I accidentally deleted a bunch of the pictures from my cinnamon roll recipe post. It is now fixed.
Here it is:
Yummy Gooey Cinnamon Rolls
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas. Show all posts
Friday, January 4, 2013
Friday, December 30, 2011
Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again...
I don't know about you but I am really start to understand that part of the song, "It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas." My kids are starting to get a little stir crazy.
I love my kids very much but the jumping, wrestling, fighting, name calling, just plain 'nonstopness', etc... is really starting to get on my nerves. And I get tired of being 'Mean Momma' all the time, telling them to quit and putting them in timeout.
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My mom gave Eian a science kit for Christmas. So, everyday, about 50 times a day, Eian asks if we can do an experiment. We have made a volcano, color changing liquids, underwater volcano, jiggly crystals, and something else that I can't remember.
Today was the jiggly crystals.
Eian let Abbe help him make these. And then he shared all the crystals with his sisters without me asking! Made me proud.
Abbe asked for makeup for Christmas. But NOT kids makeup.
She made Eian have a black eye, and then they came downstairs with a story about Ruth hitting him in the eye. Eian and Ruth had been having an argument before Eian went upstairs with Abbe, so it was a pretty reasonable story.
She didn't just use black; she used purple too. Looks pretty realistic, huh? Abbe also gave Eian some "tattoos." A spider, crossed swords, and heart with a sword through it. They were pretty cool.
*******************
Here is our 'wild African dog'! Doesn't she look thrilled to be on safari?
I love my kids very much but the jumping, wrestling, fighting, name calling, just plain 'nonstopness', etc... is really starting to get on my nerves. And I get tired of being 'Mean Momma' all the time, telling them to quit and putting them in timeout.
*************************
My mom gave Eian a science kit for Christmas. So, everyday, about 50 times a day, Eian asks if we can do an experiment. We have made a volcano, color changing liquids, underwater volcano, jiggly crystals, and something else that I can't remember.
Today was the jiggly crystals.
Eian let Abbe help him make these. And then he shared all the crystals with his sisters without me asking! Made me proud.
She made Eian have a black eye, and then they came downstairs with a story about Ruth hitting him in the eye. Eian and Ruth had been having an argument before Eian went upstairs with Abbe, so it was a pretty reasonable story.
She didn't just use black; she used purple too. Looks pretty realistic, huh? Abbe also gave Eian some "tattoos." A spider, crossed swords, and heart with a sword through it. They were pretty cool.*******************
Here is our 'wild African dog'! Doesn't she look thrilled to be on safari?
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Yummy, gooey cinnamon roll recipe I promised
This recipe was given to me by my mother. She would bake and bake and bake cinnamon rolls, rolls, and tea rings for Christmas every year when we were growing up. I am carrying on the tradition.
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First you are going to scald the milk. Then add the butter.
Put this in a mixing bowl and let cool til a good temperature to add the yeast. Then.....add the yeast!
Let this sit until the yeast has 'bloomed'.
Add eggs, sugar and salt. Whisk well.
Add the first eight cups of flour. Stir pretty well.
Tip: I bought a two cup measuring cup just for baking bread. With all the distractions around my house, it is WAY too easy to lose track of how many cups I have put in.
Next add the rest of the flour - but maybe not ALL of the rest of the flour. This is where I used to mess up BIG time. You only add enough flour to make it a dough. IT WILL STILL BE STICKY.
Tip: I use bread flour. Now, you can use all purpose if that is what you have, but I find that bread flour makes a better roll. Also, I use unbleached flour.
Then just cover and let rise until double in a warm place. Here is where I would mess up again - I would knead the dough. Nope. NO KNEADING! This is why my rolls used to be stiff and dry.
If you are crazy like me, you bake some cookies while waiting for the dough to rise!
Now the fun part!
Also, this is where my helpers come in!
When the dough is just about ready, you need to start gathering your cinnamon roll making ingredients.
