Whole Wheat Brioche Burger Buns

 

The sense of smell is an amazing thing, isn't it? I've read that it's the only sense that is not altered, refined, or exaggerated in our memory. The scents our brains recorded remain with us, memorable and unalterable. 

Is there any region, culture, tribe that does not make bread? The aroma of baking bread is universal. It is comforting, nurturing and transports us back to memories of long ago. 

Today I baked buns for the burgers we will be eating for dinner this evening. Sure, I could have picked up a package of 8 buns at the local grocer for a few dollars. But, they're spongy and tasteless. With a few basic ingredients, a stand mixer, and a little bit of time we can do better!

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 3 tablespoons warm milk
• 1 package (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 cups bread flour 
• 2/3 cup graham flour 
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 
• 1 large egg, beaten

Egg Wash

• 1 egg, beaten with
• 1 teaspoon of water

Instructions 

1. Combine the water, milk, yeast, and sugar in a small mixing bowl. Stir, and then set aside for 5-10 minutes. (The mixture should appear bubbly).
2. Combine the flours, salt, and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat at low speed until the butter is incorporated into the flour.
3. Add the yeast mixture and the egg. Using the dough hook attachment, beat at low speed until the dough is well mixed and begins to pull from the sides of the bowl. 
4. Scrape the dough into a clean, lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel and set aside in a warm, draft-free place to proof, about 1-2 hours. How can you tell when the dough has risen enough? Gently push a finger into the dough. If the indentation remains, the dough is ready for the next step. 
5. Gently punch down the dough and form it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a ball and place in a parchment lined baking sheet. Set in a warm, draft-free place to rise again, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
6. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Brush the egg wash on the rolls.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown.

Rolls proofed (risen), brushed with egg wash, and ready for the oven