Flower Scallion Rolls

Description
Contributed by World Recipes Y-Group

This Y-group is international. Good food from all parts of the world. A place where we can share the wonderful food from all over the world.

Ingredients

 * 3½ cups all purpose flour
 * 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
 * 1½ cups lukewarm water
 * ⅓ cup sesame oil
 * 1 teaspoon salt
 * 2 teaspoons baking powder
 * scallions, finely chopped, as desired

Directions

 * 1) Dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let sit for 15 minutes.
 * 2) Place the flour in a large bowl.
 * 3) Begin adding the yeast in a steady stream, stirring.
 * 4) Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead until the dough is smooth and elastic, adding a bit of flour or water as necessary.
 * 5) Let the dough rise for 3 hours.
 * 6) Dissolve the baking powder in ½ tablespoon of cold water.
 * 7) Knead into the risen dough until the dough is again smooth and elastic.
 * 8) To prepare rolls: roll the dough into a 24-inch square.
 * 9) Lightly rub the sesame oil over with your fingers.
 * 10) Sprinkle over with salt and scallion.
 * 11) Roll the dough up tightly, as you would when rolling up a sleeping bag or when making jelly rolls.
 * 12) Make sure the ends are even.
 * 13) Cut the dough into 2-inch pieces.
 * 14) Press down lengthwise on the center of each bun with a lightly oiled chopstick, firmly enough so that the layers spread apart,but not so firmly that you cut clear through.
 * 15) The layers will push out to the sides, so that you have two ovals that are joined in the center.
 * 16) Pick up the dough by its smooth, rounded ends, and pull until they meet underneath the roll.
 * 17) Pinch the ends together underneath the roll.
 * 18) This causes the flower to become rounder in shape.
 * 19) Let the rolls sit for 10 minutes and steam for 20 minutes on high heat.