Ralph’s Six Rivers Tuna with Honey Grain Rolls

Name: Ralph’s Six Rivers Tuna with Honey Grain Rolls
Yield: makes about 5 cups
Ingredients: 2 (12-ounce) cans tuna packed in water, drained; 3 hard-boiled eggs, coarsely chopped (see page 93); 1 Granny Smith apple, cored but not peeled, chopped; 1 large dill pickle, coarsely chopped; 1/4 cup chopped red onion; 1/2 to 3/4 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Creole or Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 large lemon); 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper; 3/4 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds; Honey Grain Rolls (recipe follows); 2 tablespoons active dry yeast; 2 cups lukewarm water (105° to 115°F); 2/3 cup honey; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 1 cup all-purpose flour; (makes about 2 dozen 3 1/2-inch rolls); 3 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1 cup old-fashioned oats, plus more or sprinkling; 1/3 cup wheat germ, plus more for sprinkling; 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/3 cup whole-grain cracked wheat; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 2 cups whole wheat flour; 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus 2 tablespoons for kneading; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons water

December 14, 2011

I first tasted Ralph Watterson’s Six Rivers Tuna last year when he and his group of bicycling buddies passed through Frederickburgs on a four-day cycling trip. His tuna provides hearty lunches for the group as they cover 300 miles and cross six rivers on their annual spring cycling trip. I asked for the recipe, which he described as his mother’s version, plus a few embellishments of his own. I made it, tried it out at the bakery, and our tuna sandwich sales skyrocketed. Ralph’s Six Rivers Tuna is now a part of our regular menu. Given its proven track record as a recipe that travels, I figured it would be great for an outdoor picnic or a potluck. On bike trips, Ralph says he often serves it with crackers. I wanted something more substantial and created a soft, honey-kissed roll that when split and filled with tuna makes a memorable and satisfying sandwich that travels with ease.

Recipe notes

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