Cheese Stuffed Buns

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear."

"Buddy the elf, what's your favorite color?"

"We elves try to stick to the main four food groups- candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup."

"Smiling's my favorite."

"You smell like beef and cheese. You don't smell like Santa."

"Fran-sis-co."

"CONGRATULATIONS! World's best cup of coffee."

"Watch out! The yellow ones don't stop."

"SANTA'S COMING! I KNOW HIM!."

"What's a Christmasgram? I want one!"

Guess what I did yesterday? You got it- I watched one of the greatest holiday movies ever- ELF. I love it. Will Ferrell is so funny and now I'm officially in the Christmas spirit. :)

I also made these delicious cheese stuffed buns. They are soft and chewy full of melty cheese and a hint of garlic. Perfect straight out the oven, or even reheated the next day. You should add them to your holiday plans; the oven will be on for cookie baking anyway, right? Feel free to use whatever cheese you want but you certainly don't want to miss out on these.

Cheese Stuffed Buns (adapted from Heather Christo Cooks)
Ingredients:
1/2 cup hot water (110-115 F)
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp instant yeast
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
4 oz monterey jack cheese, cut into 8 equal cubes
1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Directions:
Combine the hot water, sugar and yeast in a medium to large bowl. Allow to stand until bubbly, about 5-10 minutes. Add the garlic powder, salt and oil; mix. Add in about 1 cup of the flour and mix. Turn out onto a clean surface and knead in the additional 1/2 cup flour. Continue to knead for 5-6 minutes until it is a smooth soft dough. Place in a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Allow to rise until doubled, about 2 hours, depending on the temperature of your house.

Preheat oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Flatten each piece slightly and place a cube of cheese into the center. Close the dough around it and form into a ball. Place buns on prepared baking sheet. Brush with melted butter.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden on top. Remove and brush with more melted butter.

Serve hot.

Makes 8 buns.