Mix the water, bread flour, and milk

Cook over medium heat on the stovetop until it reaches a pudding-like texture. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Whisk together sugar and water in a small bowl until mixed well.

Sprinkle yeast on top while continuing to stir.

Let sit until the mixture becomes frothy.

Add milk and shortening to a large glass mixing bowl.

Heat in microwave for 30 seconds at a time until warm.

Pour into the mixer bowl and add applesauce, sugar, eggs, salt, and bread starter mix.

Whisk lightly.

Add the yeast mixture to the mixer bowl.

Combine the bread flour and whole wheat flour.

Add 1/3 of the flour to the mixer bowl and mix with a dough hook.

Now add the remaining flour and knead for approx. five minutes, adding more flour as needed. The dough will be soft but not overly sticky.

Place the dough ball into a large greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size. About 1-1½ hrs.

Preheat oven to 325°

Punch down the dough to release air and shape it into rolls. You should get about 3 dozen rolls.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper and place rolls on a sheet. Rolls should be about ½ inch apart.

Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise again until double.

Bake at 325° until rolls are a light golden brown (approximately 10-15 minutes).

Remove from the oven, cool for about 10-minutes in a pan, and then remove rolls to cooling racks.

Brush the top of rolls with butter and allow to cool.