There are times when I am writing the story portion of my posts that I find it impossible to focus on the task at hand. This is one of those times. Of course, there will be a recipe. Savory Rolls with Olives and Parsley Gremolata, to be exact. Rolls that melt in your mouth and are rich with the briny flavor of olives and the fresh flavor of a classic parsley and lemon zest puree. However, I am having difficulties giving these rolls their due because of something that’s on my mind.
Stepping up onto the soapbox.
A couple of weeks ago, you may or may not have heard that the Vancouver Canucks would be facing off against the Boston Bruins in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals. Having grown up in Vancouver as an avid hockey fan, that was a pretty big deal. The Canucks played their way to the finals two times in the past, the last time being in 1994, and have never won the cup. Yeah, we wanted it…and bad. I will spare you the blow-by-blow, but it is safe to say that the Canucks glimmer was snuffed out by game 7. Lord Stanley’s cup went to Boston…on our home ice.
Now, of course I can get past this. After all, it is just a hockey game – though try telling that to two boys, 9 and 7-years old, decked out in their Canucks jerseys and hats, tears streaming down their faces as their favorite team stumbles and can’t get up in the most important game of the season. Yeah, that kinda sucked.
It was what happened after the game ended that I’m having difficulties swallowing…that I am struggling to explain to my boys. Thousands of people had piled into downtown Vancouver to watch their Canucks battle for the cup on several enormous screens placed in various locations. Most of these people were there to have a good time, but left with the expected feelings of disappointment.
And then there were the others. The ones who went out into the city – my city – and looted stores, smashed car windows and lit police cars on fire.
It’s not just that they cost the city and storeowners millions of dollars. It’s not just that they left a black mark on Vancouver’s reputation as a desirable travel destination. It’s not just that they were complete idiots who would have rioted whether Vancouver won the cup or not. What bothers me the most is the flurry of so-called apologies that have come in the wake of the riots, and the complete lack of personal responsibility.
Social media – Twitter, Facebook – is playing a significant role in bringing the rioters to justice. If you want to light a police car on fire, it might be wise to take a look around to see who is filming your antics with their smartphone. Knowing that they would be caught, many of the rioters are coming forward to try to clear their names. The apologies are coming in the form of “I’m sorry I did, it, but that’s not really like me at all.” Really? Did you come to that realization after you smashed the fifth window or when your buddy told you he saw you on YouTube and you better hurry and ‘fess up?
Are these the same people that later sue McDonald’s because they spilled their coffee and didn’t realize it would be hot? Or are they the ones that show up to court to face charges with expletives painted on their nails, which they freely show the judge during the hearing? My God, I need a cocktail just thinking about it.
So, as I am explaining the photos of the riots to my children, I will be sure to throw in a motherly speech about personal responsibility, about saying you’re sorry and meaning it, about treating each other with compassion and respect. I know that no one is perfect and that we all made mistakes (I made at least twenty myself yesterday), but if we could all just learn to say, “I”m sorry” and then take steps to put things right, the world would be a much gentler place to live.
Climbing down from the soapbox.
Yeah, yeah – I know. This is a cooking blog and you just came here for a recipe and a few photos. Well, I don’t throw a rant at you very often – in fact, I think this might be the first time – and I figured I was due. I promise that regular programming will resume with the next post.
The recipe:
In a medium bowl, stir together yeast, water, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let rest for 10 minutes to allow yeast to bloom (it will bubble on the surface).
In a large bowl, stir together flour, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon sugar. Add butter and, using fingers, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.
Stir in the egg, egg yolk and yeast mixture until combined. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead until the dough is smooth, 5 to 10 minutes. The dough is rather sticky, so you may need to add extra flour along the way.
Place the dough into an oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free location until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
Meanwhile, place the parsley, lemon zest, garlic and olive oil in a food processor and blend until combined. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in olives.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface, form into a rectangle and roll to form an 18- by 9-inch rectangle. Spoon the parsley mixture down the center of the rectangle and spread until it almost reaches the edges.
Starting from one long edge, roll the dough until it forms a long tube. Cut the roll into pieces that are 3/4 to 1 inch wide.
Lay the pieces on the prepared baking pans and brush lightly with olive oil.
Bake until the rolls are golden brown, rotating the pans halfway through baking, about 20 minutes. Let the rolls cool. Serve.
