Parker House Rolls

It's like monkey bread's cousin.

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PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 1/4 tsp. (1 package) yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 3 Tbsp. sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 egg, room temp.
• 3 1/2 cups flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Sea salt

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix the yeast and water together in a small bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes.
2. Oil a bowl and set aside.
3. Warm the milk. Meanwhile, stir the shortening, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl.
4. Stir the milk with the shortening/sugar mixture. Add the egg and yeast/water mixture.
5. Beat in the flour into a ball forms. Turn onto a working surface covered in flour and knead until the dough becomes smooth, about 5 minutes.
6. Put the dough in the prepared pan. Cover and let rise for about 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled.
7. In a small pan (or in the microwave). melt the butter. Use a little of the butter to grease a 9-by-13-inch pan. Save the rest for later.
8. Take the dough and punch it down. Separate into 4 pieces.
9. Turn the first quarter of dough onto a floured work surface and roll into a 1-foot by 6-inch piece. Cut the dough into small 4" by 2" pieces. Spread a little butter on half of each piece. Then, fold each one in almost in half, making sure to leave 1/4" hanging over. Line the pieces of dough in the pan (see pictures for reference).
10. Repeat step 9 with the remaining dough. Cover and place in the refrigerator (from 1/2 hour to 6 hours).
11. Lightly cover the top of each piece with the butter.
12. When you're ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350. Place in the oven and bake for about 25 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown.
13. Put the remaining butter on top. Add sea salt if desired.

Recipe adapted from Bon Appetit.

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