I use my bread machine to make the dough and for the first rise. Then divide, shape, let rise again, and bake. If you don't have a bread machine, it can all be done by hand, or you can find one inexpensively at a thrift shop.
Also, if you don't have one, you can use your microwave as a warming environment: Heat 1 cup water in the microwave on high power, then place the dough in it to rise. Heating the water creates a warm, moist environment perfect for proofing dough.
I've never had a problem with rapid rise yeast.
Yeast Dinner Rolls (Food Processor Dough)
Ingredients
1 egg, room temperature
1/2 cup water (80°) plus egg and enough water to equal 3/4 cup plus 3 tbsp.
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
2 1/4 cups bread flour
1 1/2 tsp. bread machine yeast or rapid-rise yeast
Procedure
1. Make sure all ingredients except water are at room temperature. Place whole, uncracked egg in bowl of warm water for 10 minutes to bring to room temperature. After warming egg, remove from shell and place in a 1-cup measuring cup. Add warm water till it measures 3/4 cup, then add 3 tbsp. Pour into the baking pan.
2. Add oil, sugar and salt to the baking pan. Add flour to the pan and smooth into all corners. Lightly tap on the counter to distribute the flour evenly. Sprinkle yeast evenly over the flour.
3. Place the pan in the bread maker; select the DOUGH setting and press START.
4. Check a couple of times during kneading to make sure all flour is incorporated. If not, use a spatula to push flour along the sides into the dough ball. You may need to add 1 or 2 tbsp. water to incorporate all the flour.
5. When the beeper sounds, the dough is finished. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 9 pieces and shape into balls.
6. Place in a buttered baking pan or on a baking sheet; cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until dough has doubled in size. Bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes or until done.
Servings: 9
Cooking Times
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Inactive Time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Note: Mixing, kneading and initial rise take 1 hour and 20 minutes; second rise takes 1 hour.