Other savory roll recipes:
Cookin’ Canuck’s Cream Biscuits with Prosciutto & Parmesan Cheese
The Pioneer Woman’s Buttered Rosemary Rolls
Brown Eyed Baker’s Soft Cheese & Pepperoni Bread
The Purple Foodie’s Pesto Bread Rolls
Savory Rolls with Olives & Parsley Gremolata
Adapted from Bon Appetit Magazine
2 tsp yeast
1/2 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees)
2 tsp kosher salt, divided
2 tsp granulated sugar, divided
1 3/4 cups plus 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 cup (packed) roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 tsp lemon zest
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
4 oz. kalamata olives, pitted and roughly chopped
In a medium bowl, stir together yeast, water, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon sugar. Let rest for 10 minutes to allow yeast to bloom (it will bubble on the surface).
In a large bowl, stir together flour, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon sugar. Add butter and, using fingers, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Stir in the egg, egg yolk and yeast mixture until combined. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface and knead until the dough is smooth, 5 to 10 minutes. The dough is rather sticky, so you may need to add extra flour along the way.
Place the dough into an oiled bowl, cover with a kitchen towel and allow to rise in a warm, draft-free location until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
Meanwhile, place the parsley, lemon zest, garlic and olive oil in a food processor and blend until combined. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in olives.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface, form into a rectangle and roll to form an 18- by 9-inch rectangle. Spoon the parsley mixture down the center of the rectangle and spread until it almost reaches the edges. Starting from one long edge, roll the dough until it forms a long tube. Cut the roll into pieces that are 3/4 to 1 inch wide. Lay the pieces on the prepared baking pans and brush lightly with olive oil.
Bake until the rolls are golden brown, rotating the pans halfway through baking, about 20 minutes. Let the rolls cool. Serve.
Makes 15 rolls.
Lora says
Extremely well said. I attended the world cup celebrations in Munich back in 2006 and was amazed at how well behaved and orderly everything went even though there were people gathered from all over the world. My experience made me even more sad and disgusted to see what happened in Vancouver.
Your boys are adorable.Oh and Lovely rolls btw!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thanks, Lora. It seems there were a group of people bent on destruction that ruined it for everyone. Frustrating.
Maris(In Good Taste) says
So well said. I think it goes back to how a few rotten apples…. On a happier note the boys look so adorable all decked out!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
I agree, Maris. It’s just too bad when it reflects on the whole city.
Blog is the New Black says
These look lovely! Great rolls!
claudia lamascolo/aka pegasuslegend says
These would be a huge hit here! I love how easy they are too 🙂 Those boys have sure grown into two handsome young men! Wow how times flys… we love hockey here and know what dissappointment feels like (sorry) but we areToronto Maple Leaf fans (yes we know not too good a choice last year for sure) Oh well would love to see the boys play again and win, my two sons use to play in NY when we lived there same age as your two sons look! ! Looks like they have a very close relationship like my two sons! I love to see that!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
A Leafs fan, huh? Well, I suppose we can still be friends. 😉 Just teasing, Claudia.
Belinda @zomppa says
Ditto. It is so sad that some folks use any excuse to eschew personal responsibility, or forget that they are human beings. Your boys ARE adorable. Still love Vancouver, but have to say, as an original Bostonian…=)
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thanks, Belinda. Congratulations to your Bruins.
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
these look amazing! i think i know what i’m taking to the next party (which is July 4th!)
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thank you, Heather. I hope you enjoy the rolls.
Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) says
You’re entitled to a little soapbox every now and then. We were all sad to watch the post-game scene in Vancouver. And for those of us who happen to live in Boston but are Canadiens fans, the loss was just as tough to take.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thanks so much, Lydia.
KelleBelle says
We Vancouverites and Greater Vancouverites were devastated by the planned and deliberate actions of those who were determined to cause destruction downtown that night, and what broke my heart was watching those who did not plan to get involved allow themselves to discard their moral compasses and join in on the madness and chaos. My city was burning, people trying to get out were scared and confused, and the brave few who tried to stop the criminal and destructive activity were attacked by mobs who were cheered by onlookers.
But out of all of this, something incredible happened; the immediate rallying of the citizens of Vancouver and Greater Vancouver (e.g. we out in the ‘Burbs and across the Fraser River) to go down and help the City staff and shopkeepers to clean up and do what they could to make things right. There is also now a “VANLOVER” campaign to support the smaller businesses damaged and looted in the chaos that may not be as well insured as larger chain stores are.
