CRUSTY BUNS

Steps:

• In measuring cup, dissolve sugar in 1/2 cup lukewarm warm.
• Sprinkle in yeast and let stand for 10 minutes.
• In large bowl, blend flour and salt.
• Using fingers, rub in lard until well blended.
• Stir yeast mixture vigorously with fork and stir into flour mixture.
• Gradually mix in remaining 1 1/2 cups luke-warm water to make stiff dough.
• Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.
• Gather into ball and place in lightly greased bowl, turning to grease all over.
• Cover and let rise in draft-free place for 1 1/2 hours, or until doubled in bulk.
• Punch down dough and divide in eighteen pieces.
• On well-floured board, using palm of hand, lightly flatten pieces into 3-inch rounds.
• place side of hand down center of dough; press firmly without seperating dough.
• Fold sides in to center and pinch ends to form slight points; arrange about 2 inches apart on well-grease baking sheets.
• Dust with flour.
• Cover and let rise in draft-free place for 45 minutes, or until doubled in bulk.
• Bake on sheet at a time on top rack in 500F oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until buns are well browned and sound hollow when tapped on bottom.
• Transfer to wire racks.