Gran Ruth'S Green Rolls

Directions

1. 1
   Place milk, shortening and sugar into medium saucepan. Scald, but do not boil, the mixture until shortening has melted and sugar dissolved.
2. 2
   Remove from heat and cool to lukewarm. Pouring the mixture into a large, glass mixing bowl helps speed the cooling process along, just watch that it does not get cold.
3. 3
   Remove 1/4 cup of the milk mixture and dissolve the yeast in it. Wait 5 minutes for the yeast to proof. Add the yeast mixture back into the milk mixture and stir.
4. 4
   If you did not pour the mixture into a mixing bowl yet, do so now and add enough flour to make a thick dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl (the dough may still be a little sticky). Let rise for 2 hours or until doubled in size.
5. 5
   Gently punch down the dough. Mix the baking soda, baking powder and salt with a little flour and add to the dough by sprinkling on top. Lightly knead the dough to mix those ingredients in and then knead until smooth.
6. 6
   Form rolls by rolling a piece of dough into a ball about the size of a walnut. (*FAMILY SECRET ALERT* - before placing on ungreased baking sheet, place one of the small pieces of butter in the center of the ball and seal well). Continue forming rolls and placing them on the baking sheet, sides slightly touching.
7. 7
   Cover with a cloth and let rise 30 minutes to 1 hour. Bake at 450° F for 8 minutes, or until golden brown.