Doughty Dinner Rolls (and variations)

2 packages yeast
1 1/4 c. lukewarm water
1 tsp. sugar

1/2 c. melted shortening or butter
1/2 c. sugar
2 tsp. salt
3 whole eggs
4 1/2 c. flour

*In large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water with 1 tsp. sugar. Add shortening, sugar, salt & eggs and mix well with a whisk. Whisk in the flour, 1 cup at a time until all the flour is added and mixture appears blended. No need to knead. Leave the dough in the bowl and cover with plastic wrap and let sit in the fridge overnight or at least 8 hours. Roll dough into desired shape, place on greased sheet, let rise and bake in preheated 400 degree oven until golden.

VARIATIONS

Orange Rolls:
*After dough has chilled overnight, divide into thirds and roll each piece into a circle. Make a mixture of one orange rind (grated), 1/2 cup sugar and 6 Tbsp. melted butter. Spread 1/3 of orange mixture over each circle and then cut the circle into 8 or 12 pie-shaped wedges. Start at wide end and roll to point. Set on baking sheet with points on the underside and curving edges to create crescent shape. Bake in 400 degree oven until golden.

Cheese Rolls:
*Prepare as if making the orange rolls, but instead of spreading the mixture with the orange filling, spread with softened butter and then sprinkle generously with your favorite cheese.

Potato Rolls:
*Add 3/4 c. leftover mashed potatoes to the liquid ingredients. Vary this recipe by substituting part of the flour with whole wheat flour or cornmeal or oatmeal. Honey han be used in place of the sugar. Add lemon or orange rind directly to the dough. Add currants or nuts of any kinds. Add caraway seed, dill, dry onion flakes, any number of herbs and spices.

*Use other shapes like four leaf clovers, fan tans, Parker house, pan biscuits and knots.