Sweet Potato Rolls - Let's Celebrate!

When I go out to eat, I love to see a bread basket on the table with a variety of breads---oh heaven! So, when I'm asked to bring bread or rolls to an affair, I want others to be excited about the selection of rolls on the table. A friend was hosting a big BBQ, celebrating the efforts of our Christmas committee......The prior winter, with a committee of about 10 people, we launched the first-ever "Joy of Christmas" light show in our local park. We worked long and hard to make this thing happen (we're now in our third year!). My friend asked me to bring the buns for the burgers at this post-event summer BBQ celebration, so I went all out. These are just one of the rolls I served....they are  beautiful, tasty and worthy of a celebration! 

Super-Special Sweet Potato Rolls

Dough

1/2 cup water

2 teaspoons  or 1 packet Red Star Platinum yeast 

2 tablespoons butter, softened

1 teaspoon salt

1 large egg

3/4 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato (1 medium)

1/4 cup nonfat dry milk

1 cup  whole wheat flour (regular flour can be substituted, or a white whole wheat) 

2 1/4 to 2 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour 

Topping

1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water

Poppy or sesame seeds

Directions:  Put the water and yeast in the EZ DOH bucket. Stir and let sit for 1-2 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and EZ DOH-it till the dough if soft, but not sticky (Feel free to add additional flour if necessary). This process should take 3-4 minutes. Remove the dough from the bucket, spray the bucket and return the dough. Cover and let rise until the dough is doubled (30-45 minutes).

Remove the dough from the bucket and divide into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a 12” rope. Form each rope into a Kaiser roll shape (see below). Place the rolls on a cookie sheet sprayed lightly with cooking spray. Cover loosely with a towel or greased plastic wrap. Let rise for 20-30 minutes. (Preheat your oven to 375 at this time)  Brush the top of the rolls with the beaten egg mixture and follow with a sprinkling of poppy or sesame seeds, if desired.

Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The tops of the rolls should be a “cheeky” brown color when you remove them from the oven.  Slide the rolls off the pan and place on cooling rack. Cool at least 10 minutes before enjoying!  Makes 8 rolls.

Sweet Potato Rolls - Let's Celebrate!