Sadly it is out of events such as these that we realize our full strength both as individuals and as a community. Vancouver has weathered this storm, and if more bloggers and media sources focus on how we have banded together to make Vancouver even BETTER than we were before, then we will have shown the world again what it is to be Canadians.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thank you very much for writing to offer this perspective. It is so good to hear what Vancouverites are doing to help the shopkeepers and to put things right. Indeed, that makes me very proud to be a Canadian.
Pretend Chef says
Agreed. As a mama now I am realizing how every move I make influences my Itty Bitty as well as outside influences. Sigh. I find every day I have to explain why we don’t or do something. It’s hard with him being so young and naive. Another big sigh. These rolls look delicious. The olives make me giddy. Yummy!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thank you. The best we can do is to start teaching them well from the beginning. It sounds as though you are already doing a good job of that.
Emily @Cleanliness says
Those are some cute little tykes! With your beautiful sense, you can step onto the soapbox any day of the week. That kind of behavior is sickening.
The gremolata is perfect!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thanks, Emily. Believe me, I was shaking my head as I was watching the coverage.
bellini says
Being a British Columbian I was at first embarrassed for our province that this should happen in our city. Embarrassment turned to pride in how the city rallied together and cleaned up the mess and destruction caused by this “feeding frenzy”. I am sure that some of the apologies are sincere with young people being caught up and following the crowd (not saying it is right), but some are shamefaced that they were caught on video with their faces splashed all over the media and Facebook and are trying to cover their tracks and explain away their deplorable actions.
My biggest disappointment is from followers in the East who were proud to call themselves Canadians and rallied together during the Vancouver Olympics to celebrate our great nation, who now have shunned Vancouver and disembodied themselves from the West once again. I would love it if we all rallied together and showed our support as hockey fans and Canadians and retained the pride we should all feel. Now I am off my soapbox too:D
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thanks so much for your comment. It is so good to hear that the people of Vancouver are rallying together to put things right.
VADEPAN says
I’ve just discovered your site, and it’s so great!!!!!! These rolls look delicious, I’m adding this recipe to my must try pile!!!!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thanks so much. I hope you’ll be back.
Celeste Jenkins says
I was appalled at the looting and everything that was going on and I completely understand and agree with where you’re coming from. Your rolls sound yummy, especially with the addition of the olives! 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thank you, Celeste.
Tyla says
We were horrified as well Dara…it was sad. I was downtown this past weekend though and did see evidence of the coming together that happened in the wake of the riots. Still sad though 🙁
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thanks so much for commenting, Tyla. I’m glad to hear that people are pulling together.
Sanjeeta kk says
The boys are adorable! And the rolls..so tempting. Love the olives and the parsley in it. Will bake it this weekend.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thank you, Sanjeeta. I hope you get a chance to try them.
Pam says
They look pretty and delicious!
Brandie says
Dara, I thought about you as I was watching that game. I know what a fan you are and it being your hometown as well. I thought your soapbox was well-deserved! I never thought Canadians had a hooligan streak in them at all! At least your using it as a tool to teach your boys about responsibility. And my heart was broken to hear they were so upset by their team losing. I’m sure Mom made it all better though!!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Thanks so much, Brandie. I think that anytime you have a big city, you’re bound to have a collection of people looking to cause trouble. My boys have rebounded from the loss, as kids do, and are looking forward to next season.
Carolyn says
Your preaching to the choir for me, Dara, given that I went to UBC, love Vancouver but this is so awful. What is it about a hockey game that can get people THAT upset? Go punch a wall in your own house, but don’t deface public property.
Great rolls, BTW! But I am standing on that soapbox with you.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
I hear your, Carolyn. It seems that the people doing the rioting were not really hockey fans, but rather a bunch of people looking to make trouble. It definitely puts a damper on things for the rest of us.
Deborah says
I think this is one of the most valuable lessons you can teach your kids. It’s a virtue that is definitely missing from a lot of the world today!!
These rolls look absolutely amazing. AMAZING.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
I completely agree, Deborah. Thanks for commenting.
KalynsKitchen says
I hadn’t heard about the rioting, but how sad. Some people are just completely lacking in judgement. I often ponder what has brought this out in people more and more in the last ten years of so. But that’s a whole different topic.
Great recipe, sounds just fantastic. I love gremolata, but haven’t ever used it like this.
[email protected] says
Rioting?! Crazy!! At any rate, lol, this recipe looks awesome! I’m going to give these a try tomorrow 😀
Katrina says
These rolls look so lovely. Great idea!
