When I was about to be married, I told my grandmother that I didn't want the bread machine that she was planning on gifting me as a wedding present. I've never used a bread machine but I know how good hand made bread tastes. So I have always done mine by hand. I probably don't make bread nearly as often as I should. But it's always a great treat. (And sharing cinnamon rolls with my neighbor keeps our street plowed!)
Here is the recipe that I use for white bread. It makes a double batch. Remember, as in most things, you need to practice. My mom can turn out perfect rolls every time. Mine are mostly good..some times not so hot. I always mix this by hand. And after adding the eggs and oil, I literally mix in the flour by hand.
(haha...Kids just walked in. I heard C exclaim, "YUM!" as soon as his nose got inside the house!)
My kids are now gleefully eating fresh cinnamon rolls! Such a treat after a long hard day at school.
Linda Zuro was a friend of the family who shared this fantastic recipe with us years ago.
Linda Zero's Bread Dough
Prove for 10 minutes (at least):
4 c. water
4 Tbl. yeast
1 c. sugar (1/4 c. for dinner rolls)
Add 6 cups of flour and then prove about 15 minutes.
Add 2 eggs at room temperature, 4 tsp. salt, 1/2 c. oil and mix.
Add 6-8 cups flour. Mix and knead.
Rise 1-1.5 hours.
Punch down. Roll out. Rise 1 more hour. Bake 375 degrees until done.
When I make this size batch, I cut my dough into 4 balls to form 4 pans of cinnamon rolls. If I want to make half dinner rolls and half cinnamon rolls, I put in about 1/3 c. sugar. The brown sugar and cinnamon coupled with confectionary sugar frosting on top is just fine for cinnamon rolls.
Remember...practice makes perfect. And when you're practicing, your family will enjoy eating up the rolls!
Now, is my homemade beef vegetable soup done yet? It's going to be a fine dinner! Especially with the snowflakes that are still falling here in Michigan!
