I have acquired quite a collection of cookbooks over my 43 years of cooking. But I do have a favourite – one I always go to first if I am looking for a recipe for something I haven’t made before. This book also has all these neat baking tips in it that even the well-seasoned cook benefits from.
It is called the “Better Homes And Gardens New Cook Book” and I call it my old faithful. I have had this book for so long the pages are falling out but I wouldn’t dream of replacing it.
My children were young when I got my copy from my brother as a Christmas gift. He got his copy as a wedding gift and knowing I would love it as much as he did, he bought one for me.
When my children grew up and went out on their own, I got them each their own copy. The recipes turn out as good as the ones in my book but it was a reprint, so not all the recipes were the same.
For anybody who likes to serve fresh rolls with a meal, but hates to knead them, this recipe from my old faithful is for YOU:
Basic Rolls
3-1/2 cups flour
1 pkg active dry yeast
1-1/4 cups milk
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup shortening
1 tsp salt
1 egg
In mixing bowl combine 1-1/2 cups of the flour and the yeast. Heat milk, sugar, shortening, and salt just till warm; stirring constantly till shortening almost melts. Add to dry mixture; add egg. Beat at low speed of electric mixer for 1/2 minute, scraping bowl. Beat 3 minutes at high speed. By hand, stir in remaining flour to make a soft dough. Shape into ball.
Place in lightly greased bowl; turn once to grease surface. Cover; let rise in warm place until double, 1-1/2 – 2 hours. Punch down; turn out on floured surface. Cover, let rest 10 minutes. Shape into rounds and put on greased baking sheet. Cover; let rise in warm place until double, 30 to 45 minutes. Bake at 400 for 10-12 minutes. Makes 2 dozen rolls.
