Herb and Lavender Rolls

Instructions

1. 1

   Make the dough: In a large bowl or food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine flour, yeast, and salt.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, stir buttermilk and soda together.

3. 3

   Use a wooden spoon to stir the liquid into the flour mixture or, with the processor running, gradually add the buttermilk mixture to the dry ingredients.

4. 4

   Process until a soft, supple dough forms or, on a lightly floured surface, knead dough by hand until smooth - about 15 minutes.

5. 5

   Form dough into a ball.

6. 6

   Lightly oil a large bowl, place dough in it, and cover with plastic wrap.

7. 7

   Let rise until doubled - about an hour.

8. 8

   Form the rolls: Lightly spray two 12-cup muffin tins with vegetable-oil cooking spray and set aside.

9. 9

   Punch the dough down and place on a lightly floured surface.

10. 10

    Divide dough in half and pat the dough into two 6 x 6-inch squares, cover with a clean towel, and let rest for 10 minutes.

11. 11

    In a small saucepan, melt the butter.

12. 12

    In a small bowl, mix the herbes de Provence and the lavender flowers, if using.

13. 13

    With a lightly floured rolling pin, shape 1 square of dough into a 12 x 24-inch rectangle.

14. 14

    Using a pastry brush, coat the dough with half of the melted butter and sprinkle with 1/2 of the herb mixture.

15. 15

    Using a sharp knife or pizza wheel, cut the dough along the 24-inch length into six 12-inch-long, 2-inch-wide strips.

16. 16

    Stack the 6 strips, butter side up, and cut each into twelve 2-inch square stacks.

17. 17

    Pinch one side each of the 12 dough stacks together and place, pinched end first, into a muffin tin.

18. 18

    Repeat, using remaining square of dough.

19. 19

    Lightly cover with towel and let rise until doubled in bulk -- about 45 minutes.

20. 20

    Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

21. 21

    Bake the rolls: Place rolls on the middle rack of the oven and bake until golden brown - 15 to 20 minutes.

22. 22

    Remove immediately from the muffin tin and cool on a wire rack.

23. 23

    Serve warm.