Hamburger Buns Par Excellence Recipe

Directions:

1. Heat the milk in a saucepan until tepid but not yet warm (check every 10 seconds).
2. Combine the milk, sugar and yeast.
3. Beat the egg.
4. Combine the flour, oil, egg and salt in a bowl.
5. Pour in the milk mixture, and stir with a spoon until the ball pulls away from the side of the bowl.
6. Turn the ball onto a floured surface and knead for 6 minutes.
7. Cover loosely and let rise for 60 minutes; the ball will just double.
8. Punch down, divide into four, and form into buns about 5-6 in diameter.
9. Preheat a baking stone in the oven at 375.
10. Cover and let rise for an hour; they won't rise that much but they will look puffy and glossy.
11. Transfer the buns to the baking stone.
12. Cook for 19-20 minutes. They will more than double in height and will be medium brown on the top.