SHROVE TUESDAY BUNS (SEMLOR)

Steps:

• Dissolve yeast in warm water.
• Beat egg slightly and mix HALF of it with the cream and add to yeast.
• Add sugar, salt, cinnamon, butter and a little of the flour.
• Add more flour, a little at a time, beating with a wooden spoon to make a soft dough.
• You can use a mixer instead of a spoon, but just don't over do it!
• Turn dough onto floured board and knead until smoooth and elastic, about 10 minutes.
• Make this when you are frustrated, and the time will FLY by! It's good therapy!
• Place dough in a lightly buttered bowl, and turn once to grease surface.
• Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled. (About 1 1/2 hours.).
• Now go rest and give your arms a break!
• When light and doubled, punch down, turn out onto your floured board again and knead lightly til smooth.
• Divide dough into 10 equal pieces and shape each piece into round buns.
• Place buns onto greased cookie sheet.
• Let rise in warm place until almost doubled in size.
• Brush each with remaining egg.
• Bake in 400 degree oven til golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
• Cool on rack.
• Cut off top slice from bun with a sharp knife.
• Insert a slice of almond paste into bun, garnish with a generous spoon of whipped cream, replace top, and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
• *Traditionally served in deep individual dishes with hot milk and cinnamon, but I like them as is.
• *In case you are not able to buy almond paste, here is how to make it:.
• Almond paste:.
• 1/2 cup blanched almonds.
• 1/2 teaspoons almond extract.
• 1 cup pre-sifted powdered sugar.
• 1 egg white, lightly beaten.
• Grind almonds in food processor til extremely fine!
• Place into a bowl and sprinkle with almond extract and powdered sugar.
• Toss with a fork and gradually add egg white.
• Work paste until smooth.