Cloverleaf Bran Rolls

From Taste of Home.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 38 mins
• Serves: 12
• Yields: 2 dozen

Ingredients

• 1  cup  all-bran cereal
• 1  cup boiling water
• 2 (1/4ounce) packages active dry yeast
• 1  cup warm water
• 1  cup shortening
• 3⁄4 cup sugar
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 2  eggs, beaten
• 6  cups all-purpose flour

Directions

1. In a small bowl, combine bran and boiling water; set aside.
2. In another bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream shortening, sugar and salt. Add; eggs and yeast mixture; mix well. Add bran mixture and 2 cups of flour; beat well. Gradually add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
4. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise until doubled, about an hour.
6. Punch the dough down.
7. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into six portions; divide each into 12 pieces. Shape each piece into a ball; place three balls in each greased muffin cup.
8. Cover and let rise until doubled, about an hour.
9. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from pans to wire racks.