Gratitude Rolls

2 packages active dry yeast
2 cups warm water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt
¼ cup olive oil
6 cups flour
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Mix all ingredients, except butter, together and knead. Form into two balls and place each in a separate greased bowl in a warm place. Allow to rise for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, gather a list of things for which your family is thankful. Type it up in columns, and then print them out. Cut the list into strips with scissors or a paper cutter. Then set them aside.

When your dough is close to rising completely, butter 1 cookie sheet and set aside. Once the dough balls have doubled in size, roll into a circle on a floured counter. Spread the tops with butter from edge to edge. Cut the each into quarters using a pizza cutter. Then cut each quarter into 3 pieces. You should end up with 12 triangles from each circle of dough.

If you would like to add the thankful notes, now is the time! Place one thankful note lengthwise on each triangle of dough. Make sure you spread plenty of butter when using these notes; it will prevent them from sticking!

Whether or not you include a thankful note, you will roll each piece of dough starting with the wide end of the triangle. Tuck the tail of the triangle under the roll and place it on the buttered cookie sheet. You should have 3 rows, with 8 rolls per row.

Pre-heat your oven to 350°F. Place the pan of rolls in a warm place (on top of the oven if possible) to let them rise a little more. Once they are touching each other and are full in size, bake in the oven until they are golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes. It may take longer depending on how hot your oven cooks.

While they are still hot and fresh out of the oven run a stick of butter over the tops of the rolls for a delicious buttery glaze.

People will love opening these thankful rolls. Read aloud the many things you are grateful at your Thanksgiving feast!
Yields: 24 rolls

Recipe provided by Blog Chefs