Peeta's Stuffed Cheese Buns

Peeta's Stuffed Cheese Buns

While Peeta ran hot and cold throughout the entirety of the "Hunger Games" trilogy, the one thing that always remained consistent with him was his baking. In a lot of ways, I can identify with Peeta in this regard. When all other forms of communication fail, sometimes the easiest way to say "I love you," is with hot, steaming carbs covered in cheese. Instant heaven, instant understanding. I'm all for it. Show your loved ones you care this holiday season with some cheesy, melty goodness. 

"These cheese buns are delicious. Real or not real?" Totally real, Peeta. Totally real.

1 cup warm water (probably somewhere between 105º and 115º. I just get it hot from the tap. Don't get it too hot or it will kill the yeast.)

2 tablespoons yeast

2 tablespoons sugar

2 teaspoons garlic powder

1/4 cup melted butter

1/4 cup olive oil

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons salt

-At least 8 oz. of cheese, the more the merrier (I used chunks of mozzarella for the inside and a mixture of shredded colby and swiss for the top. I was just trying to use up all the forgotten chunks in the hidden corners of the fridge)

-Parmesan cheese

-A few tablespoons of melted butter mixed with a sprinkle of garlic powder and some fresh herbs if you want. 

Mix together the yeast and water and let it sit for a couple minutes. Add the sugar, garlic powder, melted butter, and oil. Add the flour a little and a time, mixing in your stand mixer with a dough hook. Add the salt. Knead for 10 minutes, in the stand mixer or by hand. Let the dough rise in a greased bowl (I used the same bowl) covered with a wet cloth for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375º. Divide the dough into about 20 pieces or so (you can make them as big or small as you want). Put about a 3/4 inch chunk of cheese in each one and make sure you pinch all the edges back up tightly. Put the pinched side down on a greased baking sheet. Sprinkle the buns with more shredded cheese and some parmesan cheese. Bake at 375ºF for about 11-15 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Brush with the melted butter and serve warm.

Special Thanks to FoodGawker.com for this one!

Go and check out Yammie's Noshery for the original recipe. This lady has some great pictures!

http://www.yammiesnoshery.com/2012/08/peetas-stuffed-cheese-buns.html