Easy Crescent Rolls
-------------------

Makes:  24 rolls

1-1/4 c. milk
1/4 c. shortening
1/4 c. sugar
1 t. salt

2-1/4 t. yeast
1 egg, beaten
2 c. all-purpose flour

2 to 2-1/2 c. all-purpose flour 

1/4 c. butter, softened

Preheat oven to 375F (350 if using convection).  Grease 2 baking 
sheets.

Heat milk, shortening, sugar, and salt in small saucepan over
medium heat until shortening is dissolved.  Transfer to mixing
bowl; cool.

When milk mixture has cooled so that it is slightly warm (about
100-105F), blend in yeast, egg, and 2 cups flour.    Beat until 
smooth.  Stir in as much remaining flour as needed to make a
cohesive dough; knead until smooth (about 5-6 minutes).  Cover; 
set aside to rise until doubled.

Punch down dough; divide into 2 equal pieces.  Pat each piece into
14" circle.  Spread with softened butter (1/4 c. butter).  Cut
each circle into 12 triangles.  Roll each triangle from wide end
to point, bending slightly into crescent shape.  Place crescent
rolls, point down, on baking sheets.  Cover; set aside to rise
until doubled.

Bake 20-25 minutes, or until lightly browned.  Remove from oven
and cool 5 minutes on cooling racks; serve immediately.

VARIATION:
To create jam rollups, replace butter with 1/4 cup fruit jam
and 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts.  Before baking, brush with 
egg wash (1 egg white beaten with 2 t. cold water).