Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting

Rolls:

1 1/2 Cups of Milk

3/4 Cup + 1 Tbsp Sugar (Divided)

1 Egg

1 Tbsp Salt

2 Tbsp Yeast

2 Cups Warm Water

9-10 Cups All Purpose Flour

1/2 Cup of Butter (melted)

Filling:

1/2 Cup Butter (at room temperature)

1 Cup Brown Sugar

2 Tbsp Cinnamon

Pinch of salt (?)

1/2 Cup Heavy Cream (for pouring over the risen rolls)

Frosting:

6 oz Cream Cheese (softened)

16 Tbsp Butter (at room temperature)

Pinch of Salt

4 Tbsp Milk or Heavy Cream

1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract

3 1/2 Cups (14 oz) Powdered Sugar

Directions:

1. Scald the milk. (Add milk to a small sauce pan over medium heat.  Heat until a skin forms on top, about 170 degrees.  Watch carefully to make sure the milk doesn’t boil.)
2. Melt butter then add 3/4 cup of sugar.  Add butter and sugar mixture to the scalded milk.
3. Cool it down by adding 1-2 cups of flour then add the egg and salt.  Let it cool. 
4. While mixture is cooling, dissolve yeast in the warm water and add 1 Tbsp of Sugar.  Let it sit for a couple of minutes until it is buddy.  
5. Once the milk mixture has cooled down to just warm, add the yeast mixture.  (Make sure the milk mixture isn’t too hot, otherwise it will kill your yeast.)
6. Using a fork or wooden spoon, gradually add the remaining flour until you reach the 9-10 cups.  The dough will be dense and sticky, you can use your hands to incorporate the rest of the flour.  Be sure not to add too much flour.
7. Knead the dough until it is smooth (typically 8-10 minutes) and it can pass the windowpane test. (Stretching the dough thin enough in one spot that you can see light through it.  If you can without the dough breaking then it is ready.)  
8. Cover and leave in a warm place to rise until double in size.  (About 1 hour.)
9. Make the filling.
10. Spray working space, rolling pin and hands with cooking spray to prevent sticking.  Dump you dough out and roll the dough into a rectangle about 10 x 20 inches. 
11. Spread filling mixture over rectangle leaving 1 inch on the side you a rolling to. (Rolling the long ways to get lesser number of swirls, but more rolls.  Roll the short ways to get more swirls, but less rolls.)
12. After you get your log of dough pop it onto a sheet tray and transfer to the freezer for 10 minutes.  Then using a serrated knife cut the log into evenly sized rolls.  Place onto cookie sheet, in baking pan or muffin tin.  (If wanting to bake later, now is the time to freeze the rolls, before the second rise. See note below of rising and cooking directions for frozen rolls).
13. Let rise until they have doubled in size (45 mins- 1 hour). To test if the rolls are ready to bake, poke your finger into the dough.  If it springs back immediately then it needs more time.  If it holds its place for a moment and then begins to slowly return then its ready to bake! If your finger sinks and doesn’t spring back at all then it is over-proved. You can still bake it if it is over proved, but it may have a different texture when finished.  
14. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Pour the heavy cream over risen rolls then bake for 10-15 minutes (may take longer) or until dough reaches an internal temperature of 190-200 degrees.  (For doughier rolls bake till 188-192, more firm roll 194- 199 degrees). 
15. Let rolls cool.  
16. To make frosting add cream cheese and butter to a medium bowl and whip together with a mixer until creamy.  Add salt, milk/cream and vanilla.  Mix again, add powdered sugar and whip until light and cream.  
17. Spread evenly on top of slightly warm rolls.  Serve immediately or let cool completely and serve at room temp.  Enjoy!  

Note for cooking frozen rolls:  Thaw rolls in the fridge (preferably over night).  Then put in a warm spot for 30 minutes to 1 hour to activate the second rise.  Then bake as directed.  

