Monday 18 January 2010

Glazed Fruit Rolls

I read somewhere once that things are only scary if you are told they are. For instance, many people find pastry making scary – but if you grow up believing its simple then you are oblivious to the fear. It’s the same with making a sponge or meringue – feared processes, but if you tell yourself they are simple then they are likely to be much easier. My baking fear is yeast.
DSCF6048 About a year ago, I attempted hot cross buns. They didn’t work, and there was much wasted dough – not fun times. Since that, I occasionally saw a recipe I liked, considered making it, saw it involved yeast, and put straight back down. The kneading, the knocking back, the rising, the “tepid” water, the whole shebang scared me. But then time and time again on Tastespotting, Foodgawker and on so many blogs I would see cinnamon rolls. And they looked so very good. SO very good. So I gave in, and yeast was once again introduced to my mixing bowl.
DSCF6027These aren’t actually cinnamon rolls – they are mincemeat rolls. After Christmas there are always a few jars left over and whilst mincemeat lasts, its nice to use it up a bit. A free day was found and the baking begun. And it worked! This recipe was from the Waitrose magazine, so from the beginning I felt in safe “hands”. The dough came together nicely, wasn’t too sticky, rose when it was meant to – it was on its best behaviour! And happily, I managed to cut 10 rather than 8 rolls out of the dough.DSCF6035These may be one of the best-smelling things you could bake. They fill your house with their rich, fruity “aromas” and the softly baking dough. As you pull them apart, they open stickily and icing cracks and falls (I cut a final corner by making glace rather than cream cheese icing), your fingers immersed in each bite. Such a treat. They are perfect on a Sunday night in front of the television and our family demolished as many as we could fast. I’m happy to say this has set me back on the yeasty-route and massively helped with my confidence. Do not be surprised to see Hot Cross Bun Attempt 2 in this space at Easter time! You can find the fruit scroll recipe here. Enjoy!
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15 comments:

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Those look incredibly scrumptious! Glazed rolls can't be beat!

Cheers,

Rosa

La Table De Nana said...

Lucy..you amaze me:) I can imagine the aroma in your house! Aren't they beautiful too?

Bravo!

Faith said...

It looks like you can put your fears of yeast to rest -- these came out perfect! Using mincemeat as the filling is a really great idea, I bet it gives so much more flavor than the traditional cinnamon buns (but I must admit I'm a sucker for pretty much any type of cinnamon bun!). ;)

stephchows said...

congrats on getting over the yeast fear!!! Isn't it so much fun!!

Dinners & Dreams said...

Hi Lucy,

I love your fruit buns very much!The glazelooks so yummy!

I'm having a cookbook giveaway on my blog. Let me know if you'd like to participate in the drawing.

Cheers,

Nisrine

Anonymous said...

Those look utterly delish :)

Ash said...

Amazing, Amazing!! This turned out just fab! Good job on breaking your fears!! Mine is bread... but I'll be optimistic... I mean people make this everyday!! hehe... I should really give bread another go!

English Mum said...

Wow they look great - and what a great idea to use the mincemeat too. Yum! xx

apparentlyjessy said...

I am glad you decided to overcome your baking with yeast fears! These look so delicious, and I like that you used mince in the buns to use it up, I like being savvy like that too!

Susan @ SGCC said...

These look fantastic, Lucy! I'm so glad you overcame your fear of yeast. It would be a shame to miss out on those lovely fruit rolls!

Isabelle said...

Wow, these look very tempting!
I like the idea of adding mincemeat.

James said...

Wow - nice idea. Could use up a jar of mincemeat - more space.

What about trying a no-knead bread recipe?

Rhiannon Bosse said...

These sound so interesting and look delightful :) Nice work Lucy! You never cease to amaze me!

Just Cook It said...

They look utterly fantastic

Cathie said...

my fear is also dough, they look great, I need to make them one day.