Cinnamon Rolls

This recipe came from Jim's mom...Connie.

1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
3 eggs
2 1/2 cups of very warm tap water
1 tsp salt
2 tbls yeast (I use SAF yeast)
7 + cups flour

In kitchen mixer, mix together shortening, sugar, and eggs.  While they are mixing add water, salt and yeast.  Then add flour starting with the first 4 cups then adding 1 cup at a time while it mixes.  After all flour is added let the dough mix for 5 minutes.  If still really sticky add more flour just a little at a time til the dough doesn't stick to the bowl.  Then stop the mixer and let the dough rise til it is double in size.  Remove dough and roll out on a floured surface.  Roll dough about 1" thick.  I roll it more in a rectangle shape shape.  When done rolling generously spread some very softened margarine/butter over dough.  Then very generously sprinkle brown sugar over the dough followed by a dusting of cinnamon.  You can also add raisins, nuts, chocolate chips, or whatever you like at this time...just sprinkle them on!  Starting with a long edge of the "rectangle" shape dough, roll it into a log.  Pinch the seam closed.  Using thread or waxed floss cut the rolls by placing thread under the end of the log about 1 1/2".  Bring thread up around the top crossing over and pull...slicing a roll off the end.  Place rolls on a well greased baking sheet.  (I end up with a different amount every time.  It is usually 1 and 1/2 of another cookie sheet.)  Let rolls rise until almost double....they rise alot more in the oven.  Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until light golden brown on top.  Frost with powder sugar frosting or cream cheese frosting.  I prefer Cream Cheese Frosting but I am usually making these for the family and Jim likes the Powder Sugar Frosting.

*Powder Sugar Frosting
I never measure.  I really need to start so I can share what I do.  So, here is a description of what I do to make powder sugar frosting.
I start with about 2 tbls margarine.  I add 1/8 to 1/4 cup milk.  I put them in the microwave til the margarine is melted.  Then I add a tsp of vanilla and a couple shakes of the salt shaker.  Then I start adding powder sugar.  I mix with the electric mixer and keep adding powder sugar til it is the consistency that I want.  If I get it too thick then I just add more milk...a few drops at a time.

*Cream Cheese Frosting

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup butter, softened

2 cups sifted powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until creamy.  Mix in the vanilla, then gradually stir in the powdered sugar.  Mix til smooth.

 

November Weekly Menu 2

Sunday:  Pork Loin Roast/Mashed Potatoes and Gravy/Corn/Jello/Rolls
Monday:  Penne Alfredo with Broccoli
Tuesday:  Fish-n-Chips
Wednesday:  Bacon/Eggs/Hasbrowns/Toast
Thursday:  LEFTOVERS
Friday:  Rotisserie Chicken/Rolls/Carrot Sticks/Olives

I love this time of year when you go in a grocery store and they have all of their baking ingredients/supplies on a display in the middle of the main isle.  I love seeing the stuffing displayed on the end caps along with the canned cranberries.  I noticed the other day that the frozen TURKEYS had taken over the frozen area.  So Exciting!  And to smell the pine cones fragranted with CINNAMON!  Enjoy it, it will be gone before you know it. 

Sweet Heat Louisiana Chili

Recipe taken from My Kitchen Cafe

1 medium onion, diced
1 large green bell pepper, diced
3 stalks of celery, diced
3 cloves of garlic, smashed or diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound of ground meat (I used ground beef)
1 quart of meat stock (I used beef but Brad and Cass used 1/2 chicken stock and 1/2 beef stock)
2 large cans (28 oz. each) of whole stewed tomatoes
1 can of kidney red beans
1 can of black beans
2 cups sun-dried tomatoes
3 bay leaves
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp cayenne pepper
3 tsp creole or cajun seasoning blend
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
salt to taste
Over medium heat, saute first four ingredients (onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic) in 1 tbsp
of oil. Once the onions begin to sweat, add your choice of ground meat. Brown to perfection.
When the meat is cooked, add the stock, bay leaves, dry mustard and cayenne. Simmer over
medium heat, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half. Rehydrate the sun-dried tomatoes and
dice. Puree the stewed tomatoes in a food processor or blender. Add to pot. Rinse the canned
beans in plenty of water, add to the pot along with brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, salt and the
cajun or creole seasoning. Mix well and simmer over low heat for two hours, stirring
occasionally. Take off heat and allow to stand covered for five minutes. Serve and enjoy.

A few weeks ago we had our ward Fall Social.  They do a chili contest every year.  I had been craving some chili for a few weeks so I decided that I would make some for the social.  Jim wanted a "Spicy" hot chili.  This recipe definately was SPICY!  Jim and I really enjoyed it, but kids probably won't like it.  It was really good as leftovers after sitting for a day and letting the spices blend.  Also, check out the comments for this recipe at My Kitchen Cafe for more tips on this recipe.  Thanks for sharing your recipes, Kitchen Cafe!

Texas Cake

Cake
2 cups sugar
2 cups flour
1 cup butter
1/4 cup cocoa
1 cup water
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tsp soda
1 tsp vanilla
nuts (optional)
2 eggs
1 tsp salt

Sift Flour and Sugar into bowl.  Bring butter, cocoa, and water to boiling; pour over flour mixture and mix well.  Add remaining ingredients and mix well.  Bake at 400 degrees for 20-30 minutes in an 11x15 large jellyroll pan (sprayed with pan spray).

Frosting
1/2 cup butter
6 Tbsp cream or evaporated milk
1/4 cup cocoa
1 tsp vanilla
1 lb powdered sugar
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Prepare frosting by bringing butter, cream and cocoa to a boil.  Cool and add vanilla and powdered sugar.  Frost cake.  Sprinkle with nuts. I'm the only one that likes nuts on/in stuff so I only sprinkled them on 1/4 of the cake.  You can also sprinkle mini marshmallows on the cake then place it in the oven to melt for 2-3 minutes before frosting.

My mouth is watering as I type this.  This cake is sooo yummy.  I had someone request something chocolate a few weeks ago and thought this would do.  It was a GUY that made the request (not Jim).  This cake cures any chocolate craving you may be having.  CAREFUL!  You will have the whole pan gone....by yourself....if you make it when no one else is around!

This recipe was taken from the Koosharem Relief Society Cookbook!

Linkin Up With:

November Weekly Menu1

Sunday: HALLOWEEN--Mummy Dog's/Jello Guts/Fried Chicken Bones

Monday: LEXIE'S BIRTHDAY!  Mini Bagel Pizzas

Tuesday: LEXIE'S Birthday Party--Tea Party--Heart shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches/fruit kabob/meat and cheese kabob/cupcakes

Wednesday: Chicken Noodle Soup

Thursday:  Leftovers

Friday: Taco's