Sponge Buns

Photo: flickr user Claire L. Evans

Ingredients

cup butter or margarine

4 cups all purpose. flour or BREAD

2 tablespoons instant yeast

3 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

cup warm water

1 egg

Preparation

Melt butter, set aside to cool. In a large mixer bowl, combine 1 3/4 c. flour with the other dry ingredients, stir well. Add water, with mixer on low, combine, then turn onto high and beat 3 min. Add egg and melted butter and beat for another 30 sec. Cover bowl with plastic and put aside in a very warm area for 20 min. Beat down the "sponge" with a large spoon. Put the dough hooks on your machine, or by hand, add 2 1/4 c. flour, kneading until you have a soft smooth dough. Add more flour if needed, but a slightly

Let rise in a warm place 40 min.** Punch down. Let rest covered 10 min. (This makes it easier to work with) Divide dough in half. To do this, roll each dough half into a thick rope and slice into 9 - 12 equal pieces. Lightly oil you hands and roll each piece in your hand to shape into buns. Cover dough that you aren't working with, so it doesn't dry out. Place buns into 2 well greased 9 x 9 pans. Cover with oiled plastic wrap. Let rise in warm area until double in size. Bake in preheated oven at 375 deg. for 20 - 25 min. Lightly brush tops with butter when removed from oven. These freeze well. Thaw, th

NOTES : These dinner buns are perfect - fine textured and soft! These are great.