Kittencal's Italian Garlic Buns

Step 1: Attach the kneader attachment onto a heavy duty stand mixer.

Step 2: Proof the yeast with 1 teaspoon sugar in 1/2 cup water for 10 minutes or until foamy (if yeast doesn't foam discard and start again).

Step 3: In the stainless steel mixing bowl place 3-1/2 cups flour, salt, 1 tablespoon sugar,olive oil, minced garlic and 1 cup warm water.

Step 4: Start kneading adding in more flour or water only if needed (total kneading time should take about 8-10 minutes total not including resting time) do not add in too much flour or the buns will be heavy, when finished kneading the dough should feel soft but semi-sticky and smooth and should stick to your hands only slightly when removing from the bowl (IMPORTANT! stop kneading about halfway through and allow the dough to rest for 15-20 minutes, then continue kneading again).

Step 5: Remove the dough to a very lightly floured surface; cover with clean tea towel and let rest 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Knead gently a few times then shape into a ball (the dough will come together nicely after resting) then place into a large oiled bowl.

Step 7: Cover with a tea towel and allow to rest until doubled (about 50-60 minutes, do not over rise or your buns will be yeasty, to check if the dough is ready to be punched down, very gently stick two fingers about 1/2-inch into the dough, the dough is ready when the finger marks remain).

Step 8: Punch down dough then remove to a flat surface.

Step 9: Slice dough in half, then slice each half into 4 even pieces (or desired size)

Step 10: Grease a large baking sheet.

Step 11: Shape dough pieces into round balls then place onto baking sheet.

Step 12: Cover with a clean tea towel and allow to rise until doubled (about 30-35 minutes).

Step 13: Brush each ball with olive oil, then sprinkle with coarse salt.

Step 14: Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 25-30 minutes or until browned.