Braiding and Shaping Fancy Breads, Buns, and Rolls



 photo 21B143D3-C29A-40C2-80BD-740D02E2FEF1_zpsb7ktt1sw.jpgI love making fresh bread and rolls, and have posted many kinds made over the years. A bread machine makes it extra easy for preparing dough.

I recently came across some Mideastern videos (posted below) showing bakers magically shaping, braiding, and rolling out gorgeous buns and dinner rolls.  Of course I had to try some of the methods. 
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My basic white bread recipe was used on the dough cycle for the first rise, then I took out the dough, shaped creations and let them rise a second time before baking at 350 for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on sizes.
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I was experimenting, and had so much fun! I plan to perfect some of my creations for holiday meals and also make a gift basket of goodies for family and friends at Christmas time.  Some I brushed with beaten egg, some with butter when done, and for others, I also sprinkled with poppy or sesame seeds.  Extras freeze well.

Here's link to most of the bread and rolls or bun recipes I've posted:
http://gooddealmeals.blogspot.com/search?q=bread

Watch the videos and I bet you'll be inspired to experiment and try some of these shapes on your own.





If you have Facebook, here's a link to another video showing various ways to roll and shape dough: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=866443860034223