American Buns - New England Fantan

New England Fantan Rolls: a delicacy that brings a touch of elegance and an unforgettable taste to any meal. These fluffy rolls are perfect both warm and cold, and are ideal to be enjoyed with fresh butter. In the following, I will guide you step by step in preparing these wonderful rolls, bringing you useful tips and tricks to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Number of servings: 9 rolls

Ingredients:
- 15 g fresh yeast
- 75 ml buttermilk at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
- 75 ml milk
- 65 g butter
- 375 g flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 lightly beaten egg

A bit of history: New England Fantan rolls were created out of a desire to combine delicious flavor with an elegant shape, becoming popular among communities in the early 20th century. These rolls are known for their fluffy texture and buttery aroma, making them a perfect accompaniment for festive meals or a special breakfast.

Step by step for perfect rolls:

1. Preparing the pan: Start by preparing a muffin tin, lightly greasing it with butter to prevent the rolls from sticking. This step is essential for achieving a tender and delicious texture.

2. Activating the yeast: In a small bowl, mix the yeast with the buttermilk and powdered sugar. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes until it becomes frothy. This is a crucial step to ensure good rising of the dough.

3. Heating the milk: In another pot, heat the milk together with 40 g of butter, stirring constantly until the butter melts. Then, let the mixture cool until it becomes warm. This step will help activate the yeast and provide a rich flavor to the rolls.

4. Preparing the dough: Sift the flour into a mixing bowl and add the salt around the edges. Add the yeast mixture, the milk and butter mixture, as well as the beaten egg. Knead the dough for 5-8 minutes until it becomes elastic and smooth. If the dough seems too sticky, add a little flour, but be careful not to overdo it!

5. Letting the dough rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with an oiled plastic wrap, and let it rise for one hour in a warm place. This step allows the yeast to work its magic, and the dough will rise and become fluffy.

6. Shaping the rolls: Once it has risen, turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently flatten it and knead it again until it becomes elastic. Roll it out into a rectangle measuring 45x30 cm. Melt the remaining butter and brush it over the surface of the dough.

7. Cutting the dough: Cut the dough lengthwise into five equal strips. Stack the strips on top of each other and cut them into pieces about 5 cm long. Give them a pleasant shape by pinching one end of the stacked strip and placing them with the pinched side down into the muffin tin.

8. Second rising: Cover the rolls with an oiled plastic wrap and let them rise for another 30-40 minutes. This step will allow the rolls to become even fluffier.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes until they are golden and browned. In the meantime, you can prepare a warm drink or a fresh salad to accompany them.

10. Serving: After removing them from the oven, let the rolls cool slightly, then enjoy them with freshly spread butter. For an extra touch of sweetness, add cinnamon to the butter or sprinkle brown sugar over the rolls while they are still warm.

Practical tips:
- If you want to experiment with flavors, add a teaspoon of vanilla to the dough or to the butter.
- These rolls are delicious served with jams or fruit marmalades.
- For a savory version, try adding grated cheese to the dough or herbs.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dry yeast instead of fresh yeast? Yes, you can use dry yeast, but adjust the amount to about 5 g.
- How can I tell if the dough has risen correctly? The dough should double in volume and be fluffy to the touch.

Ideal combinations: These rolls are perfect alongside a warm coffee or a fragrant tea. They can also be served with soups or salads, adding extra flavor to the meal.

I conclude with a thought: cooking is an art form, and every recipe you try contributes to your culinary story. So enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen and every bite of these delicious rolls!

 Ingredients: 15 g fresh yeast, 75 ml room temperature buttermilk, 2 teaspoons powdered sugar, 75 ml milk, 65 g butter, 375 g flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 lightly beaten egg

 Tags:  american rolls - new england fountain buns american doughs