Chinese Restaurant Sweet Rolls

A Joke

My friend Ann and I were eating at a Chinese restaurant. Shortly after we were seated, the elderly waiter set chopsticks at our places. Ann made a point of reaching into her purse and pulling out her own pair.

"As an environmentalist," she declared, "I do not approve of destroying bamboo forests for throwaway utensils."

The waiter inspected her chopsticks. "Very beautiful," he said politely. "Ivory."

The Recipe

Dough

1 packet active dry yeast

1 Tbsp honey

1 / 4 cup filtered water

1 cup heavy cream or whole milk

3 Tbsp canola oil

1 egg

4 1 / 4 cup all-purpose flour

1 / 2 kosher salt

3 Tbsp sugar

2 Tbsp baking powder

Glaze

1 egg

2 Tbsp sugar

1 Tbsp water

Combine honey and the filtered water. Microwave for 15 seconds (you are looking for it to be slightly warm.) Stir in the yeast and let rest till the yeast blooms.

Wisk to combine the oil, egg and milk. Stir in the yeast mixture.

In a separate large bowl combine flour, salt and sugar. Add the liquids and stir till a ball forms. Knead for 3-5 min. This is very soft dough and sticky dough. Restrain yourself from adding any extra flour. Place in an oiled bowl and let rise till it doubles. Give it about 2 hrs.

Sprinkle the baking powder over your work surface. Use it in place of flour. Remove the dough and knead in the baking powder. 3 min should do.

Line a 9-inch square pan with parchment paper. Form into 9 balls and place in the pan in 3 rows of 3. You want them to just touch. Let rise till double. Give it about 30 min.

Preheat your oven to 350.

Wisk together the egg, sugar and salt. Brush over the top of the dough right before it goes in the oven.

Bake for 25 min of until they are golden brown on top.

My Thoughts

The Chinese restaurant in the town I grew up in had the best dinner rolls. These are about as close to those as I have ever been able to duplicate. A soft roll that is subtly sweet and creamy. Make extra because they are even better warmed up the next day.