Giant cheese rolls (ensaimada)

12 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1packYeast -- not instant
¼cupWarm water
4cupsAll-purpose flour
1tablespoonBaking powder
½teaspoonSalt
¾cupSugar
¾cupMargarine
6Egg yolks
½cupEvaporated milk
cupCheddar cheese, shredded --
Sharp
Additional margarine or
Sugar, if needed

Directions

1. Dissolve the yeast in the ¼ cup warm water. 2. Sift flour, baking powder and salt together. Best if sifted twice. Into the yeast mixture, stir ¼ cup sugar and ½ cup flour mixture. Cover and let rise in warm place for about 20 minutes, until doubled in size. 3.

Cream margarine; add remaining sugar gradually until well mixed. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating very well after each one. Beat in the remaining flour, alternating with the evaporated milk. Stir in the yeast mixture and beat until smooth. 4. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 12 parts. Roll each part into an 8-inch circle. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the cheese onto each circle. Roll circles like a jelly roll and coil into crescent shape.

5. Place on ungreased baking sheets. Cover and let rise in warm place until doubled in size, about 1 to 1-½ hours. 6. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and bake the rolls for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. 7. Remove from oven and immedaitely brush with some melted margarine, a sprinkling of sugar and remaining cheese. Serve while warm. Yields 12 large rolls. If making smaller ones, adjust cooking time accordingly.

Recipe By : Jo Anne Merrill