You will need:
1. Cinnamon
2. Brown sugar (light or dark whichever you prefer)
3. Melted butter (more than you think you will EVER need)
4. A little flour for rolling out dough
5. Rolling pin
6. Place for rolling
7. Greased pans (with more butter, of course)
Once the dough has doubled, you 'punch' it down.
Pull off enough dough to roll out on your place for rolling. Use some of that flour and roll out the dough.
Put melted butter on it. Enough to cover but don't do the edges.
Next put brown sugar on.
Then the cinnamon.
Tip: Use a good cinnamon. There is a difference. I usually buy mine at the Ashery Country Store. You can also look at different upscale stores. When I ran out the last time, I couldn't make it to the bulk store so I got some at the North Market. I also by my yeast in bulk at the Ashery Country Store.
Roll them up. Like I tell my kids, you kind of need to keep tucking it under while you are rolling them up so they won't fall apart once you cut them. Pinch the seam closed.
Slice your cinnamon goodness log. I usually do about 1 1/2 - 2 inches - I think.
Place in the buttered or caramel or pecan pan.
And let rise in a warm place until they look like this.
Side note: I really like metal pans better than glass - but not dark metal ones. I think they cook the cinnamon rolls better. I just didn't have enough for all of the baking I was doing this time. This is just my personal opinion and may be just my imagination! ;-)
Now bake at 375 F for about 20 - 25 minutes.
Turn out of the pan IMMEDIATELY! I always scrape out the yumminess that is left on the bottom of the pan and spread it on the rolls.
Let cool some, if you can! And enjoy!
************************
Now I also make pecan rolls and cinnamon rolls with a caramelly goodness on top.
Just melt/stir all together in a skillet on the stove:
Pour enough into the bottom of the pan to cover. Add pecans, or not.
Be sure to butter the sides of the pan. Now just make the cinnamon rolls like above. The only difference would be to let them cool just a LITTLE BIT before turning them out of the pan. Otherwise all your caramelly goodness ends up all over your table instead of on your rolls!
***************************
The Recipe:
1 qt. milk, scalded
6 Tblsp butter
3 Tblsp yeast
4 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
8 cups flour
4 cups flour
Let rise until doubled. Shape. Let rise. Bake at 375 F.
Optional caramelly goodness:
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup brown sugar
8 Tblsp Karo
(The above is not an exact science. You can add or subtract more of any of the ingredients to make it the way you would like it.)
Pecans
*****************************
First you are going to scald the milk. Then add the butter.
Put this in a mixing bowl and let cool til a good temperature to add the yeast. Then.....add the yeast!
Let this sit until the yeast has 'bloomed'.
Add eggs, sugar and salt. Whisk well.
Add the first eight cups of flour. Stir pretty well.
Tip: I bought a two cup measuring cup just for baking bread. With all the distractions around my house, it is WAY too easy to lose track of how many cups I have put in.
Next add the rest of the flour - but maybe not ALL of the rest of the flour. This is where I used to mess up BIG time. You only add enough flour to make it a dough. IT WILL STILL BE STICKY.
Tip: I use bread flour. Now, you can use all purpose if that is what you have, but I find that bread flour makes a better roll. Also, I use unbleached flour.
Then just cover and let rise until double in a warm place. Here is where I would mess up again - I would knead the dough. Nope. NO KNEADING! This is why my rolls used to be stiff and dry.
If you are crazy like me, you bake some cookies while waiting for the dough to rise!
Now the fun part!
Also, this is where my helpers come in!
When the dough is just about ready, you need to start gathering your cinnamon roll making ingredients.
You will need:
1. Cinnamon
2. Brown sugar (light or dark whichever you prefer)
3. Melted butter (more than you think you will EVER need)
4. A little flour for rolling out dough
5. Rolling pin
6. Place for rolling
7. Greased pans (with more butter, of course)
Once the dough has doubled, you 'punch' it down.
Pull off enough dough to roll out on your place for rolling. Use some of that flour and roll out the dough.
Put melted butter on it. Enough to cover but don't do the edges.
Next put brown sugar on.
Then the cinnamon.
Tip: Use a good cinnamon. There is a difference. I usually buy mine at the Ashery Country Store. You can also look at different upscale stores. When I ran out the last time, I couldn't make it to the bulk store so I got some at the North Market. I also by my yeast in bulk at the Ashery Country Store.
Roll them up. Like I tell my kids, you kind of need to keep tucking it under while you are rolling them up so they won't fall apart once you cut them. Pinch the seam closed.
Slice your cinnamon goodness log. I usually do about 1 1/2 - 2 inches - I think.
Place in the buttered or caramel or pecan pan.
And let rise in a warm place until they look like this.
Side note: I really like metal pans better than glass - but not dark metal ones. I think they cook the cinnamon rolls better. I just didn't have enough for all of the baking I was doing this time. This is just my personal opinion and may be just my imagination! ;-)
Now bake at 375 F for about 20 - 25 minutes.
Turn out of the pan IMMEDIATELY! I always scrape out the yumminess that is left on the bottom of the pan and spread it on the rolls.
Let cool some, if you can! And enjoy!
************************
Now I also make pecan rolls and cinnamon rolls with a caramelly goodness on top.
Just melt/stir all together in a skillet on the stove:
Pour enough into the bottom of the pan to cover. Add pecans, or not.
Be sure to butter the sides of the pan. Now just make the cinnamon rolls like above. The only difference would be to let them cool just a LITTLE BIT before turning them out of the pan. Otherwise all your caramelly goodness ends up all over your table instead of on your rolls!
***************************
The Recipe:
1 qt. milk, scalded
6 Tblsp butter
3 Tblsp yeast
4 tsp salt
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
8 cups flour
4 cups flour
Let rise until doubled. Shape. Let rise. Bake at 375 F.
Optional caramelly goodness:
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup brown sugar
8 Tblsp Karo
(The above is not an exact science. You can add or subtract more of any of the ingredients to make it the way you would like it.)
Pecans
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
We had a great day.
We had such a good day that Ruth said, "I don't want to go to bed because I don't want Christmas to end."
Christmas Eve the kids and I went to my mom and dad's. My sister was there too. We took baked ravioli for dinner with homemade cookies for dessert.
We listened to TheWorst Best Christmas Pageant Ever in the truck. The kids and I were cracking up. Yet, this story has an awesome message too.
The kids left milk, eggnog, cookies, a letter, a picture, gifts, and reindeer food for Santa.
Jason didn't get home from the firehouse til 9am on Christmas morning. I was prepared. Had the kids open a new movie, Muppets Treasure Island. Muppets, pirates, what's not to love? They had never watched it before so it really held their attention.
My homemade pecan rolls and coffee for breakfast. YUM.
Jason spent most of the day helping Abbe and Eian put their LEGO sets together. He said he is having a serious talk with Santa about the LEGO sets before next year. I think both of them had SIX bags of Legos!
All of the sudden it was 3:42 pm! And I wasn't even dressed. (Thank goodness I was just supposed to bring rolls and cookies because they were already made.)
Somehow we made it to my brother's house by 5 pm for dinner. Really had a nice relaxing time there too. It was so nice to sit and talk with everyone.
My kids really had a blast playing with their cousins.
We finished the story on CD on the way down and back to my brother's house.
It was another late night with the kids not getting to be til 10pm.....again. But this was probably one of the best and most relaxing Christmases I can remember having in a long while. I agreed with Ruth, I didn't want the day to end either.
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As soon as Jason walked in the door on Christmas morning, I knew something bad had happened that night. After so many years as a Firefighter wife, I can tell immediately when he walks through the door, and I know to let him tell me when he is ready. I just pray for him and whatever happened, and wait. A little bit later he tells me they had a fire in which three people died - one of which was a child. Then, he hugs all the kids, tells them in basic terms what happened, and that he may be a little withdrawn today. His job truly makes you appreciate all that God has blessed us with: three great kids, a wonderful family, supportive friends, a safe home, and a vocation he truly loves.
