tops with beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden color and a shiny finish when baked.

11. Place the rolls in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

12. Remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

These freshly baked French rolls can be enjoyed immediately or stored in an airtight container for a few days. They can also be frozen for longer-term storage.

Now that you have mastered the art of making French rolls, why not try your hand at other viennoiseries such as croissants or pain au chocolat? These delightful pastries will surely impress your family and friends.

Remember, the key to a successful viennoiserie lies in proper technique and patience. So, roll up your sleeves, experiment with flavors, and let the aroma of freshly baked goods fill your kitchen.

Bon appétit!