Getting Bread Rolls To Rise

[237SJ]

I`m making some focaccia in the breadmaker on the dough setting. I want to make them into rolls, get them to rise and then bake them. Trouble is, I don`t have an airing cupboard because there is no hot water tank (removed to make way for a combination boiler). The radiators here are quite fierce so I can`t rest the tray above them because it would get too hot. Any tips please?

[Old_Geezer]

Then don't rest the tray above the radiators, put them nearby in a warm atmosphere.

I've never tried it but I guess you could, at worst, put them in the oven on a low heat maybe ? Or do you have a warming tray maybe ? Anything that can keep them warm.

[EcclesCake]

Warmth just accelerates the process so if you have the time and room will be adequately warm.

If you are running short of time you can shape the rolls put them on an oven tray and place over a large bowl of hot water.

[EcclesCake]

^^^ sorry that should have said any room.

[237SJ]

Thanks for the replies. I do have a plate warming function on the top oven but it gets quite hot. I think my best bet will be to put them on a chair near the radiator and hope for the best.

[albaqwerty]

How about pre-heating the oven and putting the rolls on baking tray on the hob and cover with a tea-towel?

[EcclesCake]

IMHO a slow proving of the dough gives a better end result.

[237SJ]

Well that worked. I took your tip Eccles to leave it to rise a bit longer. It`s garlic and rosemary focaccia and I put sea salt and ground mixed peppercorns on before baking. Now I`ve just got to stop myself eating it. I`m please because I`ve never had a lot of luck with bread rolls.

[EcclesCake]

Send some round as my reward and I'll be happy

If you are just getting into breadmaking and finding the timing awkward bear in mind you can do the final proving in a fridge overnight and bake the next day.

[237SJ]

Just another question. The rolls are lovely and crispy. If they go in a bread bin overnight will they soften? I know a lot of rolls don`t stay crispy that long. I`m presuming they`re OK to freeze? Ta

[EcclesCake]

When are you planning on eating these rolls in the first instance? They will be at their best freshly cooked, if you have leftovers then refresh them in a hot oven for a couple of minutes with a very light sprinkling of water.

Freezing is fine but again they will benefit from being refreshed in he oven before serving.