a gypsy caravan

thirty minute dinner rolls

 

I've been making these rolls for years. We make them a couple of times a week to eat with our supper. They truly are ready in thirty minutes from start to finish because of the large amount of yeast. I cannot link the original recipe because the page is no longer in existence. So I will just post it here with our family's modifications. Of course, the recipe can be halved if you have a smaller family. 

(Makes 2 dozen)
2 1/4 c. warm water
2/3 cup vegetable oil
4 TB active dry yeast
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
2 eggs
7 cups flour

Preheat oven to 400F. Mix water, oil, yeast, and sugar together. Let rest for 10 minutes. Add the salt and egg, mix thoroughly. Gradually add the flour. (I'm sure you can use a mixer but I just do it all with a wooden spoon. I then knead it three or four times on a floured countertop.) Divide into 24 equal pieces, and shape into round balls. Place each dozen onto a greased baking sheet and let rise for 10 minutes. Don't worry whether they get very large because they will rise more in the oven. Bake 10 minutes or until golden brown.

almond poppy seed quick bread

 

When I was a student in college, I had a married friend named Marla. She used to have several college aged girls over at a time on the weekends to hang out. She loved to bake and cook for all of us.  Because I survived primarily on beef jerky and applesauce during college, I was happy to eat whatever she placed before me. She made the most delicious bakery. The following is her recipe for almond poppy seed bread which, whenever I make it, is quickly devoured by everyone in my family. 

3 c. flour

1 1/2 tsp. salt

1 1/2 tsp. baking powder

1 1/2 TBLS poppy seed

1 1/3 cup vegetable oil

2 1/2 c. sugar

3 eggs

1 1/2 c. milk

1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp. almond extract

1 1/2 tsp. butter extract

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Beat 2 minutes with mixer. Spray two loaf pans with Pam or grease. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Done when golden brown, cracked and knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Sometimes takes an additional 10-15 minutes depending on the oven.