Unleashing the Dark Magic: Brimstone Bread Rolls for Halloween

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As the eerie whisper of Halloween approaches, it’s time to add a bit of mystery and drama to your baking with the exciting Brimstone Bread rolls. These Halloween-themed rolls are not just about the taste, but also the presentation. With their fiery red interiors and mysterious black crusts, they are the perfect addition to any Halloween dinner table.

Ingredients:

  • Fleischmann’s® Simply Homemade® Bread Mix: 1 box
  • Red Food Coloring: 1-2 tsp
  • Dry Active Yeast: 2 Tbsp
  • Sugar: 2 Tbsp
  • Vegetable Oil: 2 Tbsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Rice Flour: 1 1/2 cups
  • Warm Water: 1 cup (105-115 degrees) with black food coloring added

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Dough: Start your mystical baking journey by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. Mix the bread mix with water tinted with red food coloring according to the package instructions to create a vividly red dough.
  2. Shape the Rolls: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces, roll them into balls, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover them with a damp towel and let them rise as directed on the bread mix package.
  3. Make the Topping: While the dough rises, prepare the topping that will give the rolls their characteristic “brimstone” look. Mix yeast, sugar, oil, salt, and rice flour. Gradually add black-colored warm water to the mixture until it achieves a very dark, slightly fluid consistency.
  4. Apply the Topping: Once the dough has risen, generously smear the black topping over each dough ball, ensuring a thick layer to create the cracking effect.
  5. Bake: Allow the topping to sit for 15 minutes. Then, bake according to the bread mix instructions.
  6. Serve: Serve the hauntingly beautiful rolls warm, sliced with a side of savory garlic butter.

Tips:

  • For vibrant colors, opt for gel food coloring which provides better saturation.
  • Wearing gloves while handling the black dough can help avoid staining your hands.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I make the dough a day ahead? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Keep it refrigerated, and let it come to room temperature before proceeding with the shaping and baking steps.
  2. What if I don’t have rice flour? Rice flour can be substituted with all-purpose flour, but keep in mind that the texture might slightly differ. Rice flour gives a crisper finish, which is perfect for the cracking effect.
  3. How do I store leftover Brimstone Bread rolls? The rolls can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or frozen for longer storage.
  4. Can I use natural food colorings? Yes, natural food colorings can be used, though they may not provide as intense a color as synthetic dyes. Adjust quantities accordingly to achieve your desired shade.

Chef’s Advice:

When making Brimstone Bread, precision in the temperature of ingredients is key. Ensure your water is warm (not hot) to properly activate the yeast without killing it. This ensures a perfect rise and the desired spooky effect on your Halloween table! Embrace the theme by playing with different shapes or adding Halloween-themed stencils to the rolls before applying the black topping. Happy baking, and enjoy the dark delights of your Brimstone Bread!

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