Bor Lor Bao (Pineapple Buns)

I tried filling my buns with custard but failed-- thus I stayed faithful to the traditional po lo bao which don't have anything inside. They are exceptionally soft and tasty when fresh!

Not much personal commentary this time. I'll just feed you the recipe:

Pineapple Buns:

• 3 1/2 cups bread flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/4 tsp active dry yeast (equivalent to 1 packet)
• 1/4 cup (olive) oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten (reserve 2 tbsp for egg wash)
  
• 1 cup warm milk (110-115 degrees F)

Making the Buns:

1. Warm the milk to 110 degrees F, then proof the yeast by pouring packet of yeast into warm milk ~ about 10 minutes until yeast becomes frothy.
2. In large bowl combine flour and sugar. Add yeast/milk and mix.
3. Add salt, oil, melted butter and eggs.
4. For detailed instructions on how to knead, rise and proof dough, read http://thegreenwasabi.blogspot.com/2009/09/some-serious-dough.html
5. *** While dough is completing its first rise, proceed to pineapple bun topping instructions ***
   
6. For a medium pineapple bun, divide to 2 oz pieces and shape into a slightly flat sphere. Oil aluminum foil before placing dough.
   
7. Remove topping dough from its bowl and pull apart a piece large enough to cover a bun. Then using enough all-purpose flour, flatten topping dough into round disk and place over proofing dough. Criss-cross the top with a sharp knife and egg wash the buns.
   
8. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. After proofing dough for 30-40 minutes (starting from the time you punch the air out of your dough after its first rise) bake for 5 minutes in 375 degrees F heat. Then lower temperature to 350 and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Pineapple Bun Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 tbsp butter, softened
  
• 1 egg yolk
  
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp milk

How:

1. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
   
2. Add yolk, baking powder/soda, and milk. Mix well.
   
3. Add flour, mix until incorporated.
   
4. Wrap with plastic wrap and chill until needed.