A Special Super Bowl Treat

I have made this recipe for years and years. I think it is one of the things my friends most request that I make for them. This is the first time I've made them into football shapes and I am sure this will be a new traditional. These are called bierocks (beer-ocks). They originally were made in Russia. When Russian immigrants came to America, their wives made these for their husbands to take to work in the mines. So many men took them in their lunches that the wives marked them with their husbands initials to avoid disputes over ownership.

The Dough:

1 tsp. instant rise yeast
5 cups bread flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 c. milk
8 T. butter melted
2 eggs

In the bowl of your mixer with the dough hook, pour the milk, butter, eggs, salt and sugar. Beat to combine. Gradually add flour and knead until you have a silky smooth dough. You might need to add more flour. Place in an oiled bowl, cover and let rise for an hour or so. It will not rise too much.


While the dough is rising, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to a heavy pan.


Dice a large onion and add it to the hot oil.


Add 1 T. cracked black pepper.


As soon as the onions starts to soften, add a pound of lean ground beef. Cook until the meat has browned.


Add 4 cups of thinly sliced cabbage. Cook stirring occasionally just until the cabbage softens. This takes about 15 minutes.




Stir in 1/2 pound of mild cheddar cheese.


Add 2 T. Dijon mustard.


Set the filling aside to cool completely.


Roll the dough into a log and cut into 12 pieces. Roll each piece out into a 6" round.


Spoon about 1/4 cup of the filling on to the middle of the round.


Pull the edges towards the center.


Pinch them all together. Place them seam side down and bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes until turning golden.


I usually make them circular. Brush with melted butter when you remove them from the oven. These can be eaten warm or at room temp.

Comments

Anonymous said…
They look perfect for Super Bowl :-) makes a great meal when watching tv!

Have a great day now!
Christer.
Teresa said…
How fun! Easy to see why they are such a hit!
Unknown said…
Being German this is delish to me! I haven't had this in a long time. I know what I'll be making this week...;-)
o.k....you got me GOOD when i saw those little footballs...too cute

:-)

they look wonderful...i am making them too...have the brierocks and sandwich rolls.....nachos....buffalo wings...all the super bowl fixin's....

see john travolta on now being interviewed...i LOVE him....what a great guy....

GO STEELERS !!!!!!
Diane said…
What a great idea making footballs. The recipe looks interesting I will be trying this one out. Diane
These look wonderful, and so easy. I'll make these next week. No time to make before Super Bowl today.

I am ready! GO STEELERS!
Chris said…
These remind me of Cornish miner's pasties which we make...we are originally from Michigan where the Cornish miners immigrated to the upper peninsula...they are still made and sold and are now known as Michigan Miner's Pasties...very similiar ingredients without the cheese.
Yours in the shape of little footballs is perfect for today!!
Anonymous said…
What a fabulous dish and I love the football shapes.

Enjoy the Superbowl!
brokenteepee said…
Very clever...I'm sure they were the hit of the party!
This will work! What a treat. Well it is almost Super Bowl Time.

Thanks for sharing!

Blessings! xoso to "Teddy Snow Baby".
Hut! Hut! Throw me one, quick! A Hail Mary pass!
Leanne said…
oooh I have to steal your idea for when world rubgy tour hits us.

Love Leanne
Soooooooooo cute!

Aren't there different versions of these, from different cultures? With the same purpose... Wives/Mothers could send them off with their family members, to give them a wholesome and filling lunch time meal. :-)

Hugs and ♥'s...
'Cause Valentine Day is coming!