Fig-Pecan Rolls with Maple Butter

These dense rolls start with a sponge that needs 24 hours to develop its yeasty yet slightly tangy flavor. Freeze the rolls for up to a month; thaw completely, and reheat in foil at 375° for 15 minutes or until warm. Make and refrigerate the maple butter up to a week ahead. Seal well, as butter can easily pick up other fridge aromas.

Yield: 20 servings (serving size: 1 roll and about 1 teaspoon butter)

Ingredients

• Rolls:
• 1  package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
• 1  cup  warm water (100° to 110°)
• 3  cups  all-purpose flour, divided
• 2  tablespoons  sugar
• 1  teaspoon  salt
• 1  cup  dried Mission figs, chopped
• 1/3  cup  chopped pecans, toasted
• Cooking spray
• 
  Butter:
• 1/3  cup  butter, softened
• 1/3  cup  maple syrup

Preparation

To prepare rolls, dissolve the yeast in warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add 1 1/2 cups flour to yeast mixture. Cover with a damp towel; let stand at room temperature 24 hours.

Add 1 1/4 cups flour, sugar, and salt to yeast mixture; stir well to form a stiff dough. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 8 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent the dough from sticking to hands. Let dough rest 5 minutes. Knead in figs and pecans.

Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 1/2 hours or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into the dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes.

Divide dough into 20 equal portions. Working with 1 portion at a time (cover remaining dough to prevent drying), shape each into a ball. Arrange balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, for 1 hour or until dough is doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 425°.

Bake rolls at 425° for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool rolls on a wire rack.

To prepare butter, place the butter in a small bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until light and fluffy. Slowly add the maple syrup, beating until blended. Serve butter with rolls.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

154 (28% from fat)

Fat:

4.8g (sat 2.1g,mono 1.7g,poly 0.7g)

Protein:

2.6g

Carbohydrate:

26.1g

Fiber:

2g

Cholesterol:

8mg

Iron:

1.3mg

Sodium:

150mg

Calcium:

23mg