Home Improvements and Refrigerator Rolls

My plans for trying out a slew of new recipes this week have been slightly hindered by our ambitious home improvement plans. Since we have a week off from work we decided to redo our yard and completely ripped it apart to put in new sprinklers and put down sod. I'll confess that I am usually the mastermind behind our home improvement projects, while it is my husband who ends up doing the majority of the work. However, I completely blame my overly ambitious enthusiasm on the dIY network and HG-TV. Their shows can make even the couch potato who doesn't know the difference between a hammer and a screw-driver feel like they too can lay hardwood floors, tile the bathroom, and while they're at it add an addition to the back of the house! Let's just say it's a good thing I have a husband who not only knows the difference between a hammer and a screw-driver (and knows how to use them), but is also willing to put in a lot of hard work.
That said, I did get a chance to try a new bread recipe. First, I must tell you that I LOVE good bread. I really think I could live on bread- no problem! I have several roll recipes that I use, but this new recipe is sure to become another standby. I found this recipe for refrigerator rolls on the Girl Talk blog (not a cooking blog, but definitely a favorite).

I'm always on the lookout for recipes that make the work week a little easier, and the best part about these rolls is that once you make the dough you can bake whatever you need and then save the rest for up to a week! This is particularly useful if, like me, you are only cooking for a few people and a whole batch of rolls would mostly be wasted.
Oh, and one last thing before I give the recipe: unless I'm mistaken and it's just me, Buttermilk isn't usually something people keep on hand. An easy substitute for buttermilk is to use one cup of milk combined with one tablespoon of either white vinegar or lemon juice for each cup of buttermilk. Combine the milk and white vinegar or lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes before using.


Buttermilk Refrigerator Rolls
Makes about 2 dozen

1 pkg dry yeast
½ cup warm water (105 degrees to 115 degrees)
½ cup shortening, melted
4 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup sugar
1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp soda
2 cups buttermilk

Dissolve yeast in warm water in a large mixing bowl; let stand five minutes. Stir in melted shortening. Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl. Add dry ingredients and buttermilk to yeast mixture; mix well. Turn dough out on a well-floured surface; knead gently until dough can be handled. Shape dough into a ball; place in a greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover dough, and refrigerate until needed (dough will keep one week). Shape dough into rolls, as desired; place on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.

Enjoy!