Overnight Buns

By Heather_D

This recipe for buns is one of the best recipes that I have ever tasted and everyone who knew my Grandmother requested them at the family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 14 cups flour (about this amount)
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 package yeast
• 1 1/2 cups + 1 Tbsp sugar
• 1 cup shortening
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 3 – 4 eggs
• 4 cups lukewarm water

Preparation

Step 1

*To Make the Regular Buns:*
Dissolve the yeast in the 1 cup warm water; Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp sugar and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, add the 1 1/2 cups sugar, shortening, salt, and eggs; Mix thoroughly. Add the yeast mixture and begin adding the flour UNTIL the dough reaches the desired consistency for easy kneading and handling. **Begin this recipe in the evening (about 5 pm) and keep kneading down every hour until you go to bed. Shape the dough into buns about the size of a walnut or larger and place on well greased cookie sheets. Allow the buns to rise until morning. Bake 350 – 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes or until golden brown. This recipe makes 72 buns plus 42 sweet rolls.

*To Make the Sweet Rolls:*
Jennie would make regular buns with *MOST* of the dough, and keep enough dough to roll out approximately a 9" x 13" rectangle of dough (1/2" thick or so), spread with softened butter, sprinkle liberally with cinnamon, sugar (or brown sugar) to coat, and roll up tightly (starting with long edge). The log would then be cut in 1" sections and placed in a pan to rise (until doubled in size). Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.