Homemade Pistolette Sandwich Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water (100 to 110 degrees)
• 2-1/2 teaspoons rapid-rise yeast
• Pinch granulated sugar
• 1-1/2 cups bread flour*
• 1 cup warm water (100 to 110 degrees)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 4 cups bread flour

Instructions

1. 1

   Proof the yeast by combining with the warm water and a pinch of sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes.

2. 2

   Put the bread flour in your mixer bowl and stir in the water and yeast mixture. Cover the entire mixer bowl with a thick towel and let sponge bubble up for 2 hours. Okay to stir down if it begins to bubble up out of the bowl.

3. 3

   To the sponge, add the water, honey, olive oil, salt and flour; stir to combine.

4. 4

   Using dough hook, knead on low speed for 8 to 10 minutes until you have a good, elastic dough. Remove dough hook, spray top of dough with non-stick spray and cover entire mixer with a large, clear plastic bag and allow to rise 45 to 90 minutes or until about doubled.

5. 5

   Cover a baking pan with quick spritz of non stick spray and place a sheet of parchment paper in the pan.

6. 6

   Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and pull off 12 equal pieces of dough. Shape into oval rolls and place on parchment paper about an inch or so apart.

7. 7

   Spray a sheet of plastic wrap with cooking spray and place on top of rolls to keep them from drying out and set in a draft free spot to allow to rise about 20 to 30 minutes until they puff up.

8. 8

   Preheat oven in the meantime to 400 degrees F. If a crusty bottom is desired, place a baking stone in the lowest part of the oven when you preheat. You may also score rolls across the top or snip with scissors for a decorative affect if desired.

9. 9

   Before placing the rolls in the oven, spritz them very lightly with water, place in oven and spritz inside of oven also to create a more crispy crust. For softer and shiny rolls, brush tops with melted butter or oil before baking.

10. 10

    Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until rolls are brown.