Amanda says
I don’t want to ignore the main purpose of the entry, which was very well stated and thought-provoking, but I winced when I read the reference to the infamous “McDonald’s coffee” incident.
It was wildly under-reported and is now often used as an example of a “sue-happy society,” which really doesn’t apply. I mean, the lady in question remained in the hospital for eight days while she underwent skin grafting from the burns.
The case summary from Wikipedia is pretty enlightening and you can follow all the references back to the source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liebeck_v._McDonald%27s_Restaurants
Dara (Cookin' Canuck) says
Amanda, fair enough. Thanks for the link and the information.
[email protected] says
Hi Dara,
I definitely appreciated your “rant” – I think what happened in Vancouver is symptomatic of what is happening throughout our society – i.e. that if we don’t like something we have the right to act out – whether verbally or physically.
Perhaps if everyone directed their energies into more productive pursuits (like making these awesome rolls!!) people wouldn’t have the energy for negative acts!
Tricia B says
Beautiful recipe and great photos. Some lessons come from bad situations as well as good. Since your boys were so committed to the event, the lessons may really stick with them. Great teaching moment – but the stress and sadness of the crime sux.
Donna says
I say we all need to see more photos of those two darling canucks! What sweet boys you have!
Maria says
I love a good savory roll and these look incredible!
jancd says
The actions of the people of this world today are not always what we want our children to see and we certainly don’t want our children to follow their examples. The road for us to follow is narrow, and we know it is not easy, but our real home is not here. w’re not home yet.
Nourhan @ Miss Anthropist's Kitchen says
These look incredible! I can’t wait to try this 🙂
Suzanne says
I didn’t know about the hockey scandal because I am not a hockey fan or watch sports much. But how terrible a thing to happen, makes you really wonder about how people can loose control like that, over a sporting event. It does give a parent a good teaching moment though, a sad one at that. I enjoyed the soapbox and recipe and your photos are lovely as always.
Gail Wilson says
I can’t wait to try these rolls. I’m thinking adding cube hams, what do you think. It’s my kids favorite! they will devour anything that has ham in it, lol! The other day I made a veggie soup with ham, and surprisingly they’re more concern about the ham than the veggies, lol!
Rosemary says
As expected, your rolls are beautiful. You’ve definitely been blessed with great creative (and yummy) juices. Now about the rant . . . at first, I was afraid that you needed to rail against ill-mannered Americans, because that often seems to be the case. I’m glad it wasn’t Americans misbehaving, this time. But it is sad that anyone would feel the urge to deface someone else’s property and only fess up because they were filmed. Feel bad for your boys but I’m sure you helped them learn a lesson from it all.
Michelle @ Brown Eyed Baker says
These look delicious Dara! And I’m so sorry about Vancouver’s loss, and even more so about the rioting and you having to explain that behavior to your boys. I certainly understand your feeling of embarrassment. When the Steelers won the Super Bowl a couple of years ago, people lit couches on fire in the street. Really!? It was totally embarrassing. Hugs, and here’s to next year!
Kiran says
Violence has never solved any problems. It’s a painful lesson for every one. Sadly.
Bet those savory rolls are a mood up-lifter 🙂
TheFromagette says
I TOTALLY agree, cocktails are the answer:)
Isabelle @ Crumb says
Dara, I can totally relate to the way you feel, because I felt exactly that during the G20 summit last year, when rioters trashed downtown Toronto. I was so angry. This was my city – my beloved hometown – and these hooligans were trampling all over it with this ferocious kind of glee.
I have no ties to Vancouver, but I was still outraged to see the destruction there. That said, it also warmed my heart to see all the people who came out the day after to clean up the streets. That’s the Canada I know and love.
Good on you for finding the silver lining and using this as an opportunity to teach your boys about responsibility and consequences. It’s all about not repeating other people’s mistakes.
Patricia says
Busy week here, but I’m finally locating your site! Thanks for leaving your comment about my Reuben Loaf. Tell me HOW to share it on your site, and I’d be most happy to do so. So glad you thought it was worthy of a “share.” Your rolls look wonderful. Already printed your recipe and plan to try them soon. Mouth-watering!!
Blessings to you,
Pat
p.s shoot me an email and tell me how to share the Reuben Loaf ([email protected]) Thanks!
Shar says
Too bad people have to act like that. Sure wish a mother or two had taught some people how to behave. I’m sorry for all of us that we have to deal with that kind of rude and inappropriate behavior.
