When Thanksgiving rolls around, I play it safe with my menu. I stick to tried-and-true recipes to avoid any disasters and always test out new recipes beforehand. Cooking the big Turkey Day feast is stressful enough without adding extra pressure, so why take unnecessary risks?
This year, I decided to add homemade rolls to my Thanksgiving table. While there are plenty of great store-bought and frozen roll options, there’s something special about soft, homemade rolls straight from the oven. But making rolls from scratch can be tricky, so I knew I needed to pre-test the recipe.
I came across the iconic Fannie Farmer Parker House Rolls recipe while searching for ideas. This classic recipe has been a go-to for generations of home cooks, and I was excited to give it a try. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint. The rolls turned out pillowy, buttery, and absolutely irresistible straight from the oven. They were definitely a hit and earned a spot at my Thanksgiving dinner table.
Parker House rolls have been around for over 150 years, originating at the Parker House Hotel in Boston. Known for their signature folded shape, these rolls are incredibly soft, extra buttery, and just the right amount of sweet. The fold helps create a slightly crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior, making them the stars of any dinner table.
The recipe comes from Fannie Farmer’s cookbook, The Boston Cooking-School Cook Book, first published in 1896. Farmer’s mission was to bring precision and science to recipes, along with information on diet and nutrition. The Parker House Rolls recipe has stood the test of time, with many variations available online.
To make Fannie Farmer’s Parker House Rolls, you’ll need simple ingredients like butter, sugar, salt, milk, yeast, and flour. The process involves creating a sponge, letting it rise, kneading the dough, shaping the rolls, and letting them rise again before baking to golden perfection. The end result is a batch of cloud-like rolls with a subtle sweetness and rich buttery flavor.
Overall, Fannie Farmer’s Parker House Rolls are a Thanksgiving essential. The soft, fluffy texture, and comforting flavor make them a standout addition to any holiday meal. So if you’re looking to elevate your Thanksgiving table, these rolls are a must-try.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.