Freeze-and-Bake Rolls Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast
• 1-1/2 cups warm water (110° to 115°)
• 2 teaspoons plus 1/2 cup sugar, divided
• 1-1/2 cups warm milk (110° to 115°)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 4 teaspoons salt
• 7-1/2 to 8-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• Butter, melted

Directions

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add 2 teaspoons sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Add milk, oil, salt and remaining sugar. Stir in enough flour to form a stiff dough.
• Turn out onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/2 hours.
• Punch dough down; turn onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into four portions. Cover three portions with plastic wrap. Divide one portion into 12 balls. To form knots, roll each ball into a 10-in. rope; tie into a knot and pinch ends together. Repeat with remaining dough.
• Place dough knots 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets; brush with melted butter. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 20-30 minutes.
• To serve immediately, bake at 375° for 15-18 minutes. To freeze for later use, partially bake at 300° for 15 minutes. Allow to cool; freeze. Reheat frozen rolls at 375° for 12-15 minutes or until browned. Yield: 4 dozen.

Freeze-and-Bake Rolls published in Country Woman May/June 1993, p29