Kolaches

Ingredients

• 1 cup shortening
• 0.5 cup white sugar
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 2.5 cups scalded milk
• 4 egg yolks, beaten
• 0.5 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1.5 tablespoons active dry yeast
• 5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cup fruit preserves

Steps

1. In a large bowl, cream the shortening and sugar by beating them together. Mix in the salt, scalded milk, beaten yolks and lemon extract, then let the mixture cool to lukewarm.
2. Mix the yeast into the lukewarm milk mixture and leave it about 5 minutes, until a little foamy.
3. Mix in the flour to form a soft dough. If needed, add more flour 1 tablespoon at a time until it starts coming away from the bowl's sides; it will still be soft and slightly sticky. Cover and leave in a warm place about 1 hour, until doubled.
4. Divide the dough into 36 portions and roll them into smooth balls. Set them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets and leave to rise for 15 minutes.
5. Make a deep hollow in the middle of each ball and put fruit preserves in it. Chill for 15 minutes to help maintain the kolaches' shape while baking.
6. While the kolaches chill, preheat the oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until golden brown.
8. Leave on the baking sheets to cool for 5 minutes, then move to wire racks to cool fully.