Hearty Oatmeal-Molasses Rolls

Even if you think you don't have time to make bread, you do for these delicious mouthfuls! While they require two rises, the actual prep time is small and the steps are straightforward. The rolls have just a touch of sweetness from the molasses, a hint of spice from the Cardamom essential oil, a subtle crunch from the sunflower seeds and oats, and nuttiness from the whole wheat flour.

We made these rolls with your Thanksgiving table in mind, but the reaction from my roommates this morning bespoke other holiday gatherings as well. My night-owl roommate wandered into the kitchen at 8 AM, saying sleepily, "It smells like Christmas!" Whether for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or New Year's Eve, we know you and your family will adore our Hearty Cardamom Oatmeal-Molasses Rolls.

Health Highlights

• Sunflower Seeds- Vitamin E and folate are two nutrients in sunflower seeds that can help reduce cardiovascular health risks. Sunflower seed also contain magnesium which has been known to support a healthy mood and uplift individuals suffering from depression.[1]
• Rolled Oats- Oats are a good source of fiber and can aid in lowering bad cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that a diet including whole-grains, like Oats, can be helpful in lowering blood pressure.[2]
• Molasses- This syrup has proven to be a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the blood stream and are powerful components that can reduce free radical damage in the body.[3]

Ingredients:

2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast

1 tablespoon brown sugar (dark or light is fine)

1/4 cup lukewarm water

3/4 cups milk

3/4 cups rolled oats, plus extra for sprinkling

1/4 cup roasted unsalted sunflower seeds, plus extra for sprinkling

1/2 cup Kerrygold Irish butter, cut into cubes (Besides being cruelty-free, the higher fat content in the Irish butter makes the rolls flakier, and counteracts the muddiness whole wheat flour can sometimes add)

2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses

2 teaspoons sea salt

1 tablespoon flax meal + 3 tablespoons water

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1/4-1/2 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

2-3 tablespoons melted butter for brushing tops of rolls

Makes 12 rolls- we recommend doubling the recipe!

Directions:

1. Dissolve yeast in 1/4 cup lukewarm water with a pinch of sugar. Let stand until bubbly. If it doesn’t get bubbly, throw it out and get some new yeast.
2. Scald milk (we just put ours in the microwave) then add it to the butter in your mixing bowl. When butter has melted, add brown sugar, rolled oats, sunflower seeds, molasses, and salt. Blend thoroughly and cool to lukewarm.
3. Add flax + 3 tablespoons of water and mix well. Add two drops of Cardamom essential oil. Add the yeast and mix to incorporate it. Then mix in the wheat flour and 1 ½ cups of the all-purpose flour. Add what you need to of the remaining ½ cup of flour until the dough loses its sheen. Let rest for 10 minutes.
4. Leave the dough in its bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours. It can sit overnight as well. Don't be alarmed if it doesn't look like it has risen; it doesn't rise a lot.
5. Turn out the chilled dough on a floured work surface and knead or fold and turn the dough slightly. Cut dough into 12 balls. Press each ball into a flat rectangle with your fingers, then roll up and tuck ends under. Place seam-side down in a well-buttered 9 inch round pan. (We used a pie dish.) Brush all over with melted butter and sprinkle with rolled oats and sunflower seeds. Let rise for about two hours in a warm place. Again, don't be alarmed if they don't rise a lot; they will rise the most while in the oven.
6. Preheat oven to 350° F. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until rolls are nicely browned and sound hollow when you tap their tops. Remove from the pans and brush generously with remaining melted butter. Let cool on a rack for 5-10 minutes.
7. Serve warm…with more Kerrygold Irish butter.
   
    

[1] //www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-of-sunflower-seeds/.

[2]//www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270680.php.

[3] //www.livestrong.com/article/506766-the-healthy-benefits-of-molasses/; //www.nutrex-hawaii.com/benefits-of-antioxidants.