Brotchen(German Dinner Rolls) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 1/2 to 3 Cups flour
1 package active dry yeast
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. oil
1 cup warm water
1 egg white

Preparation

Pour 2 1/2 cups flour into a large bowl and form a well in the center.
In a separate container, mix yeast, sugar and 2 Tbsp. of water (the water comes from the 1 Cup listed above).
Pour the yeast mixture into the well but do not mix with flour at this time.
Cover the bowl with a cloth and set it in a warm place for 15 minutes.
Add the remaining water and oil and beat until mixed. Turn dough out on counter top and knead until smooth.
Add remaining 1/2 Cup flour as needed.
Put dough in a bowl, cover, and let rise until double in size.
Punch down dough and divide the dough into 12 parts.
Shape into oval rolls and place 3 inches apart on a greased and floured cookie sheet.
Cover and let rise until double in size.
Use knife to make an X across each roll. Beat egg white and 1 tsp. water with a fork until frothy and brush on the rolls.