Please pray for this family who lost so much. And pray for the Firefighters who were there that night.
Christmas Eve the kids and I went to my mom and dad's. My sister was there too. We took baked ravioli for dinner with homemade cookies for dessert.
We listened to The
The kids left milk, eggnog, cookies, a letter, a picture, gifts, and reindeer food for Santa.
My homemade pecan rolls and coffee for breakfast. YUM.
Jason spent most of the day helping Abbe and Eian put their LEGO sets together. He said he is having a serious talk with Santa about the LEGO sets before next year. I think both of them had SIX bags of Legos!
All of the sudden it was 3:42 pm! And I wasn't even dressed. (Thank goodness I was just supposed to bring rolls and cookies because they were already made.)
Somehow we made it to my brother's house by 5 pm for dinner. Really had a nice relaxing time there too. It was so nice to sit and talk with everyone.
My kids really had a blast playing with their cousins.
We finished the story on CD on the way down and back to my brother's house.
It was another late night with the kids not getting to be til 10pm.....again. But this was probably one of the best and most relaxing Christmases I can remember having in a long while. I agreed with Ruth, I didn't want the day to end either.
******************************
As soon as Jason walked in the door on Christmas morning, I knew something bad had happened that night. After so many years as a Firefighter wife, I can tell immediately when he walks through the door, and I know to let him tell me when he is ready. I just pray for him and whatever happened, and wait. A little bit later he tells me they had a fire in which three people died - one of which was a child. Then, he hugs all the kids, tells them in basic terms what happened, and that he may be a little withdrawn today. His job truly makes you appreciate all that God has blessed us with: three great kids, a wonderful family, supportive friends, a safe home, and a vocation he truly loves.
Please pray for this family who lost so much. And pray for the Firefighters who were there that night.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Christmas
Well, while waiting for everyone to go to sleep, I could either fold clothes or write here. So, here I am.
:-)
Am watching one of my favorite movies - The Sound of Music. Why is suddenly finding it on TV so much better than watching the DVD? Even though I have missed some of the best parts.
*********************************
I hope everyone has a Blessed Christmas from all of us: Jason, Andrea, Ruth, Abbe & Eian (and Smokey, Riley, Sarafina and Splotch). Happy Birthday Jesus!
:-)
Am watching one of my favorite movies - The Sound of Music. Why is suddenly finding it on TV so much better than watching the DVD? Even though I have missed some of the best parts.
I hope everyone has a Blessed Christmas from all of us: Jason, Andrea, Ruth, Abbe & Eian (and Smokey, Riley, Sarafina and Splotch). Happy Birthday Jesus!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Baking and baking and baking and....
Well, I was going to post pictures of all the baking we accomplished today.
But, Jason and I just finished wrapping all of the presents. And I am seriously ready for bed!
The kids counted, I made 11 pans of cinnamon rolls and 2 pans of rolls.
Three pans of cinnamon rolls are headed for the firehouse with Jason. Barb had asked about a month ago if I was going to make them this year!
Also, I make them for us for Christmas morning and for my parents for Christmas morning. I use the same recipe that my mom used. She would make cinnamon rolls, rolls and tea rings. We have pictures of the whole kitchen table covered in rolls. Now, I carry on the tradition.
Mom taught my friend, Amy, how to make them too. She lives in South Carolina now. Did you make some this year, Amy? Miss you!
More baking tomorrow!
But, Jason and I just finished wrapping all of the presents. And I am seriously ready for bed!
The kids counted, I made 11 pans of cinnamon rolls and 2 pans of rolls.
Three pans of cinnamon rolls are headed for the firehouse with Jason. Barb had asked about a month ago if I was going to make them this year!
Also, I make them for us for Christmas morning and for my parents for Christmas morning. I use the same recipe that my mom used. She would make cinnamon rolls, rolls and tea rings. We have pictures of the whole kitchen table covered in rolls. Now, I carry on the tradition.
