While looking for bread similar to one I tasted in Bangkok on an ice cream sandwich, I developed the recipe below. Using a combination of pineapple and mango juices results in slightly less sweet bread than the usual Hawaiian bread. As with many recipes, it was created for one use and versatile enough for so many others. Using the Flavor Tiers method, the simple addition of herbs or spices based on the final dish creates a different roll each time. Suggestions for pairing herbs and spices with rolls follow the recipe. These rolls make excellent buns for hamburgers and pulled pork as well as salmon patties. As for those ice cream sandwiches, they provide an incredible cocoon for melting ice cream!
1 ½ c all purpose flour, divided
½ T rapid rise yeast
1 T water
2 T pineapple juice
2 T mango juice
2 T unsalted butter, softened
1 T brown sugar
1 T sugar
1 large egg yolk
½ t vanilla
1 T rice flour
½ t salt
1 T herb or 1 t spice or combination, based on use for bread (see suggestions below recipe)
1 T butter, melted