[Photographs: Donna Currie] I wanted to use completely edible items for the whole birdie, so I used slivered almonds for the beaks and chocolate pearls for the eyes. I was a little concerned the eyes might melt and make a... More

[Photograph: Sydney Oland] About the author: Sydney Oland lives in Somerville, Mass.  Find more information at sydneyoland.com (or read eatingnosetotail.com) Every recipe we publish is tested, tasted, and Serious Eats-approved by our staff. Never miss a recipe again by following @SeriousRecipes... More

Semelle are little rolls from Florence where the dough is used to make several different buns including some that require special cutters. This recipe from The Italian Baker is astonishingly easy (you don't need the special cutters) and the results are pretty darned good. More

Choosing which "classic" bread recipes to make this week from The Fundamental Techniques of Classic Bread Baking was difficult. There were just too many possibilities. I decided on Kaiser rolls because I was intrigued (and slightly confused) by the folding technique. More

These buns are sweet from the potatoes, but not too sweet. It's not like they're breakfast buns. They'd make great dinner rolls, particularly one involving ham. Or to make ham sandwiches from the leftovers. More

Bread snob that I am, there are times when all I need is something simple. Something that can be made quickly. But even when I'm in a hurry, I'd prefer that the resulting bread isn't completely bland. Sometimes that means I'm a little more generous with flavor enhancers. Like butter! Just a little extra. Y'all. More

They aren't as orange or as sweet-potato-y as other bread I've made with this same flour, but it still adds a subtle flavor and a pretty color without hitting you over the head that they're different. The flavor is, for lack of a better term, buttery. More

While these rolls are closer to a biscuit, they come together quickly with very few ingredients—and in the spirit of a speedy brunch with what's on hand I thought they would be perfect paired with a few colorful compound butters. Compound butters are delicious spread on some bread, but can be used in any place where butter is called for, and are especially good in the summer during fresh corn season. More

These buns are meant to be a hot sandwich, and are parbaked until the dough is fully baked but not browned. Then they're cooled and stored so you can heat-and-eat later. I've only tried reheating these in a regular oven, but they'd probably be just fine in a toaster oven, too. Bake until they're brown and the inside should be warm and gooey at the same time. More

This dough is sweet enough that you could use it for cinnamon rolls, but without the cinnamon/sugar combo these resemble dinner rolls I've had at some barbecue restaurants. Pizza yeast gives these a quick rise, while honey adds flavor. More