Orange flavored dinner muffins recipe

In a large bowl combine the water, yeast and 1/2 cup of flour and stir well to dissolved. Set aside for 5 to 10 minutes, until the yeast is activated (the mixture will thicken and begin to bubble).

In another bowl combine the flour and 2 1/2 tablespoons of sugar and set aside.

Add half of the flour and sugar mixture into the yeast mixture and stir well using a fork to combine. Stir in the shortening and egg and stir until well combined. Add the remaining sugar and flour mixture and work it into the yeast mixture until evenly mixed. The mixture will turn from stringy to sticky. Stir in the salt.

Move the dough to a floured surface and gently knead using your hands for about 5 minutes, adding more flour as needed, until the dough does not stick to your fingers. The finished dough will be soft and elastic.

In a small bowl combine the 1/3 cup sugar and orange zest and set aside.

On a well-floured surface, roll the dough into a rectangle measuring about 24 inches by 10 inches (60 x 25 centimeters). Brush the dough with the butter and sprinkle with the orange zest and sugar mixture.

Roll the dough lengthwise into a tight cylinder (as you do with cinnamon rolls). Cut the muffin roll into 24 (1-inch thick) slices (you can use a thread to slice the roll).

Place the muffins on a well greased muffin trays. Cover the muffins with a damp kitchen cloth and let sit at room temperature for about an hour, until the rolls double in size.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 Celsius).

Bake the muffin trays for 8 to 10 minutes, until the rolls are golden brown.

Cool the rolls slightly, remove from the trays serve warm.