Runzas

All people from Nebraska know what these are. All people not from Nebraska should learn. Cut this recipe in half if you don't have 7 kids just yet. You can use up to 1/2 whole wheat flour for the dough.

FILLING

2 lbs ground beef

1 onion, chopped

1 can sauerkraut

2 t salt

2 t pepper

1 t thyme

1 t sage

Brown ground beef with onion in a large skillet.  Add remaining ingredients.

DOUGH

1 pkg. dry yeast

2 c. warm water

1/4 c. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

2 c. flour

2 eggs

3 Tbsp. shortening (melted and cooled)

5 c. additional flour

Dissolve yeast in warm water for 5 minutes.  Mix in next three ingredients.  Beat until smooth.  Add eggs and shortening.  Beat.  Add additional flour and beat 5 minutes.   Cover and let rise in a warm place until double in bulk.  Punch down.  Turn out on a greased board, knead and few seconds and then cut into 24 equal pieces.  Spread each piece with fingers into a round shape.  Pull up sides and pinch edges together.  Turn over and place on a greased pan.  Bake 20 minutes at 375 degrees.