Sourdough Rolls

I haven't really been doing anything with Bertha lately - other than feeding her - so I thought it was time to take her for another spin. I was thinking of bread but then this recipe for rolls caught my eye.

Sourdough Rolls (Adapted from Breads Step-by-Step Techniques)

2 pkgs (4 1/4 t) yeast
1/2 c warm water
4 c  (approx) flour
1/4 c sugar
1 t salt
8 T butter, melted and cooled (plus 2 T for top)
1 egg
1 c sourdough starter, at room temperature
1/2 c warm milk

Remember when working with yeast the first thing you want to do is proof it and make sure it is alive and that you didn't kill it with too hot water or milk. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water and add about 1t of the sugar. Set aside to bubble up.

In a heavy-duty mixer (AKA Kitchen-Aid) mix 2 c of flour, sugar, and salt.  Add in yeast mixture and the 8T of melted butter, egg, starter, and milk. Beat for about 5 minutes with dough hook.  Gradually add remaining flour (you might not use all of it). Place in greased bowl and let rise for 45 minutes.

Grease a 9x13 pan. Divide dough into 12 or 16 pieces (I did 12 and they were a little large). Place in pan leaving some space around them.

Pre-rise

Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes.

Post-rise

Brush tops with 2T melted butter. Bake at 425 for 15-20 minutes. Remove from pan and serve hot.

They came out really nice. I slathered mine with butter but I'm not entirely sure that was necessary.