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

INGREDIENTS

APPLES:

 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped

 2 tablespoons sugar

 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

STREUSEL TOPPING:

 1 cup (7.5 ounces) packed light brown sugar

 1 cup (5 ounces) all-purpose flour

 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

 1/2 cup (1.75 ounces) quick cooking oats

 1/2 cup (1 stick, 4 ounces) butter, softened

SHORTBREAD BASE:

 2 cups (10 ounces) all-purpose flour

 1/2 cup (3.75 ounces) packed brown sugar

 1/4 teaspoon salt

 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

 1 cup (2 sticks, 8 ounces) butter, softened

CREAM CHEESE LAYER:

 2 (8 ounces each) packages cream cheese, softened

 1/2 cup (3.75 ounces) sugar

 2 large eggs

 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

CARAMEL SAUCE:

 4 tablespoons butter

 1 cup (7.5 ounces) packed light brown sugar

 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

 Pinch of salt

 1 tablespoon vanilla (can cut down to 1 teaspoon for less vanilla flavor)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9X13-inch pan with foil (helps with cleanup but isn't necessary). Lightly grease the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
2. For the apples, in a small bowl, stir together the chopped apples, two tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. For the streusel, in a medium bowl, combine all the streusel topping ingredients and mix with a pastry blender or two forks (or your fingers) until crumbly. Set aside.
4. For the shortbread base, in a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or two forks until mixture is crumbly but evenly and well combined. Press the crust evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes or until very lightly browned around the edges.
5. For the cream cheese layer, while the crust is baking, in a large bowl with an electric handheld mixer (or in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), beat the cream cheese with the 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time and then the vanilla. Mix until evenly combined, scraping down the edges of the bowl as needed. Pour over the warm crust.
6. Give the apple mixture a good stir and spoon over the cheesecake layer. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the filling is set.
7. For the caramel sauce, add the butter, brown sugar, cream, and salt to a saucepan and set over medium-low heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook while stirring gently for 5-7 minutes, until thickened slightly. Add the vanilla and cook another minute to thicken further. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. If the caramel sauce has been refrigerated, warm slightly to pour over the bars.
8. Cool the bars to room temperature. Drizzle with the caramel topping (or plate individual slices and drizzle with topping one by one).

PREP TIME 1 HOUR  

COOK TIME 50 MINUTES  

TOTAL TIME 1 HOUR 50 MINUTES

YIELD: 9X13-INCH PAN

HTTPS://WWW.MELSKITCHENCAFE.COM/CARAMEL-APPLE-CHEESECAKE-BARS-WITH-STREUSEL-TOPPING/

Homemade Granola

Ingredients:

 1 1/4 C Brown Sugar
1/4 C Water
3/4 C Oil
2 tsp Vanilla
1 tsp Coconut Extract

3 1/2 C Rolled Oats
1 C Dry Powdered Milk (non-fat recommended)
1/2 - 1 C Almonds
1/2 - 1 C Pecans
1/2 C Coconut
1 Tbsp Cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees.
2. Heat sugar and water to a full boil.
3. Slightly cool and stir in oil, vanilla and coconut extract.
4. In a separate large bowl combine and mix oats, coconut, powdered milk, nuts and cinnamon.
5. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients in the large bowl and stir together till all is coated.
6. Pour mixture onto a greased cookie sheet and bake for 2 hours flipping the granola every 30 minutes.
7. Cool then brake apart.  Store in an air tight container.

From Morgan Delahunty

Cheryl’s Famous Cinnamon Rolls

INGREDIENTS

SPONGE:

•  1/2 cup (3.75 ounces) granulated sugar
•  1/2 cup neutral-flavored oil
•  2 cups milk, scalded (heat to just below a boil)
•  4 cups (20 ounces) all-purpose flour (I use unbleached)
•  1 tablespoon instant yeast (see note for active dry yeast)

DOUGH:

•  3/4 cup (3.75 ounces) all-purpose flour
•  1/2 teaspoon baking powder
•  1/2 teaspoon baking soda
•  1 1/2 teaspoons salt

FILLING:

•  8-12 tablespoons butter, softened
•  3/4 cup (5.5 ounces) packed light brown sugar
•  1 tablespoon cinnamon
•  1/4 teaspoon cardamom (optional but delicious)

ICING:

