It was 1986 and I was in college. I started a job across town and didn't have transportation so Gordon Kelly let me borrow his motor scooter for a couple of months until I could buy a car. That was my favorite mode of transportation EVER. I wore a leather James Dean jacket, black helmet, and even though I probably looked silly, I felt AWESOME. That scooter couldn't go faster than 35 mph but to me it was glorious.
Gordon and his wife Sadie are two of the most generous people that I have ever known. They are quiet, kind people who graciously give, never expecting anything in return. I don't think that I appreciated it nearly enough back then, but I haven't forgotten how they took me in and blessed my life when I was away from home and family.
I will never forget the time Sadie handed me a HUGE rectangular block of cheddar cheese. This thing was probably at least three pounds of orange gold. Being single, it was an intimidating amount of cheese to consume. I had cheddar on eggs for breakfast, grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch, and cheddar on pretty much anything for dinner. I don't understand the physics of it, but I think that I gained ten pounds on the scale from consuming three pounds of cheese.
In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the dough hook attachment, stir the yeast, milk, sugar, butter, pumpkin, one egg, cheddar, and salt until well combined. Gradually add the flour and knead on medium-low speed until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. Turn off the mixer and let the dough rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Continue to knead the dough on medium-low speed for another 5 minutes, or until the dough is soft and smooth. If it seems too sticky, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Punch the dough down and turn it out onto a lightly floured work surface. Divide the dough into 15 equal pieces and shape into balls. Use the palm of your hand to flatten each ball slightly. With a small knife, cut 8 slices around each ball, being careful not to slice all the way into the center, to make the pumpkin shape. Cover and let rise until doubled in size, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.