Ingredients
2 packages (1/4 ounce each) active dry yeast2 cups warm water (110° to 115°), divided4 tablespoons sugar, divided1/3 cup canola oil2 teaspoons salt6 to 6-1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 large egg white2 teaspoons cold waterPoppy and/or sesame seeds
Preparation
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in 1/2 cup warm water. Add 1 tablespoon sugar; let stand for 5 minutes. Add the oil, salt, the remaining warm water and sugar, and 4 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 16 pieces. Shape each into a ball. Place 2 in. apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°. Beat egg white and cold water; brush over rolls. Sprinkle with poppy and/or sesame seeds. With scissors, cut a 1/4-in.-deep cross on top of each roll.
Bake at 400° for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.
