Mexican Bolillos, Crusty Oval Rolls

Step 1

Sprinkle yeast over the warm water in a large mixing bowl; stir and let stand 5 minutes.

Step 2

When the yeast is working a bit stir the honey, lard and salt into the yeast mixture.

Step 3

Add 2 1/2 cups flour.

Step 4

Mix at low speed and then beat at medium speed until the dough is very elastic, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Gradually stir in as much of the remaining flour as needed to make a soft dough.

Step 6

Knead on floured surface until dough is smooth in texture and very elastic, 15-20 minutes (use a dough hook on your mixer and knead for about 10-15 minutes).

Step 7

Place dough in a greased bowl, turn the dough so all surfaces have a sheen of oil.

Step 8

Cover and let rise in a warm place until it has doubled in size, about 1 hour (I turn on the light in the oven and place the dough in there to rise, do NOT heat the oven!).

Step 9

Punch the dough down and knead briefly on a floured surface.

Step 10

Divide dough into 10 pieces and roll into balls.

Step 11

Work with the palms of your hands and start at the center of each ball to roll out into ovals.

Step 12

Each piece should be about 5 1/2" long and 2" in the middle, tapering to each end.

Step 13

Place rolls on a greased baking sheet, cover and let rise until almost doubled, about 25 minutes.

Step 14

Meanwhile heat oven to 375F degrees.

Step 15

Mix cornstarch and cold water, heat stirring constantly to boiling, boil until thickened and clear about 2 minutes.

Step 16

Brush each roll with the cornstarch mixture.

Step 17

Slash each roll down the middle stopping about 1/2" from each end and cutting about 1/2" deep.

Step 18

Bake until the rolls are brown and sound hollow when tapped, about 30-35 minutes. Remove from baking sheets and cool on racks.

Step 19

Serve warm & fresh from the oven.