Mom's, Heavenly Rolls

Yesterday my grandson turned 13 years old. I can't believe I have a teenage grandson, and one that is taller than me. I was so delighted and honored when he asked me to cook his birthday dinner. I asked him what he wanted me to cook for his dinner, and he said "steak and baked potato". Wow, I told him, "you sound just like your Grandpa, he would have picked the same thing". (grin) I think that it is a fitting meal for a grandson who has just crossed over a milestone in his life.

To surprise him, with an added touch to his meal, I decided to make my Heavenly Rolls, that he is so fond of. Some time back, I had bought these cookie cutters with each grandchild's first initial with the idea to make sugar cookies with them. I thought that they might be great to use to make his meal a little personal. As you can see they turned out fantastic. Happy Birthday Elijah!

Mom's Heavenly Rolls

2 cups whole milk
1 tablespoon, heaping quick rise yeast

6-6 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt

3 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup solid vegetable shortening

1/4 cup butter, melted

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Pour milk in a 2 cup measuring cup and heat in the microwave on high heat for 1 minute or until warm but not hot, add yeast and stir until mixed well; set aside stirring occasionally. In a mixing bowl with an electric mixer using the paddle attachment, mix flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar until well blended; remove paddle attachment and attach dough hook. Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir yeast and milk mixture well and add to the flour mixture, beating with dough beater until dough forms a ball and all the dough is loosened from the sides of the bowl. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and roll out to 1/2-3/4-inch. Cut rolls out with a 2-3-inch cutter. Place cut rolls on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise for about 30 minutes. Bake 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and brush with melted butter. 

A "Little" Tidbit

Grandchildren will not remember you

for the material things you provided,

but for the feeling that you cherished them!