Ham Bundles

Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins Preparation Time: 55 mins Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients

• 1 (1/4 ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees)
• 3/4 cup warm milk (110 to 115 degrees)
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 4 1/2-4 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 5 tablespoons butter, divided
• 4 cups ham, cubed then coarsely ground
• 4 slices bacon, strips cooked and crumbled (optional)
• 1/4-1/3 cup sliced pimento stuffed olive (optional)
• 1/2-3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Recipe

• 1 in a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. add the milk, shortening, eggs, sugar, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
• 2 turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
• 3 meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute onion in 2 tblspns of the butter until tender. add ham and mix well; set aside.
• 4 preheat oven to 350. punch the dough down. turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. roll each portion into a 16x8 inch rectangle. cut each rectangle into 8 squares. place a tablespoon of the ham/onion mixture in the center of each square. add bacon, olives and cheese if using. fold up corners to center of dough; seal edges.
• 5 place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. melt remaining butter and brush over dough. bake at 350 for 16-20 minutes or until golden brown and filling is heated through. refrigerate leftovers.