Happy 2010

We had a true southern meal to kick off 2010 today....

Our menu:

Country Ham

fried in a cast iron skillet with a mixture of Brown Sugar, a touch of apple juice and a bit of water

A mixture of Collard Greens and Turnip Greens

(that's what you get when you take the kids to the store with you and they are so thrilled by the big bunches of leafy greens they want both)

Black Eyes Peas

(no not from a can...as in dried, soaked and cooked for a few hours)

and Parker House Rolls

(I know I know southern tradition calls for cornbread....but well....LOOK at these...really, we're changing tradition at our house!)

oh yeah....

and so for you I give you one of our new favorite recipes

PARKER HOUSE ROLLS

1 cup whole milk

2 pkg dry yeast (I didn't quite have that...but just used what I had)

1/2 cup butter, melted

3/4 -1 tsp salt

1/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

4 1/2 to 5 cups flour

about half a stick more butter will be needed for brushing

Warm the milk just a bit (you only want it warm to touch...to warm and it will kill the yeast)

Mix 1/3 of the milk and the yeast in a small bowl and let it sit for about 10-15 min (should be bubbly). In a large bowl (I just used my kitchenaid bowl) combine remaining milk, melted butter, salt and sugar. Beat until the sugar is dissolved. Then add the eggs. Beat. Add the milk/yeast mixture after it is bubbly.

In my stand mixer I added flour...slowly...just about 1/2 cup or less at a time. When the dough gets stiff add dough hook and knead for about 5 min. Until it's a beautiful satiny dough ball.

Place dough in a greased bowl. turn so it becomes coated. Cover and place in a warm location to rise for about an hour. Dough should double.

Punch down dough and roll on a slightly floured surface to 1/2" thickness. Cut with a large circle cutter (a glass or something about 3". I used a pampered chef cutter sealer thing for fried pies)

brush circle with butter. Fold over into a half circle and pinch to seal closed. place in greased pan (like a 9x13). After all are done, cover and let rise another hour. Place in 350 degree oven for about 20 -25 min. Remove from oven and brush again with fresh melted butter.

insanely perfect to use the leftoves for b'fast....with a slice of the ham on the rolls!! sigh.....oh yeaahhh!! Southern eating at it's finest!!

HAPPY 2010!!!!!