Measure water, sugar and yeast into mixing bowl. Let stand for 5 minutes.
Stir in remaining ingredients and 3 cups of flour. Beat very well with an electric mixer, about 3 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Stir in another 3 cups of flour with large spoon. Knead well with hands, adding additional flour in small amounts, until dough is soft and elastic. (Oil hands if needed.)
Place dough into a greased bowl, turning to coat all sides. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled. Punch down, and divide in 3 pieces.
Roll out 1 piece at a time into a 14" circle. Cut like a pie into 16 wedges. Starting at large end of each wedge, roll to point of wedge. Place on greased cookie sheet about 2" apart.
Hint: Set on point of roll so it won't unroll.
Let rise until almost double.
Bake in a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees until golden brown on top. Remove from cookie sheet and place on cloth covered racks to cool. Brush tops with melted butter if desired.
Makes 4 dozen.