Ham Bundles

I love ham--and can't wait to use the leftovers for these little goodies! Enjoy!

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 2 dozen bundles

Ingredients

• 1 (1/4ounce) package active dry yeast
• 1⁄4 cup warm water (110 to 115 degrees)
• 3⁄4 cup  warm milk (110 to 115 degrees)
• 1⁄2 cup shortening
• 3  eggs, lightly beaten
• 1⁄2 cup sugar
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt
• 4 1⁄2-4 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour

• FILLING

• 1  large onion, finely chopped
• 5  tablespoons butter, divided
• 4  cups ham, cubed then coarsely ground
• 4  slices bacon, strips cooked and crumbled (optional)
• 1⁄4-1⁄3 cup  sliced  pimento stuffed olive (optional)
• 1⁄2-3⁄4 cup  shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the milk, shortening, eggs, sugar, salt and 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
2. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
3. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, saute onion in 2 tblspns of the butter until tender. Add ham and mix well; set aside.
4. Preheat oven to 350. Punch the dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into thirds. Roll each portion into a 16x8 inch rectangle. Cut each rectangle into 8 squares. Place a tablespoon of the ham/onion mixture in the center of each square. Add bacon, olives and cheese if using. Fold up corners to center of dough; seal edges.
5. Place 2 inches apart on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes. Melt remaining butter and brush over dough. Bake at 350 for 16-20 minutes or until golden brown and filling is heated through. Refrigerate leftovers.