Refrigerator Dough

I love the smell of fresh bread and I love the taste even more, but it can sometimes become very time-consuming and tedious. This next recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it is not only fast, but it is sooo easy and delicious! It is called refrigerator dough because you can make it the day before and put it in the fridge until ready to use. Don't limit yourself to the ideas presented below--be creative and have fun with it. You might be surprised as to what you come up with.

Ingredients:

1/4 c. warm water

2 pkgs. yeast

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 c. margarine, softened

1 c. hot water

3 eggs, beaten

6-6 1/2 c. flour

2 tsp. salt

Directions:

Combine warm water and yeast. Let stand 10 minutes. Mix sugar, margarine and hot water in a large bowl. Mix well and let cool. Add eggs and yeast mixture. Mix well. Add 2 1/2 cups of flour and salt. Beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough. Cover bowl with a damp cloth and set in refrigerator overnight, OR cover and let rise until double. (30-60 minutes.) After making desired recipe, bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes. Watch close!

Ideas for use:

1. Chicken Pockets

Mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, margarine, 2 tbsp. milk and salt/pepper in a small bowl. After making the dough, do not let rise. Simply roll out on a floured surface. Add chicken mixture to dough.

Cut dough around chicken and fold over the chicken mixture. Press edges down to seal.

Bake at 375 degrees for 12-14 minutes. Watch closely. This recipe is really yummy with chicken gravy, stuffing or rice-a-roni and sweet corn. Enjoy!
2. Cinnamon Rolls.

I usually make the dough recipe and use half for chicken pockets and half for cinnamon rolls. After your dough has risen, roll out on a floured surface. Brush with melted butter. Sprinkle a cinnamon and sugar mixture over the top. Roll up. Cut into one inch wide slices and place in a pan. Cover and let rise until double in size. Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes. You can use a homemade butter cream frosting for the topping.

3. Parkerhouse, cloverleaf or regular rolls.

This is the best roll recipe. After dough has risen, shape dough into desired shape. My favorite is cloverleaf rolls. I roll dough into one inch balls. Using a muffin pan, I place three bread balls per muffin cup. Cover and let rise until double. Brush tops with melted butter. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 10-12 minutes. Enjoy!