Lauren from Lauren's Latest says
I was so shocked to heat about all the riots happening in Vancouver. It seems so unlikely for that to happen in Canada. I’m glad people are getting caught. They were dumb enough to go looting and clearly didn’t think it through. {You got me a little riled up…haha!}
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc. says
These look delish
Katrina says
It is such a shame, I hear ya! The rolls look good!
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel says
Your rolls look heavenly and I’m honestly baffled by the rioting as much as many other people are. Why would someone do that? What would make a regular sane person react that way? It doesn’t make sense.
Becky at Vintagemixer says
Another tasty looking recipe. Your boys look cute in their jerseys!
[email protected] says
Hey Dara,
Your space, your soapbox–you climb on anytime you choose! 😉
It’s hard watching chaos in the world and addressing it with the little ones. My kids had tons of Qs about Osama Bin Laden being killed. They heard it at school and were curious how they should respond. Tough…
Keep up the good work momma, it doesn’t ever end. HUGS.
Kimby says
Hi, Dara! I haven’t been commenting as often because my job has been crazy lately (ironically, in a law office…) Accountability is sorely lacking, not just post-incident there, but everywhere. You can get on your soapbox anytime you like! Afterwards, I’ll be joining you for cocktails (here) — hopefully with one of those rolls to snack on… 🙂
I’m glad you spoke your mind!
[email protected] says
Cute pics! Those rolls look amazing!!
Rae says
Thank you for this (and the yummy looking recipe!). As a proud Canadian living in the US I was beyond embarrassed and more than a little depressed about the events after the game. I expected so much more from my fellow Canadians and I can really relate to your thoughts on this. Glad to know I’m not alone in this!
So sorry your boys were let down by the game, hope they still feel it’s “the best game you can name.”
[email protected] says
I completely understand your frustration – I could not believe my eyes when I saw the pictures and videos of those riots. Idiots!
The rolls are beautiful… I loooove that filling!
torviewtoronto says
love savoury rolls these look fabulous
do check out the summer fresh giveaway in my site
regards
Akheela
Marla says
My friend you always teach me so much about life, food, stuff & I love you for that. When it comes to news I really am only on top of our world of food. It is an easy place, a happy place. A place I need to be.
I am so sorry to hear about that disgraceful, unforgivable behavior. The first word that comes to mind is accountability.
On what planet do those people live (unfortunately ours)
Who raised them? I would hope their folks are ashamed and saddened.
As parents we must do our best to teach our children how to be responsible people no matter what their age.
Thank you for sharing this with us as I never would have known living in the happy bubble I do.
Vancouver is one of the most fabulous, gentle & safe cities I have ever visited. I will continue to remember it as such. I hope your sweet boys are proudly wearing their Caunck jerseys. Darling kiddo’s you got there. Not to mention some irresistible rolls 🙂
Pat says
My heart aches for many Vancouver folks, my heart aches for many Canadians who feel just the same way you do. What do we tell our children and our grandchildren?
We do our best to teach them right from wrong and to love their fellow man regardless of their actions. It is a tough pill to swallow.
I will remember the beauty of the 2010 Olympics…what a gift was shared with the world. We will all remember the pride of Canadians and the world as Vancouver hosted this tremendous event. Thank you Vancouver for welcoming the world.
Tracy says
These look amazing! I’m sorry to hear about Vancouver’s loss, and all of those people who made wrong decisions and aren’t even sorry about their disgraceful behavior. And even more sorry that you had to explain all of it to your boys. 🙁
sippitysup says
Gremolata! That’s one of those words I like to say in my head (alotta!)… GREG
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says
Your rolls look superb, what at great combination. I think it is so important to teach our children personal responsibility, I think our society is missing a lot of that fundamental character that comes from a parent’s example.
Nutmeg Nanny says
I have never understood the rage that comes along with sports. People get into a mob mentality and do not care. It’s sad.
Nichol says
I don’t watch any sports, but saw this all over the news here near Buffalo NY and I was sad. I just don’t understand. These rolls look amazing. I have always been scared of making anything with yeast which I have no idea why. I will definitely be trying these, yum!
Winnie says
Beautiful rolls…and you have every right to be frustrated and angry. Ps your boys are adorable.
Felicia says
Count me among those applauding at the foot of your soapbox. I lived in Vancouver for three years–a beautiful, gracious place–and those thugs broke my heart. So uncharacteristic of the city’s population as a whole–yet they’re the image most people will have in their heads when they think of Vancouver. Very sad indeed.
Eating your rolls, though, will make us all feel better!