Mamaw's Rolls (Geneva Hillje)

MAMAW’S ROLLS

Mamaw’s (Geneva Hillje) rolls were the best. She always put more than just flour and yeast in her rolls. She always added a lot of love. We miss her and her rolls. Mamaw always baked cinnamon rolls for John when he came home. (Carolyn Hillje) These are easy and yummy! We love them. For bread machine: I half the recipe and use dough cycle. -Kay Hillje

2 cups water

¼ cup sugar

1 ½ tsp. salt

½ cup shortening

6 cups flour

2 T. yeast

Dissolve yeast in ½ c. warm water.

Heat shortening and 1 ½ c. water till shortening almost melts. Add the sugar and salt. Stir to dissolve. Put in a bowl and when lukewarm add the dissolved yeast. Add flour to make a soft dough. Knead until smooth, about 5 min. Invert bowl over dough. Allow to rest 15 min. Shape into rolls and put in a greased pan. Brush on a little melted butter. Let rise 35 to 40 min. Bake 350 degrees 12 to 15 min. Makes about 36 rolls.

For cinnamon rolls:

Roll half the dough into a 12 X 8 rectangle. Brush with 3 T. melted butter.

Combine ½ c. sugar and 2 tsp. Ground cinnamon; sprinkle over the dough. Add raisins and nuts if desired. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting from a long side. Seal seam. Slice each roll into 12 equal pieces. Place in prepared pans. Cover and let rise in a warm place till nearly double (about 30 min.) Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 min. or till golden. Cool slightly; remove from pans. Drizzle with powdered sugar icing.