Parmesan Garlic Buns

Step 1: With a mortar and pestle, crush the salt and garlic cloves together until a paste is formed; set aside.

Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together 1 3/4 cups of the flour, yeast and parmesan cheese; make a well in the middle.

Step 3: In a smaller bowl or measuring cup mix together the water, sugar and garlic/salt paste until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 4: Pour this mixture into the well.

Step 5: Mix with a wooden spoon until dough holds together adding the remaining flour if needed and transfer onto a well floured surface.

Step 6: Knead until smooth and elastic, adding flour as needed (may not need extra flour depending on temperature and altitude) about 10 minutes.

Step 7: Grease your hands with bacon drippings and rub lightly to coat dough.

Step 8: Grease a glass or non-reactive bowl with bacon drippings and place dough in bowl; cover with a clean tea towel and allow rising in a warm draft free place for 1 1/2 hours, until doubled in size (I place mine inside my oven with the light on).

Step 9: Remove from bowl onto a slightly floured surface and punch out the dough to allow the air bubbles to disappear.

Step 10: Return to covered bowl for another hour.

Step 11: Return dough to slightly floured surface and punch out dough once again.

Step 12: If making buns: cut dough into even bun portions and place on a greased baking pan, allowing enough space for the buns to rise; cover and let rise for 2 hours.

Step 13: Remove towel and bake buns in a preheated 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 10 minutes on middle rack then move up to top rack for another 5 to 7 minutes, until golden brown.

Step 14: If making a loaf: form dough into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan; cover and let rise for 2 hours.

Step 15: Remove tea towel and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes, until golden brown.