•  3 ounces cream cheese, softened
•  8 tablespoons (1 stick, 4 ounces) butter, very soft
•  Pinch salt
•  2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
•  1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
•  2 cups powdered sugar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the sugar and oil. Pour in the scalded milk and mix. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes or so until it is warm but not blazing hot.
2. Add the 4 cups flour and sprinkle the yeast on top of the flour. Mix until no dry streaks remain and scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed. The dough will be loose and wet-looking. Cover the bowl and let the sponge rest until puffy and doubled, 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the warmth of your kitchen.
3. Add the remaining 3/4 cup flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix until the flour is completely incorporated and the dough looks smooth instead of rough and shaggy. It may not necessarily clean the sides of the bowl but it should for a pretty cohesive mass. Add additional flour only if it is too sticky to handle or a small piece of dough won't form a ball in your hands (it's ok if it leaves some doughy residue on your fingers).
4. Scrape the dough into a lightly greased bowl or container, cover with a greased plastic wrap, and let rise until doubled, about an hour.
5. On a lightly floured counter (I use about 2-3 tablespoons flour), roll or pat the dough into about a 18X12-inch rectangle (try to get as close to the 12 inch as possible). Spread the softened butter evenly across the top. 
6. Combine the brown sugar and cinnamon (and cardamom, if using) in a bowl and sprinkle evenly across the top of the butter. Pat down very lightly.
7. Starting with one long end, start rolling the rectangle into a log without pulling and stretching on the dough (but still rolling as tightly as possible). Roll the seam to the bottom and pat the log into an even thickness - it should be about 20 inches long or so at this point.
8. Cut the log into 12 even pieces or 1 inch or slightly larger sections. Place the rolls on a parchment-lined half sheet pan, tucking the loose end of the roll underneath. The rolls should be about an inch apart so they have room to rise. Cover with lightly greased plastic wrap and let rise until noticeably puffy and almost doubled, about an hour.
9. Bake at 350 degrees F for 18-25 minutes until lightly golden and baked through (do not over bake). Let cool until warm before frosting.
10. For the frosting, add the cream cheese and butter to a medium bowl. Whip with a handheld mixer until creamy. Add the salt, milk or cream, and vanilla. Mix again. Add the powdered sugar and whip until light and creamy.
11. Spread the slightly warm rolls evenly with the icing. Serve immediately or let cool completely and serve at room temperature (or warm lightly before serving).

YIELD: 12 LARGE CINNAMON ROLLS

PREP TIME 25 MINUTES

 

COOK TIME 20 MINUTES

 

ADDITIONAL TIME 3 HOURS

TOTAL TIME 3 HOURS 45 MINUTES

NOTES

If you only have active dry yeast, proof the same amount of yeast in a couple tablespoons of warm water and a pinch of sugar until the mixture bubbles and foams, 3-4 minutes. Add it to the recipe per the instructions (when the instant yeast is added).

This recipe doubles great. 

Usually with a yeast dough recipe, I give a big ol' lecture about going by the texture and feel of the dough vs the exact flour amount. With this recipe, the flour amount is important - the dough will probably be softer and slightly stickier than you may be used to - try not to add additional flour. Use the pictures and details in the post to get an idea of how the dough should look and feel. Add additional flour a little at a time only if the dough is too sticky to work with.

These baked cinnamon rolls freeze amazingly well. After they've been frosted and cooled, I'll scoop the rolls one by one into a quart-size ziploc bag, seal and freeze. It gets a little messy with the frosting, but once they are lightly warmed, no one notices - they taste as fresh as the day they were made! It helps to take them out of the bag still frozen and then microwave for a minute or so on 50% power until warm and gooey.

https://www.melskitchencafe.com/the-best-cinnamon-rolls/

Classic Irish Oatmeal

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/3 cup half and half
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Berry topping

• 1 cup strawberries (quartered)
• 6 oz blackberries
• 6 oz blueberries
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp water

Directions

1. Press saute, melt butter in Instant Pot.  Add oats; cook about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Add water, salt and cinnamon; cook and stir 1 minute.
3. Secure lid and move pressure release valve to sealing position.  Select manual; cook at high pressure 13 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, prepare berry topping. (See below)
5. When cooking is complete, press cancel to turn off heat.  Use natural release for 10 minutes, then release remaining pressure.
6. Stir oats until smooth.  Add half-and-half and brown sugar; stir until well blended.
7. If a thicker porridge is desired, press Saute and cook 2 to 3 minutes or until desired thickness, stirring constantly. (Porridge will also thicken upon standing.) Serve with berry topping.

Directions for Berry topping

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan.  Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Cook 8-9 minutes or until berries are tender but still hold their shape, stir occasionally.

Crumble Topping

Ingredients:

1 Cup Flour

3/4 Cup Brown Sugar, packed

1 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Salt

1 stick butter, cut into 8 pieces (do not melt)

Directions:

Mix together in a medium bowl flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Then add the butter and with you hands squish the butter into the mixture until it is all well mixed and in clumps.  Add to your dish by squeezing in your hands and crumbling.  

If baking something more than 30 minutes, after the 30 minutes cover with foil to prevent over browning or burning.

