Pan Ranchero (Mexican Bread)

Pan Ranchero (Mexican Bread)

from Ellen's kitchen, with thanks to yahoo! answers

Ingredients:

• 1 package (2.5 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1/2 cup 100 degree water
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tbs granulated sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 tbs melted and cooled butter
• 2 eggs

Sprinkle:

• yeast over water in stand mixer.  Add 1 tbs sugar and allow yeast to bloom, about 5 minutes.  Add 1 3/4 cup flour and salt and beat well.  Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rise in warm place for about one hour, until doubled in size.

Add:

• melted butter, sugar, and eggs, one at a time until get a nice, homogenized, moderately soft dough.  Cover again with plastic wrap and let rise again for an hour.  

Turn:

• out onto floured surface and divide into 12 equal pieces.  Form each into a round bun and place on parchment lined baking sheet.  Cover and let rise for another hour.  

Bake:

• at 400 for about 15 minutes until golden brown.  Remove from oven and cool on rack, if you can wait that long.