Step 1

Heat the milk, butter, salt and sugar in a saucepan until just lukewarm, stirring occasionally.

Step 2

Sift the flour into a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and pour in the milk mixture, sachet of dried yeast and the lightly beaten egg yolk.

Step 3

Stir, gradually incorporating the flour.

Step 4

Beat the dough with a wooden spoon or by hand for several minutes until smooth, shiny and elastic.

Step 5

Sprinkle a little flour on top, cover and leave in a warm place covered with cling wrap until it has doubled in bulk (about 1 hour).

Step 6

Fry the onions in the butter until golden. Cool.

Step 7

Mix the bacon pieces with the onion and pepper.

Step 8

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead lightly.

Step 9

Take a small piece of the dough, and flatten with the palm of a hand.

Step 10

Place a teaspoon of filling on the dough and fold edge over to enclose the filling and mould into a ball shape. Continue with remaining dough and filling.

Step 11

Place on lightly greased baking trays and leave in a warm place to 'prove' for about 15 minutes.

Step 12

Brush lightly with beaten egg and bake in at 225C for 10-15 minutes until golden.