Miss Kay's Heavenly Rolls

12:11 PM

Miss Kay's Heavenly Rolls, my family affectionately calls my homemade rolls, pillows of pure heaven. They make an appearance at all our family dinners.

Yesterday, my grandson turned 13 years old. I can't believe I have a teenage grandson and one that is taller than me.

I was delighted and honored when he asked me to cook his birthday dinner. I asked him what he wanted me to cook for his dinner, and he said, "Steak and baked potato. Wow."

I told him, "You sound just like your Grandpa. He would have picked the same thing." (grin) It is a fitting meal for a grandson who has just crossed over a milestone in his life.

To surprise him with an added touch to his meal, I decided to make my Heavenly Rolls, which he is so fond of.

Some time back, I bought some cookie cutters with each grandchild's first initials, with the idea of making sugar cookies with them.

I thought they might be great to make his meal a little personal. As you can see, they turned out fantastic. Happy Birthday, Elijah!

Mom's Heavenly Rolls

2 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon, heaping quick rise yeast
5 and 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup sugar
1 cup solid vegetable shortening (I use Crisco)
1/4 cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Pour milk into a 2-cup measuring cup and heat in the microwave on high heat for 1 minute or until warm but not hot; add yeast and stir until mixed well; set aside, stirring occasionally.

In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer using the paddle attachment, mix 5 1/2 cups flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar until well blended.

Remove the paddle attachment and attach the dough hook. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse meal.

Stir yeast and milk mixture well and add to the flour mixture, beating on low with a dough beater until the dough forms a ball and all the dough is loosened from the sides of the bowl. If the dough does not loosen, add 1/2 cup of flour.

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface, and roll out to 1/2-3/4-inch. Cut rolls out with a 2-inch cutter. I use a glass sometimes. Just whatever size you want your rolls.

Place cut rolls on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and brush with melted butter.

A "Little" Tidbit

Grandchildren will not remember you

for the material things you provided,