Pumpkin Dinner Rolls

My sister sent me this recipe a few months back when pumpkins were seasonal. Unfortunately, I forgot about it until browsing my recipe books for something to take to book club. These were quite easy to make and were very good, with a savory/sweet flavor.
*1/2 c. sugar
*1/4 c. warm water
*1 c. warm milk
*2 TBSP. butter, softened
*1 c. cooked and mashed or canned pumpkin (I went with the can)
*1 tsp. salt
*1/4 c. wheat germ (could use flour instead, I used 2 T. germ and 2 T. ground flax seed)
*5-6 c. all-purpose flour (I used 2 c. wheat flour and 4 c. white)
*3 1/2 tsp. yeast

In a large mixing bowl (I used the Kitchen Aid), combine sugar, water, milk, butter, pumpkin, and salt. Mix well. Add wheat germ, 4 c. flour, and yeast. Mix, and then continue adding flour and kneading until dough is elastic and not sticky. (I used about 5 3/4 c. and kneaded for about 5-7 minutes).Place dough in a greased bowl; roll dough to coat top with oil as well. Cover with a towel and set in a warm place until doubled (about 1 hour). Gently press to remove air and divide into about 24 pieces. I made mine 2 oz. each and got 22 rolls. Gently shape into ball shape by tucking the sides under to the bottom. Place on greased or parchment-lined baking sheets. Cover and let rise until almost doubled (about 30 minutes). Bake at 350 for 15-18 minutes (mine took 18), until the tops are golden. Brush with melted butter as soon as they come out of the oven (I just hold the stick of cold butter and smear it over the tops). The recipe had a note that they look dry when they first come out of the oven, but look and taste better after about 15 minutes, and I found that to be the case as well.
This took about 2 1/2 hours start to finish, but I had a 3-yr-old helper who insisted on measuring ingredients, so it could be done in less. I was able to bake both trays at once, so 2 1/2 is probably about right.

The verdict: I loved them, the girls at club seemed to like them, and I'm glad I've got a few left to enjoy today. In the world of breads, these are on the healthy side (a hidden veggie...). I'll be making these again, for sure.