Walnut, Hazelnut and Golden Raisin Wheat Rolls

Steps

• 1

  In medium bowl, mix 2 cups of the bread flour and the yeast. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the warm water to form a loose starter dough. Let rest 15 to 30 minutes. In small bowl, mix raisins and remaining 1 cup warm water. Let stand 15 minutes.
• 2

  Meanwhile, grease cookie sheets with shortening. In large bowl, mix 3 1/2 cups of the remaining bread flour, whole wheat flour and salt.
• 3

  Stir raisins with water into starter dough until well mixed. Add starter mixture to whole wheat flour mixture; stir until soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto floured surface; knead 10 to 12 minutes, adding 1/2 to 1 cup flour until dough is smooth and elastic. Dough will be slightly sticky. Knead nuts into dough.
• 4

  Spray large bowl with cooking spray. Place dough in bowl; cover loosely with sprayed plastic wrap and cloth towel. Let rise in warm place (80°F to 85°F) until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
• 5

  Punch down dough several times to remove all air bubbles. Divide dough into 18 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball; place on cookie sheets. Cover; let rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
• 6

  Heat oven to 425°F. Uncover dough; brush tops of rolls lightly with water. Bake 17 to 22 minutes or until golden brown.