BREADS: SAVORY

Fall Harvest Squash Rolls

TESTER’S COMMENTS

I’ll never eat plain rolls again! –S.L.P.

 

4	tablespoons active dry yeast
1	cup lukewarm (105° to 115°F) water
1⅓	cups vegetable shortening
1	cup sugar
4	eggs
2	cups cooked and mashed winter squash
2	cups warm milk
8	cups all-purpose flour, plus more as needed
2	teaspoons salt

 

Dissolve yeast in warm water. Set aside until foamy.

 

In a bowl, cream shortening with sugar. Beat in eggs. Add squash and mix until blended. Add warm milk and yeast mixture. Slowly add flour and salt. Continue to mix until dough pulls away from side of bowl. Add flour as needed to make a soft dough, being careful not to add too much. Let dough rise, covered, until doubled in size. Punch down, cover, then let rise again until doubled.

 

Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease two 9-inch cake pans.

 

Divide dough into four equal pieces, then divide each quarter into 12 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.

 

Place balls in single layer, touching, in prepared pans. Cover and let rise until doubled. Bake for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from pans and set aside to cool.

 

Makes 4 dozen rolls.

 

These rolls have been served at Kimball family Thanksgiving dinners as far back as anyone can remember.

Donna Kimball, Beech Hill Farm, Hopkinton, New Hampshire

 

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Not all yeasts are the same. Active dry yeast needs to be dissolved in liquid before using. Instant yeast can be mixed right into dry ingredients.

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