Comfort all rolled up.

It comes out of the oven piping hot; slightly crusty on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside.  Tear it in half and spread it with butter, jam, honey or a combination; melting in your mouth, and finger licking good.  No, it's not the Colonel's fried chicken...it's the Crescent Roll.  This versatile little piece of rolled bread is more than just a side for mopping up gravy; it's the base for a sandwich, snack or dessert.

Before the dough wedge is rolled into its crescent form, fillings can be placed inside, then roll it all up, bake and enjoy.  For a dessert, try spreading Nutella, brown sugar and cinnamon, or peanut butter; press shavings or chips of chocolate, butterscotch or vanilla; after baking, sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Then there is the classic hot dog roll, and the dough can be cut up small enough to use Little Smokies to make snacks or party eats. Press shredded cheese into the dough before rolling; or diced onions. However, thinly sliced meats can be used to make a crescent roll "wrap"; making the classic sandwich a little less boring.

When making crescent rolls, think about the possibilities and you'll find yourself making double batches of this dough.

Crescent Rolls

Ingredients:
2 (.25 oz) packages active dry yeast
¾ cup warm water (about 110F)
½ cup sugar
1 tsp salt
2 eggs, beaten
½ cup butter flavored shortening
4 cups flour
¼ cup butter, melted

Preparation:
In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in water; add sugar; yeast will be ready to use when it begins a bubbling foam.

In a large bowl, beat together yeast mixture, salt, eggs, shortening and 2 cups of flour until smooth. Gradually add in remaining flour; mix until smooth; remove to a floured board and knead dough for 5 minutes. Cover with a clean linen towel and let rise until doubles in size; about 2 hours.

Punch down dough; divide in half and roll out each half to a 12 inch circle; cut into wedges depending on size desired (10-12). Starting from widest side, roll up dough to the point and place on baking sheet (nonstick or sprayed with nonstick baking spray); point side down. Cover with towel again and let rise for 1 hour.

Preheat oven to 400F. Brush melted butter over rolls; bake for 10-15 minutes; until golden brown.

Makes 10-12 rolls.

Mary Cokenour
May 6, 2003