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1
Preheat oven to 200u00b0.
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2
Stir together 2 cups warm water and yeast in a large mixing bowl of a heavy-duty electric stand mixer until dissolved. Let stand 5 minutes.
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3
Add potatoes, sugar, and butter to yeast mixture; beat at medium speed, using dough hook attachment, until blended. Add 7 cups flour and salt; beat at low speed 2 minutes. Add Caramelized Onions, and beat at medium speed 5 minutes. (Dough will be very sticky.) Sprinkle dough with remaining 1 tablespoon flour, and remove from bowl.
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4
Shape into a ball, and place in a lightly greased bowl, turning to grease top. Turn off oven. Cover bowl with plastic wrap, and let rise in oven 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.
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5
Remove from oven. Remove and discard plastic wrap. Punch dough down, and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide into 21 portions.
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6
Shape each portion into a ball with floured hands. Place no more than 8 balls on each parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap, and let rise again in a warm place, free from drafts, for 15 to 20 minutes or until doubled in bulk. Brush with egg and sprinkle with poppy seeds, if desired.
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7
Bake buns at 350u00b0 for 15 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans, and cool on wire racks.
