Chinese Hot Dogs

One of my dreams is to open a Chinese bakery in Austin.  We all know we need one!  Some common responses after telling people about my vision:

-Ooo, you should do it!  And you should offer smoothies! (Cherry)

-I'll be the first in line everyday and be your most loyal customer. (Pastor Gaylord)

-Wanna use our kitchen as a testing grounds?  (my sweet and practical husband)

I realized I didn't really know how to make any Chinese bakery items- savory or sweet.  So I thought I'd start with one of my favorites- The Chinese Hot Dog (some know it as Chinese Sausage Buns).

Got a great recipe online, step-by-step photographs included.  The trickiest part of it all was converting the grams to teaspooons/cups!  Oh and getting the right consistency for the dough.  My FIRST time hand-kneading dough with that instant yeast.  I was on the phone with my sister a lot figuring out what I was doing wrong.

Here's the recipe if you want to check it out: http://dailydelicious.blogspot.com/2008/06/sausage-cheese-rolls-with-hand-knead.html

A few variations from the recipe (I'm such a dare-devil now):
-Used turkey dogs instead of regular hot dogs (I'm turning into my mom who is forever making recipes healthier)

-Didn't use cheese

-Sprinkled sesame seeds on top

-Tried a few different ways of wrapping the bread

The final product was pretty but lacked a bit in flavor.  It was delicious with some mustard and ketchup...just like a real American hot dog!  Happy Chinese New Year!