Chocolate Marble Buns

There are times when we set out to do something. Midway through the process, something goes awry and we panic. But eventually we stumble upon something else in the course of fixing the problem and it all turns out good. In the end, we discover something totally new, which we would not have had a chance to discover if everything had gone according to plan. Don't you find yourself in this situation one too many times?

I set out to make chocolate chip buns. The mistake here was, I added the chocolate chips before the first rise, so when I made small balls for the second rise, the chocolate chips melted and formed a marble pattern... Thus this bun was born :)

Chocolate Marble Buns:

Ingredients:

1/2 cup(120 ml) milk
1 - 1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
1/2 teaspoon granulated white sugar
2 cups - all purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons (70 grams) unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup - oil
1/4 cup chocolate chips

Method:

1. In a small saucepan, or in the microwave, heat the milk until lukewarm (about 100 degrees F or 38 degrees C).

2. Add the yeast and 1/2 teaspoon sugar and stir to combine. Set aside for about 10 minutes or until the yeast is foamy.

3. Meanwhile in the bowl of your electric mixer, with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, spices, and salt.

4. Once the yeast is foamy, gradually add to the flour mixture and beat until the dry ingredients are moistened.

5. Add the melted butter and oil and beat until incorporated.

6. With the mixer on medium low speed, with the dough hook, continue to knead the dough until it is silky smooth and elastic.

7. Add more flour if necessary. Add chocolate chips and knead into a smooth ball.

8. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, turning the dough once, so the top is lightly greased. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm spot to rise until it has almost doubled in size (about 1 1/2 - 2 hours).

9. When the dough has doubled in size, gently punch it down to release the air, and divide into 9 equal pieces. The chocolate chips will melt and form a marble pattern in the dough. Don't overwork the dough at this stage.

10. Form each piece into a small round ball and place on a parchment lined baking sheet (Place three buns to a row, three rows altogether. They should be spaced so they have enough room to double in size.)

11. Lightly spray a piece of plastic wrap with a nonstick cooking spray, and place lightly over the buns.

12. Place in a warm spot until almost doubled in size (about 60 minutes).

13. Preheat oven to 190 degrees C.

14. Brush the tops of the buns with the milk/cream.

15. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the buns are nicely browned and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

16. Place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Makes 9 small buns.

Verdict: These are wonderfully dense and sweet buns; perfect with a hot cup of tea/coffee. Even by itself, it is a great filling snack.