Spent Grain Hamburger Buns

I wanted to make use of some leftover pork shoulder and what better way than to have BBQ pulled pork sandwiches. Only problem was that I didn't have any buns. So I found this recipe online and decided to give it a try. Of course I added some spent grain to it and it turned out fabulous! I didn't realize how easy it was to make hamburger buns and they are so delish! I will never buy store-bought hamburger buns again!

Spent Grain Hamburger Buns (yields 12):
1 c. milk
1 c. water
2 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt

5 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. spent grain flour
.25 oz active dry yeast

1 egg yolk
1 tbsp. water

In a medium saucepan, combine milk, water, butter, sugar and salt.  Bring to boil over medium-high heat.  After boil is reached, remove from heat and let cool till the mixture reaches less than 110F.  If you are reading this page, chances are you're a homebrewer - and you all know not to pitch your yeast when the mixture (wort ;P) is too hot because you'll kill the yeast. 

In your stand mixer bowl, mix the flour, spent grain flour, and yeast.  When the milk mixture is lukewarm, add it to the flour mixture.  Using the dough hook, mix for 8-10 minutes.  Place dough in a oiled bowl, turn to coat and cover with a clean towel till the dough has doubled, about 1 hour.

Punch dough down and divide into 12 equal portions.  Roll each portion into a ball, ensuring it is smooth and tight by pulling the dough tightly around and pinching at the bottom.  Place dough balls onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. 

Gently flatten each ball till it is about 3-4" in diamter.  Cover with a clean towel and let rise, probably about 30 minutes or so.  I had to make a trip to the Homebrew Supply Store, so mine sat for a few hours.

Arrange the racks in your oven so neither rack is in the very top-most or bottom-most position.  Preheat the oven to 400F.

Mix the egg yolk and tablespoon of water in a small dish.  Brush the yolk-mixture ontop of each of the rolls.  If you wanted to sprinkle some sesame seed or other delightful garnish, now is the time to do it.

Bake for 10 minutes and then place them on the other rack in the oven - ensuring each pan gets some time on the upper rack.  Bake for another 5 minutes, or until golden brown.

Enjoy!