One of my favorite lines of the movie, it’s a perfect expression of Olaf’s character. A naïve dreamer and melodramatic goofball, Olaf, the comical and indestructible snowman, is an integral element of what makes Frozen the masterpiece that it is. In his solo song alone, there’s enough irony and wit to blow away a winter storm! So in this second edition of our weekly bread series, putting Olaf, lover of warm hugs, and steamed buns together, it just makes sense! This mantou recipe is tried and true, but as you’ll see, we got creative with the presentation this time. In the (modified) words of Olaf, when life gets rough, keep calm and make mantou!

Relaxing in the summer sun, just lettin’ off steam…

Olaf’s Steamed Buns (Mantou)

Makes 10

Ingredients

• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp active dry yeast
• 1 ½ cups milk, lukewarm

Directions

1. Combine flour and yeast in a 6-quart stockpot and mix with chopsticks.
2. Add milk and continue mixing with chopsticks until ingredients start to come together.
3. Using hands, knead the dough for 5 minutes. The final dough should be smooth and soft but not sticky (Adjust with milk/water or flour as needed). Cover and place in a warm place to rise for ~4 hours until the dough doubles in size. (If you’re short on time, add 1 tsp yeast instead of ½ tsp in step 1.)
4.  After the dough has risen, remove from the pot and place onto a lightly floured cutting board.
5. Stretch out the ball of dough into a long cylinder and cut pieces perpendicularly with a knife. Leave the pieces on the cutting board to proof for 20 minutes. Steam for 20 minutes. (Refrigerate extras and for best results, re-steam for ~5 minutes before enjoying again. Quick method: microwave under a damp cloth for 1 minute.)

Delicious in fall, winter, spring, and of course… in summerrrrrrrr!

Olaf: Steamed Buns (Mantou)
Anna: Chocolate Ban-anna Bread