Basic Rolls

     Sundays are generally known as a family day. No matter what religion or what place of the world you live in, there is always a wonderful feeling of getting together with loved ones for a relaxing day. Even a general family dinner can be nice. Want to make it extra special without spending a lot of money? Simple fix is home made bread. Now yes, it's a drawn out process, yes there are other frozen or pre-made breads on the store shelves. But they are by far not the same at all. If you have ever had home made bread, I'm sure your mind is traveling to that wonderful smell that fills the house as the yeast rises, and the mad fight for that first wonderful piece, maybe even like in my house even the fact that there will be no leftovers for tomorrow breakfast.

     I'm going to share with you a recipe that I tried out yesterday, I personally made a few tweeks, but either way it's a super simple recipe and it doesn't take all day! Sense I am not happy with my version yet, I will just give you what the book's version for now.

What you'll need:
1 package (1/4 oz) active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110-115 F)
1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon sugar, divided
1 cup warm milk (110-115 F) anything much warmer than that will kill your yeast.
1/2 cup shortening
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

     In a mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add 1 teaspoon sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Beat in the milk, shortening, salt, egg and remaining sugar. Stir in enough flour to form a soft dough.

     Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm (I like adding humidity to this personally) place until doubled, about 1 hour.

     Punch the dough down. Divide into 18 portions; shape into balls. Place in greased muffin cups. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.

     Brush tops with melted butter and top with poppy seeds if desired. Bake at 375 for 11-13 minutes or until golden brown.



Source:Taste of Home winning recipes V1 

I do hope you enjoy a little bit of baked love.

~Skadia, the baking panther.