I make one batch of dough and divide it in half for one loaf and about 7 onion buns. I use a Kitchenaid mixer for main work, but it isn't necessary, it can all be done by hand.  

Ingredients:

I 1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/2 cup oat bran (I buy mine at Trader Joe's)

1 tbsp sugar

2 tsp. salt

1 3/4 cup warm water 

 2 1/2 to 3 cups bread flour or all purpose flour

2 tbs shortening

1 tbsp dry yeast dissolved in 1/4 warm water with a pinch of sugar added - let set 5 mins.

1 pack of Lipton onion soup mix soaked in enough boiling water to cover - let sit 20 minutes.

 A herb sprinkle mix of 1 tbs. dried granulated onion, 1 tsp. celery seed, or dried dill, or herb of choice, and 1 tsp dried garlic - herb sprinkle is optional

 1 egg yolk

 1 small loaf pan approximately 8 1/2 inches long, and one cookie sheet, parchment paper is optional

Directions:

At least 1/2 hour before mixing: do A & B

A. measure out whole wheat flour, oat bran, sugar, salt and water and stir together. Let it soak. (This step is important - it gives the whole wheat flour and oat bran time to soften up before mixing. Makes a less heavy loaf.)

B. boil water to pour over onion soup. Put soup in a glass 1 cup measure or coffee cup, pour boiling water over just enough to cover soup. Let soak for at least 20 minutes. Drain well and save liquid. Fold up a paper towel and dab at onions to soak up some extra moisture, set aside.

To mix: combine the wet flour mixture with 2 1/4 cups bread or all purpose flour, shortening and yeast. If using mixer, use dough hook and knead for 8 minutes. If kneading by hand mix dough well, then sprinkle a little of remaining flour on bread board, knead in enough flour a little at a time as necessary to get dough to a smooth and slightly sticky state. You might not need all the flour,it can vary from batch to batch. Divide dough in to 2 equal portions, set aside one and cover with a damp dish towel.

1st. ball of dough: With rolling pin or hands roll out dough into a rectangle, spread onion mixture on dough, then roll into a ball, sprinkle with a little flour and knead again, either in mixer with hook or by hand,  to distribute the onion thru out the dough. This is a sticky job until it gets distributed but keep kneading until it looks all mixed in. Gather into a ball, put in greased bowl, grease top, cover and let rise in a warm spot for 45 minutes.

2nd. ball of dough: put in greased bowl, grease top and cover with damp cloth and let rise in warm spot about 45 minutes.

Punch down both balls of dough. Return the plain dough to the greased bowl to rise again.

Onion rolls: roll dough with the hands into a log, divide evenly into 6 or 7 lumps of dough. Roll these into little logs and flatten slightly with hands. Place on a greased cookie sheet or use parchment paper on cookie sheet. Cover and let rise 35 mins. Pre-heat oven to 400°. Mix the egg yolk with the saved soup water or plain water and beat good. Brush on the tops of the buns after rising, sprinkle generously with herb sprinkle. Bake for 25 minutes or till browned. Immediately take off cookie sheet and let cool on a wire wrack. Do not cover until completely cooled. Buns will be crispy on top but soften up later on. Buns can be made in any shape, round, cigar shaped, or rolled out flat and cut in squares. Make big rolls or tiny rolls, your choice.

2nd ball of dough: punch down again, roll out flat into a rectangle, then roll up tightly from short end, pinch the ends good and fold under loaf. Grease loaf pan, put loaf seam side down, grease top, cover and let rise in warm spot until just barely above top of pan, about 35 to 40 mins. depending on how warm the room is.  Bake at 400° for 30 minutes or until brown and when thumped loaf sounds hollow. Turn out onto wire rack and brush all over with melted butter or margarine. Cover with towel, let cool completely. Slice and put in container. Enjoy!!

:) sounds good give my mom something to do when my aunt (moms sister) and try dp do this together, my aunt is a dietitionest from hosptials to the childrens school.

bumping up ..sound good!

They ARE good, I've tried the onion buns, yum!!  I used reconstituted dehydrated onions instead of the soup mix.  I really need to make them again...Liz.

 The buns still are my husband's favorite. He prefers them to any store bought.  Edey