German Zwieback Rusks Recipes

ZWIEBACK ROLLS

Steps:

• Dissolve yeast in warm water; set aside. In a large bowl, combine milk and shortening; stir to melt shortening. When cool, add sugar and salt. Stir in yeast mixture and 3 cups flour; beat well. Add enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place dough in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Punch down dough and divide into fourths. Divide three of the pieces into eight pieces each; shape into smooth balls and place on greased baking sheets. Divide the fourth piece of dough into 24 small balls. Make an indentation in the top of each larger ball; press one small ball atop of each larger ball. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

GRANDMA'S ZWIEBACK ROLLS

Steps:

• In a small bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in water; set aside. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, salt, shortening, milk and yeast mixture. Beat well. Add enough of the remaining flour to form a soft dough. , Turn out onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic about 6-8 minutes. Dough will be soft. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl; cover and allow to rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. , Punch dough down and divide into four pieces. Divide three of the pieces into eight pieces each; shape into smooth balls and place on greased baking sheets. Divide remaining dough into 24 balls. Press 1 small ball atop each larger ball. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 45 minutes. , Preheat oven to 375°. Bake until golden, 28-32 minutes. Remove from pans to wire racks. Serve warm.

VERSATILE RUSKS

Steps:

• Melt margarine and beat with buttermilk until creamy.
• Mix dry ingredients well.
• Mix buttermilk mixture with dry ingredients.
• Adjust consistency of mixture with flour until it isn't sticky, but not dry.
• Divide mixture between two 30cm x 20cm baking trays.
• Bake at 180°C for 45 minutes.
• Cut into fingers (we like them about 2,5cm x 10cm).
• Place them on trays with space between them.
• Bake at 100°C for 2-3 hours to dry them out.
• Serve dipped in tea or coffee.
• Yummy!