Lazy buns

I never would have thought to make homemade hamburger rolls, but one night burgers were on the menu and we were inexplicably out of rolls. I (being too lazy to run to the store) quickly made up a batch of these. Oh my gracious, we've been spoiled for store bought ever since.



I usually make up bread in my big Kitchen Aid mixer, but these directions are written out the old fashioned way, just for fun... Hey now, do I know how to have a good time or what?

Lazy Burger Buns

1 3/4 cups water
1 tablespoon yeast
2 tablespoons + 1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/3 cup nonfat dry milk powder
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 tablespoons melted butter
4 1/2- 5 cups all purpose or bread flour
1 large egg beaten with 2 teaspoons water for glazing
1/2 cup sesame seeds (if desired)

In small bowl pour in 1/2 cup of the warm water. Sprinkle yeast and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Stir to disolve and let stand at room temperature until foamy, about 10 minutes.

In a large bowl combine the remaining 1 1/4 cups water, yeast mix, dried milk, remaining sugar, salt and butter. Add 2 cups of flour, beat hard until creamy (about 1 minute).

Add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time until a soft shaggy dough is formed. turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 4 minutes, dusting with flour, only 1 tablespoon at a time as needed to make a soft smooth dough.

Place dough in a deep greased container, turn once to coat top. Cover with dampened cloth. Let rise at room temp until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour) Gently deflate dough. Turn onto a lightly floured work surface.

Divide dough into 12 equal portions. Shape each into a tight round ball, and place each ball, seam side down and at least 2 inches apart on a greased baking sheet. Flatten each ball with your palm. Cover loosely and let rise until puffy (about 20 minutes.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush each roll with the egg glaze and sprinkle tops with sesame seeds (if desired). Bake 20-25 minutes, or until slightly browned and firm to the touch. Transfer immediately to a cooling rack and let cool completely before splitting.

You'll never look at a McDonald's burger in the same way again, I promise.