Ham Bundles Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
• 3/4 cup warm milk (110° to 115°)
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 4-1/2 to 4-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• FILLING:
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 5 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cups cubed fully cooked ham, coarsely ground
• 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled, optional
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup sliced pimiento-stuffed olives, optional
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, optional

Directions

• In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, shortening, eggs, sugar, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
• Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute onion in 2 tablespoons butter until tender. Add ham and mix well; set aside.
• Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Roll each portion into a 16-in. x 8-in. rectangle. Cut each rectangle into eight squares. Place a tablespoonful of ham mixture in the center of each square. Add bacon, olives and/or cheese if desired. Fold up corners to center of dough; seal edges.
• Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
• Melt remaining butter; brush over dough. Bake at 350° for 16-20 minutes or until golden brown and filling is heated through. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 2 dozen.

Ham Bundles published in Taste of Home April/May 2007, p37