Super Delicious Monster Buns

The kids and I had a chance to make something interesting just the other day.  A good project to have, might I add.  Anyway, they love eating chinese steam buns.  Actually, the ones without anything inside.  So, one of my friend had recommended sweet potatoes steam buns, so, I decided to give it a try.

The process is quite easy.  First, the main ingredient---sweet potatoes.  I decided to bake them instead of steaming or boiling them to reduce the water content.  In addition, baking may increase the concentration of the taste.  After the potatoes are cooked, it was time for smashing.  At this point, the kids try to help, but it is always easier to do it myself since it is quite critical to get it smash while still hot.

Then, mix the smashed potatoes into the floor with yeast, sugar and water (also any juice left over from the potatoes).  Once the dough is formed, knead a few times until smooth and let rise.  When the dough has risen twice its size, punch down and divide it into small portions.

This is where the fun begins for the kids.  I let their creativity run wild here....

Then let it rise for 10 to 15 minutes before steaming which usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes.