Combine 1/4 cup warmed milk with yeast and honey. Set aside until foamy (about 5 minutes).
Place the butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, the butter will begin to foam. Keep stirring until the butter begins to turn a light amber color. The foam will subside and you will have little brown specks (milk solids) at the bottom of the pan.
In a large bowl combine egg, yeast mixture, sage and milk.
Add 2 and 1/2 cup flour and salt. Mix to combine adding in additional flour to make dough workable.
Knead mixture for 7-10 minutes. Shape into a ball, place back into bowl, and let rise for an hour, until doubled.
Place dough onto counter and divide into 12 sections (roughly 2.5 oz each). Shape into a ball and place on a baking sheet to rise four about another hour.
Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes. Top with a little more butter if desired