Makes enough to cover a 9 x 13 pan

Homemade Granolla

Ingredients:

4 Cups of Old Fashioned Oats

1 Cup of Sliced (or Chopped) Almonds

1/2 Cup Brown Sugar

1/2 tsp Cinnamon 

1/4 tsp Salt

1/4 Cup Unsalted Butter (Melted)

1/3 Cup of Honey

1 Egg White

Directions:

1. Preheat over to 300 degrees and line a cookie sheet with foil.

2. Mix together oats, almonds, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. 

3. In a separate bowl mix together the butter, honey and egg white. 

4. Mix well the oat and butter mixtures together then spread an even layer onto your cookie sheet.

5. Bake for 30 minutes. If you like chunks in your granolla wait until it is completely cooled to brake up. If not brake up once it has slightly cooled. Store in an airtight container. 

Parfait with Maple Cinnamon Oats

Ingredients:

2 Tbls Oats (old fashioned)

1/8 tspCinnamon 

1 1/2 Tbsp Maple Syrup

Vanilla yougurt (1 cup per person)

Any kind of berries/fruit-

Strawberries

Blueberries

Raspberries

Blackberries

Bananas 

Kiwis

Clementines

Mangos

Directions:

1. In a small bowl or ramken mix oats, maple syrup and cinnamon.  Then set aside. (Amount above makes enough for 2)

2. Wash fruit and cut

3. In your serving dish layer yogurt and friut then top with cinnamon oats.

Prep time 10 minutes.

Apple Pie Filling

4 ½ c. Sugar                        
¼ tsp. Allspice
1 c. Cornstarch                  
1 tsp. Salt
2 tsp.  Cinnamon              
3 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
¼ tsp. Ground Nutmeg  
2-3 drops yellow food coloring (opt.)
¼ tsp. Ground Cloves      
5 ½ - 6 lbs. Apples, Peeled, Cored, and Sliced

In a large saucepan blend the first 7 ingredients.  Stir in 10 c. water.  Cook and stir until thickened.  Add lemon juice and food coloring.  After apples are sliced put them in a bowl of 2 c. water and 2 c. lemon juice to prevent apples from going brown.  Pack apples into quart jars leaving ½ - 1 inch head space.  Fill with hot syrup.  Use spatula or knife to help distribute the syrup.  Wipe off jar rim.  Boil flats then place flats and rings on jars.  Process – Steam or hot water bath - Quarts – 20 minutes.  Yield approx. 6 qts.



Pie – Prepare 2 crust pastry 8 or 9 inch.  Line pie plate with pastry.  Add 1 quart of apple pie filling.  Adjust top crust, cut slits, and seal.  Bake at 400 degrees for 50 min.

Apple Crisp – Empty 1 quart of pie filling into 8x8 dish. 

Mix 2/3 c. Packed Brown Sugar
½ c. Flour
½ c. Rolled Oats
¾ tsp. Cinnamon
¾ tsp. Nutmeg
1/3 c. Softened Butter. 

Sprinkle over pie filling.  Bake at 375 degrees for 30 min.  Top with ice cream.

Vanishing Rolls

Ingredients:

•  2 Tbsp Melted Butter
• Large Marshmallows
• 1 can of crescent rolls (8) or rolls
• 2 Tbsp White Sugar
• 1 Tbsp Ground Cinnamon
• Cupcake Liners

Directions:

1.     Melt butter in a small bowl on low heat in microwave. Mix together the sugar and cinnamon.  

2.     Roll a marshmallow in butter then coat in the cinnamon sugar. 

3.     Stretch a roll out and place a marshmallow in the middle. 

4.     Pinch the roll shut making sure there it is completely sealed. 

5.     Place rolls into the cupcake liners in a muffin tin with the pinched side down.  Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes.

Resurrection Rolls for Easter:

v  Crescent roll represents the cloth that Jesus was wrapped in after he died.

v  Marshmallow represents Jesus body. (John 19:38)

v  Melted Butter represents the oils of embalming. (John 19:39)

v  Cinnamon Sugar represents the spices used to anoint the body. (John 19:39)

v  Wrapping the Marshmallow represents the wrapping of Jesus body after death. (John 19:40)

v  Oven represents the tomb Jesus was buried in. (John 19:41)

v  When the rolls have cooled open your rolls and discover that Jesus is no longer there. This represent the empty tomb.  HE IS RISEN! (Luke 24:6)