Burgers and Buns for That Special Graduation Party

Graduating seniors are celebrating--and why not? Whether this marks the completion of high school or college, they’ve successfully reached a milestone in their lives. Giving a party in their honor is one way to show recognition for a job well done.

Warm weather invites an outdoor celebration and probably means there will be room for a crowd. A sure menu favorite that adapts to any size group is grilled hamburgers, accompanied by a selection of toppings, potato salad or chips, baked beans and relishes.

Serve the burgers on freshly baked buns, prepared at home using frozen bread dough. Plain, sprinkled with seeds, or with shredded cheese or onion in the dough, these buns will make the burgers extra-special.

HAMBURGER BUNS

1 (1-pound) loaf frozen bread dough

2 tablespoons melted butter

Let bread dough thaw to room temperature. Cut loaf into 6 or 8 pieces. Shape each piece into ball. Place balls on greased baking sheet, 2 1/2 to 3 inches apart. Flatten balls slightly with palm of hand to form bun. Brush with butter.

Let rise in warm place until doubled, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Bake at 350 degrees 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Let buns cool slightly before splitting. Makes 6 to 8 buns.

Variations: For seeded buns, combine 1 egg with 2 tablespoons water. Before letting buns rise, brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame, poppy or caraway seeds.

For cheese or onion buns, after thawing dough, roll out to rectangle and sprinkle with 1 1/2 ounces grated Cheddar cheese or 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion. Roll up dough and gently knead to evenly distribute cheese or onion. Cut and bake as directed. Or sprinkle cheese or onion on top of unrisen dough balls.