Extremely Frugal Brotchen

Broetchen
Originally uploaded by Simply Frugal

Broetchen are a German roll with a crispy crust and slightly chewy interior. The secret to getting them just right in a home oven include high heat, a pan of steaming water below them, and three risings of the dough.

Yeast	2 tsp
Water	1 1/4 C
Sugar	2 tsp
Shortening	2 Tbsp
Salt	1/2 tsp
Egg white	1
Flour	4 C

Warm 1/4 C water. Add yeast and sugar and let sit for 10 minutes, until foamy.
Heat 1 C water, shortening and salt until shortening is melted. Let cool, then add yeast mixture.
Beat egg white until stiff.
Fold egg white into liquids in mixing bowl.
Add flour to form a soft dough, and knead 10 minutes. Place in greased bowl, turn to coat with grease, cover with damp cloth. Let rise until double in bulk, about an hour.
Punch down, and let rise again.
Punch down, and divide into 12 pieces. Form into balls, and place on greased baking sheet. Cover with damp cloth, and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 40 minutes.
Preheat oven to 450° F, placing a pan of boiling water on lower rack.
Bake rolls for 20 minutes until lightly browned.