Ingredients

  • 1 (1/4 ounce) envelope active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup lukewarm water
  • 1/4 cup sugar, plus
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 cup margarine, melted and cooled
  • 1 cup buttermilk or 1 cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup cornmeal, plus
  • 2 tablespoons cornmeal
  • 3 cups flour

Method

  • In a large bowl, an electric mixer fitted with a dough hook, or a food processor, combine the yeast, water, and 1 teaspoons of the sugar and let stand until bubbly, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar, the butter, buttermilk, egg, salt, and 3/4 cup of the cornmeal; blend well.
  • Stir in enough flour (start with about 2 cups) to make a soft dough.
  • On a lightly floured board or in the mixer or food processor, knead the dough until smooth and elastic, 7 to 10 minutes by hand, 5 minutes in a mixer, or 40 seconds in the food processor.
  • Add more flour as needed to keep the dough from sticking.
  • *At this point the dough can be stored.
  • Place in a 1-gallon food storage bag, push out all of the air, and secure with a twist tie, leaving room at the end for expansion.
  • Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • Transfer to a large, lightly greased bowl, turn to coat with the grease, rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in bulk-about 1 hour.
  • Punch the dough down and roll it out 1/2 inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
  • Cut into eighteen 3-inch rounds and set 2 inches apart on lightly greased baking sheets.
  • Cover with dry towels and let rise until almost doubled in bulk, 35 to 45 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Sprinkle the rolls lightly with the remaining 2 tbsp of cornmeal and bake until golden brown, 17 to 20 minutes.
  • Makes 18 roll.
  • Serving later:
  • Let the dough sit at room temperature for 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
  • Knead a few turns on a lightly floured board, then proceed starting with punching down the dough and rolling 1/2 inch thick on a lightly floured surface.