Handy Dough

Prep: 720 min Cuisine: American

Handy Dough is a versatile, soft bread dough infused with mashed potatoes and butter, perfect for making nut rolls or other filled pastries, offering rich flavor and tender texture.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1/2 lb. butter
  • 1/2 lb. Crisco
  • 1 c. mashed potatoes (save water)
  • 4 eggs, well beaten
  • 1 c. warm potato water
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 5 to 6 c. flour
  • 1 cake yeast

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients and blend thoroughly with hands.
  2. Place the dough in the refrigerator overnight.
  3. Let the dough rise in pans for 2 hours before baking.
  4. Roll out the dough and fill with nuts or other desired fillings, then bake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter dough, consider using half the amount of Crisco and replace it with more butter. If you don't have cake yeast, you can substitute with 2 1/4 teaspoons of active dry yeast. Ensure your mashed potatoes are well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the dough. For added flavor, you might mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Handy Dough warm, filled with your favorite nuts or sweet fillings. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for dessert. For a savory option, consider serving it alongside a hearty soup or salad. You can also enjoy it as a breakfast treat with a side of fresh fruit.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Handy Dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the dough has already been baked, keep it in a sealed bag or container. To reheat, wrap individual pieces in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Handy Dough contains roughly 1680 calories, with 9g protein, 96g carbohydrates, and 141g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1896mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).

1680 kcal 84% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9g 18% DV
Total Fat 140.9g 100% DV
Carbs 96.4g 35% DV
Fiber 6.2g 22% DV
Sugar 0.1g

Electrolytes

Sodium 1895.7mg 82% DV
Potassium 1458.2mg 31% DV
Cholesterol 504mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 31.5mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 36.2mg 40% DV
Calcium 147.5mg 11% DV
Iron 2.2mg 12% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze the Handy Dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough before or after baking. If freezing before baking, shape the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer bag for up to three months. To use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and allow it to rise before baking.

What can I use instead of mashed potatoes?

If you don't have mashed potatoes, you can use applesauce or pureed pumpkin as a substitute for moisture and binding. Keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly, but it can still yield a delicious result. Adjust the liquid accordingly to maintain the right dough consistency.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

The dough is ready to bake when it has doubled in size and feels airy to the touch. You can test it by gently poking it; if the indentation remains, it has risen sufficiently. Ensure it rises in a warm environment, as cooler temperatures can slow down the fermentation process.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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