Grandma's Dinner Rolls

Makes 18 rolls
Prep Time: 15 min.
Rising Time: 90 min. to 2 hrs.
Baking Time: 12 to 14 min.

Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons warm water (105-degrees F. to 115-degrees F.)
1 package (1/4-ounce) active dry yeast
1/4 teaspoon sugar
3/4 cups milk
1/4 cup butter, cut into chunks
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
3 - 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
butter, melted (if desired)

Directions:
1) In a small bowl, place warm water and stir in yeast and 1/4 teaspoon sugar until dissolved.
2) Let stand 5 to 10 minutes or until mixture starts to foam around edges.
3) Place milk and butter in 1-quart saucepan. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until butter is almost melted.
4) Combine 1/4 cup sugar and salt in large bowl. Add warm milk mixture; mix well.
5) Add egg and beat at medium speed until well mixed. (Check the temperature in the bowl. It should be less then 115°F. If it is warmer, let mixture cool slightly.)
6) Add yeast mixture; continue beating until well mixed. Add 2 cups flour; beat until mixture is smooth.
7) Stir in enough remaining flour with wooden spoon, 1/2 cup at a time, until dough is easy to handle. Let dough rest 5 minutes.
8) Turn dough onto lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic (about 5 minutes).
9) Add more flour if dough is sticky. Place into greased bowl; turn greased side up.
10) Cover; let rise in warm place until doubled in size for 45 to 60 minutes. (Dough is ready if indentation remains when touched.)
11) Punch down dough. Divide dough in half. Cut each half into 9 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball.
12) Place balls onto large greased baking sheets. Cover with plastic food wrap and let rise until almost doubled in size for 30 to 45 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350-degrees F.
13) Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until light golden brown. Brush warm rolls with melted butter, if desired.