Under-An-Hour, Over-The-Top Soft Burger Buns!

All the newspaper advertisements are telling me that summer will be officially starting this weekend - Grills, summer clothing and lawn chair sales shout, "Let the picnics and outdoor parties begin!"  I must admit that I'm really looking forward to this season.  I also love the traditions that accompany its entrance. 

In our little city, the annual Memorial Day parade is the shortest of all the summer parades, but it is still well-attended. I'm privileged to say that our community is one that gives high honors to our vets and is very respectful of and grateful for the freedoms that so many sacrificed so much for. Memorial Day morning starts with a pancake breakfast sponsored by the local fire department. One can't linger too long over breakfast, as the parade begins at 10 am. Aging vets lead the parade, solemnly carrying the American flag as spectators place right hands over their hearts. They are followed by convertibles carrying a variety of city leaders, who are tailed by a well-maintained collection of WWII vehicles (my grandson particularly enjoys this portion of the parade!) . The Boy Scouts and Camp Fire Girls then march by, waving at their friends and neighbors. The parade usually ends up with an entourage of kids who have decorated their bicycles in patriotic fashion. The bulk of onlookers then head to the Firestone cemetery where there is a short service which includes a 21-gun salute and taps to honor past and present vets. As the service ends, folks greet one another briefly, then scurry off to enjoy their picnics and yard work! It is only an hour or two out of one day, but that morning helps to keep the future in perspective. Let us never forget to take time to remember.....

As you prepare to celebrate this Memorial Day....and the intro to summer......here's a wonderful, super-speedy recipe for some buns to accompany those burgers you'll be grilling up in the next few months. Enjoy!! 

Under-an-Hour, Over-the-Top Soft Burger Buns!

Dough:

2 Tbsp./packets Red Star Platinum Yeast

1 1/8 Cup warm water

¼ Cup sugar

1/3 Cup olive oil

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 tsp. salt

3 ½ Cup unbleached, all-purpose flour

Topping:

1 egg yolk beaten with 2 Tbsp. milk

Seed Mixture: 1 tsp. sesame seeds; 1 tsp. flax seeds; 1 tsp. poppy seeds; 1 tsp. chia seeds (You may substitute your own choice of seeds or simply use one type of seed – this is the mixture you see in my photo)

Place warm water and yeast in EZ DOH bucket and stir to dissolve yeast. Let rest 1 minute. Add one cup of flour, then additional dough ingredients. EZ DOH-it for 2-3 minutes, until all ingredients are incorporated – the dough will be slightly sticky. Lightly flour a surface. Remove the dough from the bucket and place on floured surface. “Turn” or knead the dough a couple of times to smooth it. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces (You may divide it into 8 pieces if you want larger buns). Shape each piece into a smooth ball (Lightly flour a surface, cup your hand over the dough and make small, circular motions – the dough will smooth) . Place buns on a lightly greased baking sheet and cover with a clean tea towel for 10 minutes. Preheat your oven to 425 F.

Uncover the rolls and brush with the egg wash. Mix the seeds together and sprinkle carefully over the rolls. Bake at 425 for approximately 15 minutes, or until golden. Remove to a baking rack to cool. Enjoy!

Adapted from a recipe at Taste of Home 

For more delicious bread recipes check out wildyeastspotting.com 

Under-An-Hour, Over-The-Top Soft Burger Buns!