I still have pumpkin puree in my cupboard, inspiring me to put it to good use. Over the holiday, I clipped a recipe for Sweet Potato Rolls from the newspaper, making note that there was a pumpkin variation. I took the variation and ran with it, replacing white sugar with agave nectar, adding some spices to the dough, and topping the tasty little rolls off with some anise seed. Next time, I might grind up some toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and sprinkle the rolls with them. Either way, the resulting recipe, Spiced Pumpkin Dinner Rolls, is a keeper.
Yes, making yeast rolls from scratch may seem a bit time consuming, but only if your frame of reference is that anything worth cooking should take 30 minutes or less. Fresh, homemade bread and rolls are a taste treat that can’t be beat. The process of proofing the yeast and allowing the dough to rise can be managed while you do other work in the kitchen, home office, or yard. Just set a timer or watch alarm to keep yourself on track between steps. The recipe includes instructions for pre-baking and freezing the rolls in the event you’d like to work ahead of time and serve them for a special occasion meal.
Nourishing yourself and yours is worth the energy, not to mention the aroma in your kitchen, and the satisfaction that comes from producing something so elemental as a loaf of bread or basket of rolls. No special occasion required.
