One of those recipes that should not get lost is this great family standard. Just remember, in Alabama these are officially Nanni's rolls. In TX, AK, etc. they are Michael's rolls. I will give the real recipe. For most family occasions, I usually do a double recipe. This is easiest done with a stand mixer, but many rolls have been made with a bowl, a spoon, and elbow grease
Ingredients
1 package yeast
1/4 cup warm water
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup oil
1 cup buttermilk
3 1/2 cups self-rising flour (this is approximate. use enough flour to bring the dough together)
Butter or margarine
Directions
Dissolve the yeast in the warm water and let stand for a couple of minutes. Add sugar and oil. Let stand another couple of minutes, so that the yeast can start working on the sugar. Add the buttermilk and sitr until well blended. Add flour 1/2 cup at a time until the dough comes together and forms a ball away from the bowl. Turn the dough onto a floured pastry cloth and knead until it is not sticky.
Roll out to a thickness of 3/4 - 1 inch. Cut into rolls about 2 inches across. Using a knife, cut each roll through partially, place a small pat of butter in the middle and fold over. Place each roll on a greased baking sheet. Cover and allow to rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour.
Bake at 400 until browned on the top.