Dove Dinner Rolls

Name: Dove Dinner Rolls
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 2 dozen.
Ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 3 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 cup water; 1 cup 2% milk; 1/2 cup butter, cubed; 1 large egg; 4 to 4-1/2 cups bread flour; ASSEMBLY:; 48 dried currants; 24 slivered almonds; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons 2% milk

Fluffy dinner rolls shaped like doves are a sweet nod to the holidays. They dash away faster than Santa himself. —Frances Wirtz, West Allis, WI

Ingredients

2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup sugar
3 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
2 teaspoons salt
1 cup water
1 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1 large egg
4 to 4-1/2 cups bread flour
ASSEMBLY:
48 dried currants
24 slivered almonds
1 large egg
2 tablespoons 2% milk

Directions

In a large bowl, mix pastry flour, sugar, yeast and salt. In a small saucepan, heat water, milk and butter to 120°-130°. Add to dry ingredients; beat on medium speed 1 minute. Add egg; beat on high 2 minutes. Stir in enough bread flour to form a soft dough (dough will be sticky).
Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
Punch down dough. Let stand, covered, 15 minutes. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide and shape into 24 balls. Roll each into a 10-in. rope; tie into a loose knot. Bring one end up and tuck into center of roll to form head. Flatten opposite end; with a sharp knife, cut four slits to form five tail feathers. Press two currants into head for eyes and one almond for beak. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets.
Cover with kitchen towels; let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 400°.
In a small bowl, whisk egg and milk; brush over rolls. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks; serve warm.