Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup warm water
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 package active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 1/4 cups evaporated milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 6 cups sifted unbleached flour
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • sesame seeds

Method

  • 1. Preheat your oven to 350oF.
  • 2. Pour the warm water into a large bowl, and sprinkle it with the yeast. Let the mixture stand a few minutes; then stir to dissolve the yeast.
  • 3. Add the milk, 2 eggs, melted butter, olive oil, sugar, salt and baking powder and blend well. Stir in the flour, a little at a time, until a soft dough is formed.
  • 4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 3 or 4 minutes, or until smooth. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning it over to grease the top. Cover with plastic wrap, and allow the dough to rise about 2 hours, or until doubled in bulk.
  • 5. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Punch down the dough that has risen, and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough into 32 equal pieces. Braid the dough like small challahs.
  • 6. Carefully arrange the rolls 2 inches apart the cookie sheet. Cover and allow to rise about 50 or 60 minutes, or until they have almost doubled in volume.
  • 7. Brush the topes of the rolls with the beaten egg, and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  • 8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until a rich golden brown color.
  • 9. Turn onto a rack to cool, and serve at room temperature.