Basic Roll Dough

Heat water and sprinkle with yeast. Set aside. Scald milk in mixing bowl. Add the sugar, shortening, salt and egg to the milk. Stir until combined. Begin adding flour in 1 cup increments and mix until combined. When about 2-2 1/2 cups of flour have been added, add in yeast mixture. This will make the dough more difficult to work with. Add remaining flour and combine thoroughly until dough is no longer tacky to the touch. (Note: Depending on humidity, you may need to add more flour to achieve the proper consistency).

Form dough into a ball and place in a greased bowl. Cover with a towel. Place in a warm area and allow to rise. To make sure that the dough has risen enough, press a finger into the dough; if the identation rises then the dough needs to continue rising. If the identation does not rise then the dough is ready to be punched down and formed into rolls.

Once rolls have been formed and placed in a well greased pan, again cover with a towel, set in a warm area, and allow to rise.

Once risen, bake the rolls at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes.