We’ve all heard it before: don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Yet, we’re all guilty of it. I think we can mostly agree that deciding to dislike (or very rarely, like) something  before experiencing it, is a total cop-out. Whether it’s country music, working with yeast dough, or road biking… how can I truly say I’m opposed to something before I even know what I’m talking about?

So I’m on a mission: to be more open minded and free thinking. I’m making a list (is that the opposite of free thinking?) and I’m going to try new things. I’m going to order something different at a my favorite restaurant. I’m going to sign up for a class where I don’t know anyone. I’m going to download a country playlist (and actually listen to it). I’m going to watch a science fiction movie. Maybe even read a book that takes place on the East Coast. I’m going to try a hatha yoga class.

I’m going to be brave. And strong. And face new ideas head on.

I’m going to make buns.

Sweet Honey Buns from The Pastry Affair

• 2 tsp active dry yeast
• 1 C barely warm water
• 3 C all purpose flour
• 1/4 C honey + 1 Tbsp
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 egg
• 1 Tbsp butter, melted

• In a large bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Gently beat the egg with a fork. Add the egg, honey and salt to the water/yeast. Stir it until it’s well blended.
• Add the flour until the dough comes together. This is a VERY sticky dough. Don’t add more flour because you think the dough is too sticky.
• On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough for about 8 minutes. Resist adding to much flour. The longer you work the dough, the  more workable it will become. I did not find the need to add more flour at all, however, if the dough keeps sticking to your counter top add a small amount of flour. Very small.
• Lightly oil a large bowl. Place the dough in the bowl and roll it around so all the dough gets coated. Cover the bowl lightly with plastic wrap and a warm kitchen towel. Leave the dough to rise in a warm, draft free area until it doubles in size, about 2 hours.
• Punch the dough down (how fun!). Divide the dough into 12 portions and shape each into a ball. Place the dough balls on a pan or baking sheet that is lightly coated with cooking spray. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise about another 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
• In a small bowl combine the honey and melted butter. Brush over the the dough.
• Place the buns in the oven and bake about  10-13 minutes or until lightly browned.

Notes:

• These are fairly sweet buns. I think they would be great at Easter with a little cream cheese icing. I might even try tossing a little orange zest and a few dried cranberries or cherries into the dough next time around.
• Next up on my list: a new sport. I might even break down and try golf. It is, after all Master’s weekend….

Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. Leo Tolstoy