Tuck Shop Cinnamon Buns

An electric mixer is needed for this recipe as it requires a lot of beating.  If the dough is too soft to handle, add a bit more flour. However, the less flour used, the better the buns will be.

Soften 2 packages instant yeast or 1 oz. fresh yeast in 1/2 cup warm water and 2 T sugar.  Let mixture set until the yeast is dissolved (about 10 minutes).

In a large bowl, put 2 cups boiling water, 3 T. margarine, 2 t. salt and 3 T. sugar.  Let the margarine melt and the mixture  cool a bit.  Then add 2 cups all purpose flour.  Beat this mixture hard until very smooth and creamy (about 5 minutes).  Then add the yeast mixture, 3 eggs, and 3 1/4 cups additional flour.  Continue beating until the dough is doubled in bulk (about 1 hour).

While the dough is rising, in a flat pan melt 1/3 c. margarine and set aside to cool.  In a flat dish mix 1 cup white sugar and 1 1/2 t. cinnamon.  Turn the raised dough onto a lightly floured work surface.  Let the dough set 5-10 minutes to "firm up."

Cut the dough into pieces about the size of an orange.  Dip each piece of dough first in the melted margarine, then coat it well in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.  Stretch the dough piece until it is 4-5 inches long and form it into a simple knot.  Place the knots side by side in a 9" x 12" x 2" pan.  Be sure the pan is 2" deep and allow a 3" square for each bun.)  Let the finished buns rise for ab out 45 minutes.  Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.  Makes 18 buns.