Mom taught my friend, Amy, how to make them too. She lives in South Carolina now. Did you make some this year, Amy? Miss you!
More baking tomorrow!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Wreath for the front door
I usually get a big live wreath from the tree farm where we get our tree. But due to illness, common theme this year, I didn't go help cut the tree. Sooooo...decided to make one of the ornament ones that are all over blogland.
I was at the dollar store last night with Abbe and she helped me pick the bulbs out.
Here are the supplies:
Sarafina and Riley decided they wanted to help:
The kids helped too but they kind of came and went. They, all three, have really been wound up lately. Eian actually helped the most. He liked twirling them past the top part the best. He picked what one went on when.
Here it is with all the bulbs before the bow.
I am NOT a bow master like some people. I know I don't do it anywhere near the way you are supposed to. But all I care about it getting it how I want and that it will stay.
See my helpers in the door?
I think I turned out pretty well. What do you think?
I was at the dollar store last night with Abbe and she helped me pick the bulbs out.
Here are the supplies:
Sarafina and Riley decided they wanted to help:
The kids helped too but they kind of came and went. They, all three, have really been wound up lately. Eian actually helped the most. He liked twirling them past the top part the best. He picked what one went on when.
Here it is with all the bulbs before the bow.
I am NOT a bow master like some people. I know I don't do it anywhere near the way you are supposed to. But all I care about it getting it how I want and that it will stay.
See my helpers in the door?
I think I turned out pretty well. What do you think?
I usually leave my wreath up til spring. So, I try to make it fit for winter, not just Christmas.
********************
No word from yesterday's doctor. I had a chest x-ray and blood culture taken today about my continuous cough, etc. No word from that doctor either. Frustrating key word today for doctors! (And yes, Mom, I called them.)
********************
Weather here today was around 50 F here today. Ruth is very worried that we won't have snow for Christmas!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Christmas Wreath
Saw a Christmas wreath on Alisa Burke's blog that we had to try.
This is our finished product.
Ours may not be as beautiful as hers but I think we did pretty well. Ruth, Abbe and Eian took most of the photos. (I wrapped the wreath with ribbon to cover any 'naked' spots. Also, used pipe cleaners to put the flowers and leaves on instead of hot glue.)
I had it on the front door but then I moved it to the door in the laundry room where I can see it every day. It makes me smile.
I still need to go get my big, live wreath for the front door before they sell out.
So, what have you made special for this year's holidays?
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Just so you know.... Yes, I am STILL sick. Went to the doctor AGAIN today and she gave me a bunch of stuff to take and gave me a lecture on getting rest and taking enough fluids. I just want to get better so I can enjoy the holidays with my family!
Hopefully, the meds she gave me today will start kicking this illness's butt so I can go back to crafting, sewing, knitting, etc...... Really can't do much right now because this illness has my brain in a fog and makes me really tired if I try to do too much.
Sigh. Really tired of listening to my pathetic self cough and moan about being sick! Whatever this is, I hope all y'all don't get it!
This is our finished product.
Ours may not be as beautiful as hers but I think we did pretty well. Ruth, Abbe and Eian took most of the photos. (I wrapped the wreath with ribbon to cover any 'naked' spots. Also, used pipe cleaners to put the flowers and leaves on instead of hot glue.)
I still need to go get my big, live wreath for the front door before they sell out.
So, what have you made special for this year's holidays?
******************************
Just so you know.... Yes, I am STILL sick. Went to the doctor AGAIN today and she gave me a bunch of stuff to take and gave me a lecture on getting rest and taking enough fluids. I just want to get better so I can enjoy the holidays with my family!
Hopefully, the meds she gave me today will start kicking this illness's butt so I can go back to crafting, sewing, knitting, etc...... Really can't do much right now because this illness has my brain in a fog and makes me really tired if I try to do too much.
Sigh. Really tired of listening to my pathetic self cough and moan about being sick! Whatever this is, I hope all y'all don't get it!
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